Draft D4 Report Skill Assessment, Market Survey & Value Chain Assessment Submitted by ICCOA For FPC-CSC Assignment-Zone-1

A Report on Skill Assessment and Market Survey/Value Chain
Assessment Under APART Project, Zone 1
Submitted to:
Project Coordination Unit (PCU) for World Bank financed
Assam Agribusiness & Rural Transformation Project (APART)
G.S. Road, Khanapara, Guwahati – 781022, Assam
Submitted By:
International Competence Centre for Organic Agriculture, (ICCOA),
#294/22, 7th Cross Road, 1st Block, Jayanagar,
Bangalore - 560011, Karnataka
Date: 08thAug 2022
1
CONTENT
Sl.
Description Page
No
1 Chapter I-Introduction 6
2 Farmer Interest Group Formation and Handholding 7
3 Awareness Meeting 9
4 Enrolment and Registration 9
5 Chapter II Need of Skill Analysis 10
6 Approach and Methodology 10
7 Chapter III- Sector Wise Analysis 12
8 Agriculture & Horticulture Sector 12
9 District: Barpeta 13
10 District: Nalbari 14
11 District: Darrang 15
12 District: Lakhimpur 18
13 District: Sonitpur 21
14 District: Sonitpur (Biswanath) 23
15 Skill Gap Analysis on Agriculture Sector 25
16 Fishery Sector 32
17 Composite Fish Farming in 9 cluster 38
18 Fishery Sector Market Survey and Value Chain Analysis 41
19 Fishery Sector skill Gap Analysis 42
20 Sericulture Sector Report 43
21 Skill Training Limitation of sericulture 48
22 Market Survey & Value Chain Analysis: Sericulture Sector 49
23 Handloom & Textile Sector Report 51
24 Market Survey & Value Chain Development-Handloom & Textile Sector 60
25 Skill Mapping & Gap analysis in Handloom & Textile Sector 62
26 Chapter-IV: Discussions 63
27 Skill Gaps and Demands 64
28 Organizational and Managerial Skills 68
29 Key Learning from Skill Gap Analysis 69
LIST OF TABLE
2
Sl.
Description Page
No
1 Existing & New FPC target in Zone I 7
2 Sector-wise number of FIG 7
3 Summary of 42 FPC -Zone-1 as per District, Sector and Shareholders no 8
4 Gender wise distribution of shareholders in Zone-1 FPCs 9
5 Agro-Hort Sector Cluster wise Social Profile of Barpeta District 13
6 Agri-Horti Sector: District: Nalbari 14
Depicts the Respondents Profile and their Average years of association with the
7 15
focus commodity
Respondents Gender and social status regarding their age and average years of
8 18
association with focus commodity - Lakhimpur
Respondents Gender and social status regarding their age and average years of
9 21
association with focus commodity - Sonitpur
Zone 1 Districts with the Clusters with respondent’s Avg Age Group, years of
10 33
association and gender classification
11 Composite Fish Farming in 1 acre Pond 39
12 Market Survey Data for Fish Seed Supply Status 41
13 Depicts Social Profile of 50 Respondents on Silk Value Chain 43
14 Depicts the Sericulture Activity Quantitative Analysis 48
15 Depicts Social Profile of 50 Respondents on Handloom & Textile Value Chain 52
16 Depicts the Handloom & Textile Products Raw Materials & Products 55
17 Handloom & Textile 56
18 Depicts Annual Income of Respondents from Handloom & Textile Activity Only 57
LIST OF GRAPH
Sl.
Description Page
No
3
1 No. of FIG Formed in 3 Sector of Zone -1 8
Distribution of FPC target & No of Focus Commodity
2 12
in Agro-Hort Sector
3 Distribution of Focus Commodity in Clusters 12
4 Barpeta;Agro-Hort,Social Profile 13
5 Barpeta;Agro-Hort, Technical Analysis 13
6 Nalbari district Maize, Mustard and Paddy are the focused commodity 14
7 Nalbari ;Agro-Hort, Technical Analysis 15
8 Darrang-Agri-Hort Respondents Social Profile 16
9 Darrang:Agri-Hort Sector Social Profile 16
10 Darrange;Agri-Hort Technical Analysis 17
11 Lakhimpur;Agri-Hort Sector Respondents Age & Association 18
12 Lakhimpur;Agri-Hort Sector Respondents Age & Association 19
13 Lakhimpur ;Agri-Hort Technical Analysis 20
14 Sonitpur;Agri-Hort Social-Profile 22
15 Sonitpur;Agri-Hort Social-Profile 22
16 Sonitpur;Agro-Hort Technical Analysis 23
17 Sonitpur(Biswanath) Socio-Profile 24
18 Sonitpur (Biswanath) Social Profile 24
19 Sonitpur(Biswanath) Technical Analysis 25
20 Fish Production in 2017-18 in State of Assam 32
21 District Wise Fish Seed Prod(in Million Fry) 34
22 Fishery Sector,District Wise Social Profile 34
23 Farmers trained and Farming Practices 36
24 Availability of Pond of Farming Community 36
25 Seeds Quantity, Price/Kg and Production per acre pond in Zone-1 Districts 39
26 Silk Value Chain Respondents Gender-Age Variables 44
27 Sericulture Activity of the respondents in the Cluster 44
28 Avg No Host Plants per HH 46
29 Silk Value Chain Sericulture Basic Data 47
30 Silk Spinning Technics 47
31 Handloom& Textile Respondents Social Profile 52
32 Handloom& Textile Respondents Social Profile 53
33 H&T Respondents No on Technical 54
34 Weaving Technics 56
35 Weaving Variant 56
36 Avg Annual Income from H&T Activity 58
37 Eri Silk Product Portfolio of Balipara & Sakomatha Cluster 59
38 Different Products Variants of Muga Silk 60
39 Selling Price of Eri handloom products from Sonitpur(Biswanath) Clusters 60
Selling Price of Muga handloom products from
40 61
Dhakuakhana Cluster(Lakhimpur)
Annexure-I
4
Sl. No Description Page
1 Questionnaires for Agriculture & Horticulture Sector 71
2 Questionnaires for Fishery Sector 75
3 Questionnaires for Sericulture & Handloom-Textile Sector 81
ABBREVIATION
Abbreviation Description
APART Assam Agribusiness And Rural Transformation Project
5
AAU Assam Agriculture University
ALPCO Assam Livestock & Poultry Company
ADO Agriculture Development Officer
ARIAS Assam Rural Infrastructure and Agricultural Service
ASAMB Assam State Agricultural Marketing Board
ATMA Agriculture Technology & Management Agency
ATM Agriculture Technology Manager
BOD Board of Directors
BTM Block Technology Manager
CIG Commodity Interest Groups
CIIE Centre for Innovation, Incubation & Entrepreneurship
CO Community Organizers
CPIU Core Project Implementation Unit
CSC Common Services Centre
CHC Custom Hiring Centre
DAO District Agriculture Officer
DC Deputy Commissioner
DFO District Fishery Development Officer
DI&CCs District Industries and Commerce Centers
DIN Directors’ Identity Numbers
DTM District Task Manager
DVO District Veterinary Officer
Environmental Assessment and Environmental Management
EA & EMF
Framework
EDPF Enterprise Development & Promotion Facility
FIG Farmer Interest Groups
FPC Farmer Produce Company
FPC Farmer Producer Organization
FSSAI Food safety and Standards Authority of India
GDP Gross Domestic Product
GOA Government of Assam
H&T Handloom and Textiles
IBRD International Bank for Reconstruction and Development
ICCOA International Competence Centre for Organic Agriculture
ICT Information Communication Technologies
LRP Local Resource Person
MIC Market Intelligence Cell
MNREGA Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act
MOA Memorandum of Articles & Association
OPIU Operational Project Implementation Unit
PCU Project Coordination Unit
PDO Project Development Objective
ToR Terms of Reference
WB World Bank
Chapter 1:
A. Introduction:
6
With the change of associated factors, global as well as local demand and supply mechanisms,
ever-increasing risks like climate change and environmental threats affecting resource
availability as well as the crop or commodity value chains, agriculture sector has become full of
challenges for the Indian farming community, who are mostly small and marginal farmers with
meagre land holding size. Assam’s agriculture scenario is also no exception.Agriculture Census
data 2015-16 reveals that the total land under cultivation was 29.77 lakhs hectares i.e. 37.95
percent of total geographical land area of state. As per Agriculture Census data of 2015-16, the
size of operational holdings in the state is 1.89 hectare on an average, which indicates a
reduction of 0.76% from the 2010-11 agriculture census data. Further, Economic Survey report,
2021-22 suggest that more than 85 percent farmers of the state are either small or marginal with
average land holding of just about 0.36 hectares. Thus, predominance of small and fragmented
land holding along with insecure tenancy are some of the major problems in agriculture sector of
the state. Under such critical environments of instability and ever increasing competition,
collectivization of producers, especially small and marginal farmers, into producer organizations
has emerged as one of the most effective pathways to address the many challenges of
agriculture but most importantly, improved access to investments, technology and inputs and
markets.
Considering such challenges, the Assam Agribusiness and Rural Transformation Project (APART)
has been initiated by Govt. of Assam to “Add value and improve resilience of selected agriculture
value chains, focusing on smallholder farmers and agro-entrepreneurs in targeted districts of
Assam” by Govt. of Assam with the help of financial loan received from World Bank through
Govt. of India.The project would adopt a cluster strategy within the targeted districts to generate
economies of scale; promote vertical and horizontal links between local agricultural enterprises;
enable diffusion of innovations; leverage network externalities; and channel public support for
services and infrastructure. While the targeted districts are Nagaon, Sonitpur, Barpeta,
KarbiAnglong, Kamrup, Dhubri, Golaghat, Kokrajhar, Lakhimpur, Darrang, Cachar, Sivasagar,
Jorhat, Goalpara, Morigaon and Nalbari, the targeted value chains include:
i Cereals (rice, maize),
ii Pulses (lentil, pea and blackgram),
iii Spices and condiments (ginger, turmeric, mustard),
iv Fruits (banana) & vegetables,
v Livestock & fisheries (milk, fish),

vi Specialty commodities (Eri and Muga silk).
As a part of the project, the Project Coordination Unit i.e. ARIAS society, Assam has bestowed
the responsibility of service provider/consultant to “International Competence Centre for
Organic Agriculture, Bangalore” (herein after referred to ICCOA) to establish 37 new Farmer
Producer Companies and also mentor existing 5 Farmer Producer Companies in Zone-1 of Assam
under APART Project. Zone I includes Barpeta (Undivided), Nalbari, Lakhimpur, Darrang, Sonitpur
(Undivided) districts.
B. Farmer Interest Group Formation and Handholding:
7
As a technical support agency for FPC formation process, ICCOA has a target of 37 new FPCs
formation and handholding as well as another 5 existing FPCs are to be handheld with a good
business plan for FPCs, thus making a total of 42 FPCs. Of these, full target has been achieved.
Table 1: Existing & New FPC target in Zone I
Breakup of 42 Nos. of CSCs and FPCs- Zone 1(District Wise & Sector Wise) under ICCOA
42 FPC Summary District Wise-Sector Wise
Handloom&Textil Sum
SL Agri/Horti Fishery
District Name e District
No
New Existing New Existing New Existing Wise
1 Barpeta 4 - 2 - - - 6
2 Nalbari 2 1 3 - - - 6
3 Darrang 5 1 2 - - - 8
4 Sonitpur 6 1 1 - - 1 9
5 Biswanath 5 1 1 1 8
6 Lakhimpur 4 - - - 1 - 5
Total 26 4 9 0 2 1 42
Total Sector Wise 30 9 3 42
A total of 910 Farmer Interest Groups have been formed across these 6 districts of Zone I, which
will act as building blocks of FPCs making access easier for both the farmers and the agency.
These 910 FIGs have 19070number of producer members cum share holders. These FIGs have
covered 803villages from 31 Community Development Block of the 06 project districts.
These FIGs formed belong to the sectors of – Agri-Horticulture, Fishery and Sericulture,
Handloom and Textile. The number of FIG under each sector are as follows –
Table 2: Sector-wise number of FIG
Sl.no Sector/Dept No of FIG % Focus Commodity

1 70.98 Paddy,Mustard,
Agri-Horticulture 646 Maize,Potato,Ginger
& Turmeric,
2 20.54 IMC & Exocit &
Fishery 187
Minor Carps
3 8.46 Eri & Muga Silk
Sericulture, Handloom and Textile 77
Value Chain
Total 910
Service Provider Data Base updated on 30.7.2022
8
No of FIG Formed in 3 Sector of Zone-1
1 Agri-Horticulture 2 Fishery
3 Sericulture, Handloom and Textile
8%
21%
71%
The details of 42 FPCs are briefly given below-
Table 3. Summary of 42 FPC -Zone-1 as per District, Sector and Shareholders no.
Sum of Sum of
Sum Nos. of Share
No of No villages amount
of Sum of Sum of Sum of Total of covered collecte
FPC District Sector Male Female Shareholder FIG by the FPC d (Lakh)
6 Barpeta 1892 706 2598 120 110 1.79
Agri-Hort (4) 1212 467 1679 77 65 1.57
Fishery (2) 680 239 919 43 45 0.22
8 Darrang 3620 847 4467 181 180 11.84
Agri-Hort(6) 2843 658 3501 141 140 8.46
Fishery(02) 777 189 966 40 40 3.38
5 Lakhimpur 1333 949 2282 113 186 0.45
Agri-Hort (4) 1062 575 1637 81 58 0.15
Silk Value Chain (1) 271 374 645 32 128 0.3
6 Nalbari 2004 739 2743 146 89 16.4
Agri-Hort (3) 1135 261 1396 82 37 7
Fishery(3) 869 478 1347 64 52 9.4
17 Sonitpur (Undivided) 4369 2611 6980 350 238 23.54
Agri-Hort(13) 3548 1642 5190 265 154 16.66
Fishery (2) 570 230 800 40 24 1.25
Silk Value Chain(2) 251 739 990 45 60 5.63
42 Grand Total 13218 5852 19070 910 803 54.02
Table-3 Source :Service Provider Data Base updated on 30.7.2022
9
Table 4: Gender wise distribution of shareholders in Zone-1 FPCs
No of Sum of % of Sum of % of Sum of Total

FPC District Sector Male Male Female Female Shareholder
6 Barpeta 1892 73% 706 27% 2598

8 Darrang 3620 81% 847 19% 4467
5 Lakhimpur 1333 58% 949 42% 2282
6 Nalbari 2004 73% 739 27% 2743
17 Sonitpur (Undivided) 4369 63% 2611 37% 6980
42 Grand Total 13218 69% 5852 31% 19070
Service Provider Data Base updated on 30.7.2022
As a part of the project, the following activities have been conducted so far in the FIGs in every
project district of Zone 1 –
Awareness Meeting –Sensitization and awareness meetings have been conducted across all the
districts covering all producer members while forming the FIGs’. These awareness meetings have
been conducted to give the individualmembers/producers an idea about the current challenges
of the sector to individual farmer and how small group formation and organizational action can
help alleviate their farming challenges & prospects. These meetings were also aimed at zeroing
in on a specific commodity of interest.
Enrolment and Registration: Following awareness meetings, prospective producer members are
enrolled and registered under a specific FIG name for future course of action. This process also
includes filling up of membership form, regular meetings,opening of FIG bank account and other
such official procedures.
Awareness meeting with Stakeholders before starting of D4 Survey questionnaire
Photos 1& 2 : At Barpeta and Nalbari on awareness & training of LRPs ,CO and FIG Leaders
10
Chapter II
A. Need of Skill Analysis:
Skill analysis is essentially a primary step prior to any training. As FIG and FPCs are newly formed
and the collective process of operationalizing the same are going on, it is important to identify
the current levels of knowledge, skills and practices existing among the member farmers on the
specific crop/commodity. The gap between present status and the desired status may indicate
problems which can in turn be converted into a training need for the specific group. A systematic
skill gap analysis can help in gaining insight about the targeted farming community, improving
individual learning. It also contributes towards strategic planning of the business while keeping
in mind the workforce of the FPCs and thus can impart the FPC/FIG with competitive advantage.
Photo 3: At Barpeta our LRPs and Cos are undergoing Testing of D4 Survey Sheet
It must be remembered that to make it effective, any intended farmer training should always be
based on adult learning principles i.e. a clear analysis of demand and need should be done prior
to the training so that provisions can be made accordingly. This enhances training efficacy and
value for money spent in training activities.
In general, skill gap analysis is done based on the skills needed for the particular FPC/FIGs
mission and business objectives. Collected data are analysed to find current knowledge and skills
possessed by the farmers and thus what is needed can be found out. Following that a strategy is
churned out to fill up the gaps identified.
Further, a feedback from trainees on training module and development methodology also help
in improvement of training efficacy. This, with the analysis of skills possessed by farmer
members in FIG will help in deciding the future modalities of training activities to be undertaken.
B. Approach and Methodology:

For this particular skill analysis activity, semi-structuredopen ended questionnaire based survey
approach was adopted. Sample size 50 out of 400 i.e. 20% of the beneficiaries were considered
for survey.
All the members of the FIGs were taken in to consideration for Focus Group Discussion and
further 20% (i.e. 05 out of 20) of the Group Members of an FIG were considered for individual
responses to a particular set of questions have been recorded following a Focus Group
11
Discussion by Community Organisers with support of Local Resource Persons. The collected data
have been systematically incorporated in a MS-Excel data sheet and necessary conclusions have
been made.
As we know, farmers have their own opinions, information and experiences, which guide them
to take decisions. Their views and practices starting from land preparation to harvesting impacts
their actions related to their livelihood and Focussed Group Discussion (FGD) help in bringing out
their insights on various aspects of their crop and livelihood. A FGD among FIG memberspermits
a more thorough examination of farming practices, allowing farmers to detail how and when and
where they use the available resources. Further, it also enables the coordinating agency to learn
and understand the reasons of their specific behaviour. It also provides insights towards farming
preferences as well as the farmers concerns related to various aspects of farming.
Data Collected from the Field after Survey to individual and focus group discussion with FIG
Leaders and progressive farmers along with the APART District Cell. The Raw data is been
captured in Questionnaire booklet physically and data entry has been made in an MS Excel sheet
and with the help of tool MS-Excel we have drawn our report for our basic understanding.
Photo:4 of Mandia Cluster of Barpeta with District APART Cell on D4 Awareness and Focus group
discussion
12
Chapter III- Sector Wise Analysis
In Zone-1 we have to work with three sector i.e. Agriculture Sector which included Agriculture
and Horticulture as OPIUs, Fishery OPIU & Silk Value Chain which includes both Sericulture OPIU
and Handloom & Textile OPIU.
1. Agriculture and Horticulture Sector
Since the number of FPCs formation and handholding in Agriculture sector is highest i.e. 30 out
of 42 (71.4% of Target no of FPC) distributed in 07 Districts distributed in 27 Blocks (Clusters) and
primarily focused on 6 commodity (detail in Graphs below) we have classified our data analysis
and presentation for agriculture sector district wise detailed below:
Distribution of FPC target & No of Focus Commodity
in Agro-Hort Sector
7
7 6 6
6
5 4 4 4
4 3 3 3 3 3 3
3
2
1
0
h)
at
r
g
ur
a
ri
pu
an
et
an
ba
tp
im
rp
w
al
ni
ar
Ba
kh
is
N
So
D
(B
La
ur
tp
ni
So
Target FPC of Agri-Hort No of Focus Commodity
Graphs representing district wise distribution of Agro-Hort FPCs and No.of focus commodity in
the district, from here is is seen District Sonitpur is having maximum no of FPC focus on Agri-Hort
sector and Sonitpur (Biswanath) is seen most diversified.
Distribution of Focus Commodity in Clusters

9
9 8
8
7 6
6
4 3
3 2 2
2
0
Paddy Mustard NoMaize
of Clusters Potato Spices Vegetables
Graphs No. representing distribution of focus commodity ,from here is seen that Paddy(Rice) is
most focus commodity among FPCs (30% of Agro-Hort FPC is focused on Paddy), followed by
Mustard (27%) ,Maize (20%),Potato(10%),Condiments & Vegetables (6.7% each).
13
I. Barpeta
In Agro-Hort sector Barpeta district is having a target of 4 FPC under Agro-Hort sector which are
distributed in 4 Block(Cluster) and are focusing in 3 commodities i.e. Mustard, Potato and Paddy.
A Detail analysis of field data from each cluster were analysed and presented below-
Table A1: Agro-Hort Sector Cluster wise Social Profile of Barpeta District
Avg Avg. No
Focus Age Association of No. of
Blocks Commodity Group Years Male Female
Mandia Potato 42 15 34 16
Gumafulbar
Mustard
i 37 11 48 2
Barpeta Mustard 38 15 47 3
Bajali Paddy 37 10 22 28
Total Respondents: 50 Sector: Agri-Hort
Barpeta;Agro-Hort,Social Profile Barpeta,Agro-Hort Technical Analysis

50 50 50 50 50
60
50
45 40 40 39
50 48 47
40
35
40
34 No of Male 30
30 28 No. of Female 25
22 20
20 16 15 10 11 10
10
10 5 0 0 0 0 0
2 3
0
0 Broadcasting Line Sowing Self Saved Purchase
Potato Mustard Mustard Paddy
Mandia Gumafulbari Barpeta Bajali Mandia Potato Gumafulbari Mustard Barpeta Mustard Bajali Paddy
Graph A/1 Graph A/2
In Barpeta District prevalent focused commodities are Potato, Mustard and Paddy where
farmers are associated to the cultivation process for more than 15 years. In case of Mustard
cultivation association of male farmers are more compared to female in Gumafulbari block
where as female member association was highest in Bajali block for paddy cultivation. The active
age group ranges from 37-42 years for production purposes. Broadcasting method of sowing is
followed almost in all blocks and the seed source are from outside and in case of paddy in Bajali
block fair amount of seed are saved from their own field for next season crops.
14
II. Nalbari
In Agro-Hort sector Nalbari district is having a target of 3 FPC under Agro-Hort sector which
are distributed in 3 Block(Cluster) and are focusing in 3 commodities i.e. Mustard, Maize and
Paddy. A Detail analysis of field data from each cluster were analysed and presented below-
Table A/2: Gender wise classification of respondents with their Average Age Group and Average
years of association with the Focus Commodity
Avg Age Avg.

