In Assam, rice is the single most important crop which occupies 2.54 million ha of the gross cropped area of 4.16 million ha. It contributes 96% of the total cereal grain production of the state. However, researchers state that there are ample possibilities to further enhance the total land area and productivity of rice. Assam Agricultural University (AAU) and International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) under Assam Agribusiness and Rural Transformation Project (APART) have mapped rice-fallow areas in Assam from 2018-19 onwards till 2020-21 using time-series satellite data and found that the rice-fallow area in rabi season varied between 56-58 % of the kharif rice area. Also, data from last three years reveals that the average rice-fallow area in Assam is around 10.34 lakh ha with residual soil moisture and these regions have tremendous potential for rice-based cropping systems.
For the intensification of the rice-based cropping system in Assam, Rice-based Cropping System Knowledge Bank (RCSKB) is one of the trusted sources of information, that includes knowledge pertaining to rice-based cropping systems, which would help farmers to increase their cropping intensity, and thereby their net income. RCSKB includes localized contents of production techniques, agricultural technologies, best farming practices, and immersive learning materials of selected crops (rice, maize, pulses, peas, oilseeds, millet, vegetables, and potato) that fit well in the rice-based cropping systems of Assam. It also hosts the fishery knowledge bank.
Jorhat, PIN - 785013 Assam
