Economic impact of AAU rice varieties Ranjit and Bahadur in Assam

Abstract

Rice is one of the most important crops of Assam covering more than 25 lakh hectares. Over the last few decades, the rice scenario in Assam has seen significant changes, in which AAU has played a major role. With over fifty varieties released over forty years, the university has played a critical role in uplifting the Assam economy. Varieties like Ranjit and Bahadur are amongst the most widely used varieties of the state. However, the monetary contribution that they has to the states economy was not examined till date. This study tried to assess the impact that these two varieties had on the state's economy. Various statistical tools were used in the study. the compound growth rate as well as the instability index was also calculated and it was found that the varieties played a significant role in the growth rates for production as well as productivity of Sali rice in Assam It was also found that both of these varieties helped to increase the productivity of the states, without which it would have continued at roughly a thousand tonnes per hectare and nearly doubled as a result of the adoption of these varieties. The varieties also brought an increase in the benefit-cost ratio of the farmers. Based on the study it can be said that during 2014-15 they contributed around 3685 crores to Assam's economy.