Focus No of No. of Association
Total Respondents:
Blocks Commodity Male Female Group Years
50
Barkhetri Maize 47 3 42 12
Pub Nalbari Mustard 39 11 36 8
Borigog Bonbhag Paddy 44 6 40 7
42 3 6
45 40 50 11
40 36
45
35 40
30 35
25 30
47 44
20 25 39
12 20
15
8 7 15
10
10
5
5
0
Maize Mustard Paddy 0
Barkhetri Pub Nalbari Borigog BonbhaG Maize Mustard Paddy
Barkhetri Pub Nalbari Borigog BonbhaG
Avg Age Avg. Association Years
Group No of Male No. of Female
Graph A/3 Graph A/4
In Nalbari district Maize, Mustard and Paddy are the focused commodity for most of FPCs farmers , Male
participation in the production process (86%) in compared to woman folk (6%), average age group of the
respondents in the FPCs is 39 years and people associated for this business ranges from 7 to 12 years.
Photos 4&5- District Nalbari Training of LRPs & CO and in Field the FIG Leaders on D4 Awareness
15
Nalbari;Agri-Hort Technical Analysis
48 47
50 46 46
44
45 39
40
35
30
25
20
15 11
10 6
4 4
2
5 0
0
Self Saved Purchase Broadcasting Line Sowing
Barkhetri Maize Pub Nalbari Mustard Borigog BonbhaG Paddy
Graph A/5 Share the data of respondents as per their nature for choice of seed and type of sowing
methods followed in their field.In case of source of seed for production purposes most of the farmers
purchased seed from vendors( 96%) for Barkhetri block and in case of paddy 78% farmers use their own
seed in BoribhogBonbhag block and both line sowing and Broad casting method are applied in field,
where as line sowing was found more (94%) in BorigogBonbhag block in case of paddy.
III. Darrang
In Agro-Hort sector Darrang district is having a target of 06 FPC under Agro-Hort sector which are
distributed in 5 Block(Cluster) and are focusing in 3 commodities i.e. Mustard, Maize and
Vegetables. A Detail analysis of field data from each cluster were analysed and presented below-
Table A/3 : Depicts the Respondents Profile and their Average years of association with the focus
commodity
Avg Avg.
Focus Age Association
Blocks Commodity Group Years No of Male No. of Female
Mangaldoi-Siphajhar Maize 34 7 48 2
Pub-Mangaldoi Maize 38 12 46 4
Sipajhar Mustard 44 11 38 12
Mangaldoi Mustard 42 15 47 3
Dalgaon-Sialmari Vegetables 42 15 41 9
Bechimari Vegetables 40 15 49 1
Total Respondents: 50 The focused crop in Mangaldoi district are Maize, Mustard and different
Vegetables cultivation and association of male members are more prevalent (90%) in compared to
woman members (10%) and the average age group of the members are 34 years.
16
Darrang-Agri-Hort Respondents Social Profile
2 4 3 1
50 12 9
40
30 48 47 49
46
38 41
20
10
Vegetables
Vegetables
Mustard
Mustard
Maize
Maize
Mangaldoi- Pas Mangaldoi Sipajhar Mangaldoi Dalgaon Bechimari

Siphajhar Sialmari
No of Male No. of Female
Graph A/6 Social Profile of Darrang’s Agri Hort Sector
Darrang:Agri-Hort Sector Social Profile

Avg Age Group Avg. Association Years
11 15 15 15
12
7
44 42 42 40
34 38
Vegetables
Vegetables
Mustard
Mustard
Maize
Maize

Siphajhar Sialmari
Graph A/7 Respondents 50; Avg Age ranges from 34 to 42 years and their average years of association
ranges from 7years to 15 years.
Photo 6: Nalbari District Task Manager giving training to LRPs & FIG Leaders before conducting D4 Survey
17
Darrange;Agri-Hort Technical Analysis
48 49 48 49 50 50 50 50
50 46 45 44
43
40
30
20
5 7 6
10 2 4 2
1 1 0 0 0 0
0
Maize
Maize
Vegetables
Vegetables
Mustard
Mustard
Siphajhar Sialmari
Graph A/7: Respondents existing Practice for Choice of Seeds and their existing Sowing practices
In all the block in Mangaldoi district seed source are from vendors and nowhere self-saved seed were
found in field for all focused crops like Maize, Mustard and Vegetables. In case of mustard mostly
broadcasting method of sowing are practised where as in Maize both Broadcasting and line sowing were
practised in field.
Photo-7 DTM Darrang initiated focus group discussion on the training & Skill need in Agri-Hort Sector
18
IV. Lakhimpur
In Agro-Hort sector Lakhimpur district is having a target of 04 FPC under Agro-Hort sector which
are distributed in 4 Block(Cluster) and are focusing in 4 commodities i.e.
Mustard,Paddy,Potato,Paddy (Red Rice).
A Detail analysis of field data from each cluster were analysed and presented below-
Table A4: Respondents Gender and social status regarding their age and average years of association with
focus commodity - Lakhimpur
Avg Avg.
Focus Age Association No of No. of
Blocks Commodity Group Years Male Female
Narayanpur Mustard 32 13 24 26
Ghilamara Paddy 40 12 46 4
Lakhimpur Potato 37 11 47 3
Dhakuakhan Red Rice
a 48 12 50 0
Total Respondents: 50 Table no A4
Lakhimpur;Agri-Hort Sector Respondents Age & Association
60 12
50 12
11
13
40
30 48
40 37
20 32
10
0
Mustard Paddy Potato & Pumpkin Red Rice
Narayanpur Ghilamara Lakhimpur Dhakuakhana
Graph A/8 depicts data from Table no A4 : The Average Age group of respondents ranges from 32-48
years and Avg years of association with focus commodity is 11 to 13 years
19
Lakhimpur;Agri-Hort Sector Respondents Age & Association
50
46 47
50
45
40
35
30 26
24
25
20
15
10 4 3
5 0
0
Mustard Paddy Potato & Pumpkin Red Rice
Narayanpur Ghilamara Lakhimpur Dhakuakhana
Graph A/9 Depicts that the No of Male participants is major in Dhakuakhana Red Rice is their focus
commodity and in Narayanpur where mustard is their focus crop has major female participation.
In Lakhimpur district Mustard, Paddy are the main crop cultivated in large way in the district and male
percentage is 78% and female % is 12, average age group for the association is 42 years and years of
association ranges from 3 to 26 years.
Photo-8 of Orientation of Dhakuakhana FIG of FPC Sericulture
20
Lakhimpur ;Agri-Hort Technical Analysis
50 50 50 50 50
48
50 45
45 40
40
35
30
25
20
15 10
10 5
5 2
0 0 0 0 0
0
Narayanpur Mustard Ghilamara Paddy Lakhimpur Potato Dhakuakhana Red Rice
Graphs A/10 depicts the respondents choice of seed and the practices generally followed
20% population used self-saved seed where as 80% used procured seed in Narayanpur Block and in
Ghilamara block the result is 90% and 10% and 100% Procured seeds are used for cultivation purpose for
Paddy, Mustard and Potato crops. Broadcastingmethod are used for seed sowing in all the blocks for
paddy whereas line sowing is applied for Potato and Paddy cultivation in Dhakuakhana and Ghilamara
block.
V.a. Sonitpur
21
In Agro-Hort sector Sonitpur district is having highest no of target i.e.07 FPC out of 9 FPC under
Agro-Hort sector which are distributed in 7 Block(Cluster) and are focusing in 3 commodities i.e.
Paddy, Mustard,Maize.
Photo-9; Sonitpur District Team interacting with FIG leaders of FPC in Balipara Block
Table A5: Respondents Gender and social status regarding their age and average
years of association with focus commodity
Focus Avg Avg.

Commodit No of No. of Age Association
Blocks y Male Female Group Years
Balipara Paddy 37 14 47 3
Dhekiajuli Paddy 36 12 45 5
Sootia Paddy 34 11 48 2
Rangapara Paddy 38 12 42 8
Bihaguri Mustard 33 13 0 50
Gabharu Mustard 38 13 47 3
Borsola Maize 47 10 47 3
Total Respondents: 50 –Table A5
Sonitpur;Agri-Hort Social-Profile
60
10
50
14 12 13
12
11 13
40
30
47
37 36 34 38 38
20 33
10
0
Paddy Paddy Paddy Paddy Mustard Mustard Maize
Balipara Dhekiajuli Sootia Rangapara Bihaguri Gabharu Borsola
22
Sonitpur;Agri-Hort Social-Profile
50
47 48 47 47
50 45
42
45
40
35
30
25
20
15
8
10 5
3 2 3 3
5 0
0
Graph A/11Paddy, Mustard and Maize are the main focused crop for the farmers of Sonitpur district
where average male participation is 72% and female participation is 18%, active age group for the
cultivation are 46 years the people are associated to this venture are 3 to 50 years.
Sonitpur;Agro-Hort Technical Analysis

50 50 49
47 48
50 45 46 45
44 43
45
40
35
30
25
20
15
10 5 5
4 3
5 2
0 0 0 0 0 0
0
Broadcasting Line Sowing Self Saved Purchase
Graph A/12 In Balipara, Dhekiajuli, Sootea, and Rangapara Self-saved seed are used as seed source and
line sowing is practised in four blocks for paddy where as in case of Mustard broadcasting is followed
both Bihaguri and Gabharu for Mustard and Maize & Mustard seed are purchased from outside for
cultivation and line sowing is practised in both the block.
23
V.b. District: Sonitpur (Biswanath)
In Agro-Hort sector Sonitpur district is having highest no of target i.e.07 FPC out of 9 FPC under
Agro-Hort sector which are distributed in 7 Block(Cluster) and are focusing in 3 commodities i.e.
Paddy, Mustard,Maize.
Table A6: Respondents Gender and social status regarding their age and average
years of association with focus commodity
Focus Avg Avg.

Commodit No of No. of Age Association
Blocks y Male Female Group Years
Baghmara Paddy 38 12 5 45
Chaiduar Maize 32 5 27 23
Sakomatha Spice 40 7 48 2
Behali Maize 41 10 48 2
Baghmara(Gingia) Potato 40 15 44 6
Biswanath Spice 39 6 46 4
Total Respondents: 50
Biswanath is one of the major Agri-Horti producing district of Assam for Paddy, Maize, Potato and Spices.
In most of the blocks of Biswanath district like Baghara, Chaiduar, Sakimatha, Behali, baghmara,
Biaswanath those crops are cultivated in farmers field with association both male and female member s
where as male participation is more in cared to female (31:7), age group for cultivation ranges from 27 to
48years and association for tis cultivation ranges from 4-45years.
Sonitpur(Biswanath) Socio-Profile
60
50 10 15
12 7 6
40 5
30
38 40 41 40 39
20 32
10
0
Maize
Spice
Maize
Spice
Potato
Paddy
Baghmara Chaiduar Sakomatha Behali Baghmara(Gingi Biswanath

a)
Graph A/12
24
Sonitpur (Biswanath) Social Profile
2 2 6 4
50
23
40
30 45
48 48 44 46
20
27
10
5
0
Maize
Spice
Maize
Spice
Paddy
Potato
Baghmara Chaiduar Sakomatha Behali Baghmara(Ging Biswanath
ia)
Avg Age Avg. Association Years

Group
Graph A/13
Sonitpur(Biswanath) Technical Analysis

50 50 50 50 50 50
48
50 45 45
45 40
40
35
30
25
20
15 10
10 5 5
2
5 0 0 0 0 0 0
0
Potato
Maize
Maize
Paddy
Spice
Spice
Baghmara Chaiduar Behali Baghmara(Gingi Biswanath Sakomatha

a)
Broadcasting Line Sowing Self Saved Purchase
Graph A/14 Line sowing is practised almost in all blocks for Paddy, Maize, Potato and Spices whereas
broadcasting is practised in Chaidual block for maize crop. 96% population used purchased seed
Chaidualblock for maize, where for paddy it is 20% in Baghmara , 10% Biswanath.
25
Photo-10; Team Biswanath is interacting with LRPs & CO with help of APART Cell to creat
awareness about D4 Survey work in Baghmara .
Skill Gap Analysis on Agriculture Sector
Crop No. of Existing Skill Required Skill

Cluster
1.Paddy 09 Seed & Variety- Farmers are using Seed & Variety Differentiate
multiple variety (all 120-135 days i.e. long between consumption and
duration) of paddy seeds depending on commercial purpose. Since
it’s availability and accessibility. consumption is having direct
Dependency of seed is “Farmer Saved link with one food security so
seed” or “Peer farmer saved seed” access use of long duration traditional
to information on good quality paddy variety having very high
seeds is very limited and since paddy is nutritional qualities can be
been grown by farmers traditionally they used.
grown by their own intuition. Use of
Manuring & Fertiliser- Paddy is grown in recommended ,improvised,
Kharif season and the availability of short durations and trailed
decomposed cow dung and use of basal varieties of the state (Example
dose of N-P-K Fertiliser during nursery bed STRVs Bina Dhan 11, Ranjit
preparation and main field preparation is Sub-1, Bahadur Sub-1, Swarna
generally practices but without any soil Sub-1) to be used for
testing report. commercial purpose which is
having good milling properties,
Post-harvest & Storage- Multiple variety it is to be selected by visiting
are been dried and threshed without Trail plots of the district,
proper cleaning which give high chance of interacting with farmers and in
mixing. Without proper knowledge of consultancy to state
Grain moisture content they dry in direct agriculture university (KVK is
sun and pack in PP Bags and store in available in each district),as
Bamboo house made for the storage well availability of state
purpose. extension mercenaries like
ATMA,APART, DAMC
ATM,BTM,ADO & Dist Agril
Office, Service Providers.
Manuring & Fertiliser-
Awareness and accessibility to
Soil testing for which a
26
Mechanism to be facilitated
joint by Farmer Interest Group.
Splits dose of N-Fertiliser is
been recommended and use of
Neem Coated Urea and green
manuring (Dhaincha) is been
recommended.
FPC can facilitate the same and
also they can avail Input
license for availing timely
Fertiliser, Compost and if
possible decomposed
cowdung.
Post-harvest & Storage

Aggregation for a single
Variety is much simpler so if all
FPC members uses single
variety for commercial
purpose that the extension
service will have larger impact
and FPC can run their rice mill
with maximum capacity.
Traditional storage system
needs small modification in
order to manage post harvest
losses
2.Mustard & 08 Seed & Variety- Farmers are using Seed & Variety- Mustard and
Rapeseed multiple local rapeseed variety (Source of rapeseed are recommended to
seed Self,Peers) but have very little grown in month between 15th
knowledge on rape seed and mustard and Oct-15th Nov for good harvest.
it’s sowing time as the farmer are growing Rapeseed Varieties
the oilseeds only after harvest of these recommended for Zone-1 are
long duration paddy. of paddy seeds (M-27,TS-29,TS-36,TS38,
depending on it’s availability and Lakhimi,Jeuti,TS-67) having
accessibility. Dependency of seed is Avg Duration of 100 Days ,Avg
“Farmer Saved seed” or “Peer farmer Oil Content of 42% and Yield if
saved seed” access to information on sown timely is 10-12 q/ha
good quality paddy seeds is very limited Similarly for Mustard Varieties
and since paddy is been grown by farmers recommended for Zone-1 are
traditionally they grown by their own (M-27,TS-29,TS-36,TS38,
intuition. Lakhimi,Jeuti,TS-67) having
Manuring & Fertiliser- Mustard is grown Avg Duration of 110 Days ,Avg
in Ravi season followed by Paddy Harvest Oil Content of 40% and Yield if
so use of basal dose of N-P-K Fertiliser sown timely is 12-16 q/ha
during land preparation is generally not in ICAR-DMR (HQ Bharatpur-
practices thinking/traditional practice that Rajasthan) is an strategic
the residual NPK of paddy will work on partner of APART project so
27
Mustard, maximum farmer uses Urea as they are giving 2-3 different
broadcast post emergence so that the variety of Rapeseed & Mustard
green leaves can be used as delicacy and as trail purpose and the yield
rest can be grown as oilseed crop. Use of of these improved variety has
sulphur was not known to farmers. also not shown they full
potential due to delay in
Post-harvest & Storage- Multiple variety sowing time and the effect of
are been dried and threshed without temperature on plant growth.
proper cleaning which give high chance of
mixing. Without proper knowledge of Manuring & Fertiliser Along
Oilseed moisture content they dry in with NPK’s Basal dose
direct sun and pack in PP Bags and store in recommended as 60:40:40 kg
Bamboo house made for the storage NPK/ha and need of sulphur
purpose. 15kg/ha (Gypsum 100kg/ha)is
recommended to both
Rapeseed & mustard for
having good quality oil.
Post-harvest & Storage
Avg Yield received by Farmers
is 6 qtls/ha as the season is
delayed for growing and it’s oil
content is also lower i.e. 30-
33% Oil seed after harvest in
month of April gets easily dried
and sold to local market
through local trader at Rs 40-
60/kg farm gate price.
3.Maize 06 Seed & Variety- Farmers are using Seed & Variety-Recommended
multiple variety recommended by Private sowing in season Ravi 15TH Nov
Players like Pioneer Popular varieties P- to 15th Dec but our farmers
3355, P3522 Syngenta NK-Series , Dupont does sowing after 25th Dec due
Dekalb-Series Seed Rate 8-10 Kg per acre to Long duration paddy.
and Price Rs 500/kg. So Rs Avg 40,000 plants per acre is
4000-5000/acre is an investment for 01 ideal for maize and use of
acre land. recommended fertiliser is been
As well as various small private seed ensured by farmer.
company are also selling seed and giving
good margin to Retailer, it is retailers Manuring & Fertiliser- Retailer
choice that farmer has to cultivate as the decided how much Rs of
credit for seed and fertiliser is a general fertiliser can be given in credit
practice in Maize Farming. this season as the price of
Manuring & Fertiliser- Paddy is grown in Maize fluctuates most due to
Kharif season and the availability of it’s storage quality and
decomposed cow dung and use of basal multiple use and it is been
dose of N-P-K Fertiliser(120:100:100 NPK traded in MCX and global price
Kg/Acre) during nursery bed preparation does have impact on same.
and main field preparation is generally NPK 100:100:100 Kg/Ha and
practices but without any soil testing use of Multimicronutrient for
report. better growth
28
Post-harvest & Storage-
Post-harvest & Storage- Multiple variety Mixing of variety is having
are been dried and threshed without huge changes as the threshing
proper cleaning which give high chance of machine is been used without
mixing. Without proper knowledge of proper cleaning.
Grain moisture content they dry in direct Inherently maize is having
sun and pack in PP Bags and store in good storage quality but
Bamboo house made for the storage before storage we have to
purpose. ensure it’s moisture content is
below 14% .Hybrid Corn Yield
on average is 40-45 qtls/acre.
Price per qtls varies year on
year as it is traded this year
price goes up ie 2250/Qtls. If it
is stored in well ventilated,
keeping away from rain water
that it can be stored easily for
3 months and with the support
of Aluminum
phosphide( is used as a
fumigant to protect stored
grain from insects and
rodents.) it can be stored for
another 3 months and when
the price is high we can sell
easily to traders dealing with
Poultry feed, Fish Feed, Beer
Factory, Starch Manufacturer
etc.
4.Potato 03 Seed & Variety- Generally the Farmers of Seed & Variety:
our 3 Clusters namely (Mandia,Baghmara, For Table Purpose FPC can buy
7 Lakhimpur)were producing Table Variety from Punjab Traders directly or
Potato Variety Jyoti and some of them via some traders from
were producing early variety name Guwahati for good grade seed
Pukhraj which they are purchasing from quantity of Jyoti & Pokhraj and
Cold Storage where Farmer of West booking to be made on
Bengal after grading 35-45 mm (seed advance. Farmer saved tubers
grade) potatoes send to trader of assam in cold storage used for seed
(Bijoynagar) Saved Potato for sale. could be viral loaded and all
In Barpeta (Mandia Cluster) and in crop might have stunted
Sonitpur (Biswanath) (Baghmara Cluster growth with very less to low
famous as Gingia potato belt) MNC yield.
Pepsico is partnering with Farmers for Spacing of R-R 18-20inch & P-P
production of Processed Grade potatoes 7-8 Inch is recommended
with the support of CIP & APART Project. Manures & Fertilisers
Seed on Sale by company through seed For Table Grade Use of
vendor Seed 750kg/Acre. Manures like cowdung, khol,
Spacing R-R 22-24 inch ,P-P 8-10 inch NPK 80:80:60 kg/acre to be
Manures & Fertilisers used for good growth and
For Process Grade Yield.
29
Package of practices NPK 120:120:100 Post harvest and storage
Kg/acre are all recommended by Company Use of light irrigation 10-15
Agronomist. Prophylactic Chemical kit for days prior harvesting if the soil
protection from Late blight and other is too hard.
pests. Use of plough traditional
Post harvest and storage device for opening of bunds to
Farmer’s output Avg. Yield is 10MT/Acre is be made carefully to avoid any
been buy back by company is a predefined cuts or damage as such cuts
buyback rate through Pepsico Registered are gateway to infection and it
Potato Vendor can’t be stored for longer
duration in farmer traditional
thatched huts with paddy
straw for keeping it longer
duration.
5.Turmeric & 02 Seed & Variety Seed & Variety
Ginger Turmeric –Indigenous- They have no idea Recommended for Assam
about the variety name and source of Plains
rhizome. Turmeric- Shillong, Tall Clone
Ginger- Indigenous - They have no idea Ginger- Moran,Nadia,
about the variety name and source of Bardwan,Jorhat
rhizome.
Seed Quantity and Crop Duration

Seed Quantity and Crop
Turmeric –Seed Rate 500kg/acre 8-10 Duration
months Turmeric –Seed Rate 10qtls
Ginger- Seed Rate 600kg/acre 8-10 /acre
months Ginger- Seed Rate 12 Qtls
/acre
Seed should have good no of
eyes atleast 2 and with the
Manures & Fertilisers help of paddy mulch for two
Turmeric Rainfed- Decomposed Cowdung times (40 DAS & 80DAS) after
15T/Acre and urea 2 bags broadcasted 1 weeding and earthing up
bags in 2 interval Ginger Spacing is 12 inch x 4
Ginger - Rainfed- Decomposed 15T/Acre inch
and urea 2 bags broadcasted 1 bags in 2 Turmeric Spacing is 11 inch x 4
interval inch
Post Harvest and Storage Manures & Fertilisers

Harvesting in dry season gives advantage Turmeric Rainfed-
of long storage so it takes 10 months to Decomposed Cowdung 20
mature growing in July and harvest in Qtls/Acre
March-April so if we avoid rainfall and N-P-K 20:60:20 N-Split in two
avoid use of water for cleaning that it’s half oner at basal and another
shelf life is double. at Earthing up 60DAS.
Good Storage quality of Indigenous Ginger - Rainfed- Decomposed
variety 20 Qtls/Acre
Yield is 60 Qtls per acre N-P-K 30:50:60
30
K to split in two ,one at basal
Turmeric is sold is raw form and another at first top
dressing with Urea.
N-Split in two half one at First
earthing up (40 DAP) and 2nd
Split at 2nd earthing up (70DAP)
.
Post Harvest and Storage

Ginger
Harvesting in dry season, keep
in dry place don’t use water
for cleaning, let the soil comes
after it is dried. Value addition
will come if we will be able to
peel up and sluice and dry and
sell to the market.
Yield -75-80 Qtls/Acre
Turmeric needs processing and
it needs technical support for
slicing and powder making.
Yield is 150 Qtls/Acre
6. Vegetables 02 Seed & Variety Seed & Variety

These clusters belongs to Darrang District OP Line vegetables seeds are
which is also know as vegetable growing very less available as well
belt of Assam 100% farmers for farmer saved seed is already
commercial production of vegetables uses being replaced by Hybrid seeds
Hybrid Variety Seeds of Big MNC like which one has to follow
Monsanto,Syngenta, Seminis, East West sustainable and profitable
Seeds etc. process.
Summer Vegetables like Cucurbitaceous
(Cucumber,Pumpkin,Gourds),Malvaceae Necessary skills on Nursery
(Okra) are grown widely in these clusters. Making, Seedling Hardening
The nursery bed is prepared with most and plant protection is mostly
technical care as per recommended by prioritised rest all will be
comoany agronomist. followed.
Ravi season is the main season for
vegetable farming from Solanaceae Seed Quantity and Crop
(Tomato,Brinjal and Chilli) to brassicaceae Duration
(Cauliflower & Cabbage) Recommended Package of
Seed Quantity and Crop Duration Practices is to be followed and
As per recommendation from company also to be very smart enough
and as per guideline from APART District to differentiate between what
cells Dist Horticulture Coordinator Short is important and what is
duration crop and variety is been choosen necessary for getting good
from different MNCs and variety /special price in present crop.
crop
Cabbage Wonder ball-68-70 DAS, Manures & Fertilisers
Cauliflower Snow pearl 60-65 DAS Split doses of Nitrogen
31
Pumpkin-Arjuna, Brinjal Sungro Seeds, fertiliser
Tomato Anup(Syngenta) Micronutrients as per crop
Manures & Fertilisers specific
High dose of Fertiliser is required and all Use of prophylactic fungicide
the technical Package of Practices along and insecticides
with Plant Protection Kits being bundled is
been recommended by MNCs Agronomist
Post Harvest and Storage
Early Morning and Late Evening and as per Post Harvest and Storage
the market rate, the supply and the Operation handling is another
market price has no control of the huge task as the vegetable is
producers and no government is been to be handled very carefully if
able to regulate the flow and price you want to fetch fully and
discovery. Every Day plucks and everyday good price or else the entire
sale is the process of vegetables hard work will fail.
harvesting and getting benefitted. Early
duration and early sowing are the main
mantra for a successful and profitable
vendor.
2. Fishery Sector Report

The state statistical data reveals that the production of Fish in the state has been improved from 1.58
lakh tons in 2000-01 to 3.27 lakh tons in 2017-18 after the adaptation of genetically improved Indian and
exotic common carps with some advance in Good Pond Management Practices. Our field team has also
witnessed the same in terms of productivity data collected from Field.A 3.05 times increase in fish seed
production from 2000 to 2014 has been noticed.
32
Fish Production in 2017-18 in State of Assam District Wise Fish Seed Prod
(in Million Fry)
19762
20000
18000 4223
5000
16000
13206 4000
14000 11813 3000
12000 10344 Fish Prod 2000
in Tonns 15.5 29 45
10000 1000
8000 0
Barpeta Nalbari Darrang Sonitur
6000 (Undivided)
4000
2000
0
Barpeta Nalbari Darrang Sonitur Total Fish Seed Prod (in Million Fry)
(Undivided)
Graph F:1/1 Graph F:1/2
We have taken the data of our Zone-1 data and found that Barpeta produces 50% of the state spawns
production of the state i.e. 4223 Million Fry in the year 2017-18 and other 3 district combined together
produces only 89.5 Million i.e.2% of what Barpeta alone produces. This data speaks that Barpeta plays a
very important role in quality fish seed production in fishery sector of Assam and their we have got target
of 02 Fishery Based FPCs in Pakabetbari and Mandia blocks of Barpeta.
Barpeta also produces the highest among the zone-1 districts, in the year 2017-18 it has produced 19762
MT and Nalbari Holds the second position as it shares the geographical border with the district.
(Data Source ANON 2018b)
The state statistical data reveals that the production of Fish in the state has been improved from 1.58
lakh tons in 2000-01 to 3.27 lakh tons in 2017-18 after the adaptation of genetically improved Indian and
exotic common carps with some advance in Good Pond Management Practices. Our field team has also
witnessed the same in terms of productivity data collected from Field.A 3.05 times increase in fish seed
production from 2000 to 2014 has been noticed.
There are 500 private and 21 government hatcheries in Assam, which produced 7997.45 million fries from
private hatcheries and 2.68 million fries from government hatcheries in 2017-18 (ANON, 2018b). Nagaon
and Kamrup district has a maximum number of private and government hatcheries, respectively
In Zone 1 we have formed Nine (09) Farmer Producer Company all registered under the Company’s
Act.The classification of cluster is details in below table Column no 2. The detail data were captured from
the semi-structured questionnaire prepared to understand the present status of skill of the farmer and
their practices. Altogether we have 50 respondents in each cluster and the table depicts details as
mentioned below in Table F/1
Table No F/1 Zone 1 Districts with the Clusters with respondent’s Avg Age Group, years of association
and gender classification
Sl.no Avg
Avg Associated
District Block Age Group Years Male Female
33
1 Barpeta Mandia 35 15 48 2
2 Barpeta Pakabetbari 37 15 48 2
3 Nalbari Pub Nalbari 38 12 44 6
4 Nalbari BoribhogBonbhag 40 13 35 15
5 Nalbari Barkhetri 32 6 43 7
6 Darrang DalgaonSialmari 42 11 43 7
7 Darrang Kalaigaon 36 15 48 2
8 Sonitur
Sootea 42 12 5
(Biswanath) 45
9 Sonitpur Borchalla 40 14 44 6
Average age of respondents falls between 32 to 42 years and the average years of association with Fish
farming of the respondents varies from 6 years to 15 years. The maximum respondents were male which
varies from (70% to 96%) and only boribhogbonbhag block which is mainly tribal dominated we got
maximum female respondents i.e. 30% Female, and they were practicing the pond fish farming for the
past few years only.
Fishery Sector,District Wise Social Profile

48 48 48 45
44 43 43 44
50
35
40
30
15
20
6 7 7 5 6
10 2 2 2
0
Borchalla
Boribhog Bonbhag
Mandia
Sootea
Barkhetri
Dalgaon Sialmari
Kalaigaon
Pakabetbari
Pub Nalbari
Barpeta Barpeta Nalbari Nalbari Nalbari Darrang Darrang Sonitur Sonitpur

(Biswana
th)
Male Female
Graph F2/1
34
Fishery Sector, District Wise Social Profile
50 40 42 42 40
35 37 38 36
40 32
30
15 15 12 13 15 12 14
20 11
6
10
Boribhog Bonbhag
Dalgaon Sialmari
Pakabetbari
Pub Nalbari
Kalaigaon
Borchalla
Barkhetri
0
Mandia
Sootea
(Biswan
ath)
Avg Avg Associated Years
Age Group
Graph F2/2
Photo 11,12,13 & 14 is of Fishery BOD Training cum exposure visit made during the D4 Survey to
showcase how APART benefitted FPC is making it’s CSC Run on it’s own.
35
Graph F3/1 Farmers trained and Farming Practices
70
60 10 12 9 10 10
8 7 5 5
50
40
30 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 50
20
Trained
10
Composite
Farming
Boribhog Bonbhag
0
Dalgaon Sialmari
Pakabetbari
Borchalla
Kalaigaon
Barkhetri
Pub Nalbari
Mandia
Sootea

(Biswana
th)
The graphs represents that the No of respondents who have received any formal or informal type of
training from APART,Dept of Fishery or any Private/NGO where we can see that the No of training
recipients ranges from 10% to 24 % .The most common practices among all the respondents irrespective
of District and Cluster depicts the composite fish farming practices (less to semi-intensive).
Availability of Pond of Farming Community
36
50
40
30 45 44 45 43 46 45 44 45 46
20
10 7
5 6 5 4 5 6 5 4
0
Sootea
Mandia
Borchalla
Barkhetri
Kalaigaon
Pakabetbari
Dalgaon Sialmari
Boribhog Bonbhag
Pub Nalbari

(Biswanat
h)
Pond Pond
Seasonal Perennial
Graph F4/1: The data and graphs depicts that 100% of the respondents are having pond for fish farming
and 86% to 92% of them are having seasonal ponds and 7 to 14% of the farmers are having perennial
ponds.Graph F5/1: The graphs depicts that the respondents were undergoing carp culture using Indian
Major carps and exotic carps and in additional growing few minor carps too. 10% of the respondents uses
only IMC in his farm as it gives good yield but 90% to 98% respondents uses IMC plus exotic carps as well
as few minor carps as a practice of composite farming. They does the same in order to minimise the cost
of seed, unavailability of pure IMC Carps fry & figure in market and mitigating the risk of fish dyeing due
to biotic and abiotic factor and on top they get more easy return on investment by selling multiple carps
& mixed carps.
47 48 49 48 47
45 46 45 45
50
40
30
20
5 4 3 5 5 3
10 2 1 2
0
Boribhog Bonbhag
Dalgaon Sialmari
Pakabetbari
Borchalla
Mandia
Kalaigaon
Barkhetri
Sootea
Pub Nalbari

(Biswanat
h)
Indegeneous Species (IMC) Cultivate IMC + Exotics Carps /Minor Carps
37
Graph F5/1
Graph F6/1: Depicts that 100% respondents uses Traditional or Conventional feed for growing the carps
in their ponds which included items like Rice Polish,Mustard Oil Cake,Maize powder ,they follow the
method of broadcasting the feed in different corners of the pond. The data of the volume they followed
varies from respondent to respondents so it is very difficult to depict the same in graphs. 10% to 22% of
respondents uses Supplementary feeds specially sinking type to mix with conventional feed in an
anticipation that it contains high protein & fat. The source of floating type feed is limited in shops as it is
very costly.
50 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 50
50
45
40
35
30
25
20
15 10 10 11
7 6 7 6
10 5 5
5
0
Sootea
Mandia
Borchalla
Barkhetri
Kalaigaon
Pakabetbari
Dalgaon Sialmari
Boribhog Bonbhag
Pub Nalbari
Traditional/ Supplementary Feed

Barpeta Barpeta Nalbari Nalbari
Conventional Nalbari
Darrang Darrang Sonitur Sonitpur
(Biswanat
h)
Graph F6/1 Our Market survey with the Feed Retailer reveals that the feeds are majorly supplied by Few
Organised big players Avanti Feeds,Cargill,Godrej agrovet in pellet form (floating type) but it’s sale is very
less. Few Local players are also into feed manufacturing but their consistent supply is doubtful and price
38
is very fluctuating due to it’s raw material price which is been traded globally main ingredients includes
Soybean,Maize, fish meal and additives.
Composite Fish Farming in Zone-1 Districts

In Zone-1 we have witnessed in field and have also witnessed in training imparted by Fishery department,
they generally gives recommendation for composite farming in each training and awareness camps “a
combination of six species viz., catla, silver carp, rohu, grass carp, mrigal and common carp has been
proved to be the ideal combination for carp culture in assam and in India, species combination largely are
decided on seed availability and market demand. Of these catla and silver carp are surface feeders, rohu
is a column feeder, grass carp is a macro-vegetation feeder, and mrigal and common carp are bottom
feeders. A proportion of 30-40% surface feeders (silver carp and catla), 30-35% mid water feeders (rohu
and grass carp) and 30-40% bottom feeders (common carp and mrigal) is commonly adopted depending
on the productivity of the pond.
Table F2/1: Depicts Information on Quantity Data Use of Fish Finger ,Price of Live Fingure and Annual
production from 01 acre pond which is equal to 0.40 hectare (4046 sq m) and dept is ranging from 5ft to
10 ft depending upon the rainfall and climatic condition.
Table F2/1:Composite Fish Farming in 1 acre Pond
Avg. Seed Price Avg Annual

District Cluster Avg. Seed Qty (Kg) Rs./Kg Production(Kg)
Barpeta Mandia 150 275 1800
Barpeta Pakabetbari 135 275 1620
Nalbari Pub Nalbari 135 250 1620
Boribhog
Nalbari
Bonbhag 105 250 1260
Nalbari Barkhetri 150 250 1800
Dalgaon
Darrang
Sialmari 150 300 1800
Darrang Kalaigaon 150 300 1800
Sonitur
Sootea
(Biswanath) 135 320 1620
Sonitpur Borchalla 105 325 1260
Table F2/1 speaks that the average seed quantity used varies from respondents and area to area 105
kg/acre to 150kg/acre depending upon the risk taking capability, feeding investment and market
connectivity. Barpeta and Nalbari is well connected to market Guwahati through regular train service in
comparison to Darrang, Sonitpur and SonitpurBiswanath. Low intensive to semi &high intensive farming
is been practiced by individual respondents so the no got varied.
39
In the month of March-April the water depth in the pond is close to 5ft and the new figure (Average 3-4
inch long/20g in weight) is given in the pond keeping in mind the Top Feeder, Middle feeder and bottom
feeder proportion so that the principals of composite fish farming is followed and respondents can expect
maximum benefit on the investment on feed, cowdung,water table management through shallow pump
and his family labour.Similarly the price of seed varies on availability and demand from the Fish Farmers.
Graph F7/1: Seeds Quantity, Price/Kg and Production per acre pond in Zone-1 Districts
Composite Fish Farming in 1 acre Pond

1800 1800 1800 1800
2000 1620 1620 1620
1260 1260
1500
1000
275 275 250 250 250 300 300 320 325
500 150 135 135 105 150 150 150 135 105
0
Pakabetbari
Borchalla
Kalaigaon
Barkhetri
Pub Nalbari
Mandia
Sootea
Boribhog
Bonbhag
Sialmari
Dalgaon
(Biswana
th)
Avg. Seed Qty (Kg) Avg. Seed Price

Rs./Kg
Avg Annual Production(Kg)
The Graphs Graph F7/1clears shows that District of Barpeta, Nalbari and Darrang is undergoing Semi-
Intensive composite fish farming and has less variation in terms of Seeds quantity (10% variation) and
production varies by 30%.
The Price of fish figure varies with size 1.5 inch (15gm) to 4.5 inch (30gm), variety and availability and
distance from the hatchery.
It has been observed that 50% of the state’s hatchery is present in Barpeta and it’s price is lesser in
comparison to Sonitpur&Sonitpur (Biswanath) it varies by 23% i.e. Rs 250/kg to Rs 375/kg
Respondents from Barpeta speaks about pure line and impure line so the pure line variety seed available
of Rohu, Catle, Bata is high price and mixed IMC with Grass carp, silver carp and common carp is fetching
lower price.
In terms of production the data is having variation from 1260kg/acre to 1800kg/acre i.e. 30% Variation
and this is due to various biotic, abiotic and human skill factor.
40
Market Survey Fishery Photos 15,16, & 17 Darrang Pond,Fish market local at Nalbari and Whole sale
market of Fish at Uzan Bazar Guwahati
Fishery Sector Market Survey and Value Chain Analysis
100% of Fishery Farmers of FPCs in Zone-1 follows composite Fish Farming and Indigenous common carps
namely Rohu &Catla combined holds 60-70% of Farm pond portfolio.
100% of Fishery Farmers of FPCs are dependent on Good Quality Fish Seed (Finger) from Private Hatchery
available at District as wellas neighboring districts of state Assam.
Big traders brings the spawns from State of West Bengal, Bhubaneswer,Bihar and grow the same in Hatchery
available locally and produce fry and sells fingers (45-60 days old- 3-4 inch in length and weighing (25+-5% g
each )
The recommended package of practices especially seed dose and variety mix for composite fish farming from
Dept of Fishery is also known to 30% of respondents. In general there is a huge gap in recommended Package
of Practices vs practices in the field.
100% of Fishery Farmers of FPCs are dependent on conventional Feeds like Rice Polish, Mustard Oil Cake, Maize
broken available in unorganized and local market
100% of Fishery Farmers small or big of FPCs are dependent on unorganized local traders for sale of Carps and
available fish market is unorganized controlled by few monopolistic players
41
100% of Fishery Farmers small or big does farming in their ponds and are aware of usage of Fresh Cow dung as
manure for initial stage of pond preparation. Local dairy entrepreneurs are also getting benefitted by supply of
fresh cow dung at good price Rs.2500/Tractor
Department of Fishery, ATMA, APART,Private Feed Manufacturer Sales Team, NGOs have been working with
Fish Farming community for extension service like Imparting Awareness and Training on Good Pond
Management Practices and their reach to the community is very limited.
Our Market Survey data of past 3 years reveals that the Conventional Vs Supplementary Fish Feed is having a
price difference of Rs 15 to Rs 25/kg and the claim for supplementary feed of having 20% Protein is the USP for
the sale of their produce in market.
Our data and Focus group discussion with FIGs reveals that the main source of information of fish farming is
Peer Leaders who have good contact with Department of Fishery,Govt of Assam.
Our Field team on Market survey reveals the marketing facility available in local as well as district headquarter
is still very unhygienic and unorganized and any data on Daily Arrival, Daily Sale, Average selling price is not
authentic and not validated as there is no such information displayed for/in public domain.
Our data on Marketing channel reveals that the fish produced is sold locally with the help of local traders and
live fish transport vehicle, local traders on enquiry gives names of Fish Market of Guwahati namely Paltan
Bazar, Uzan bazaar &Lokhra Whole sale fish market.
The Price of fish per kg is depend on market demand and supply as well arrival of fish from other state. Local
farmers are getting demand of Rohu,Catla of 1kg approx size but producers are selling it in live and in bulk so it
is very difficult for producer to segregate and estimate and meet the exact demand of market.
Market Survey Data for Fish Seed Supply Status
No of Private No of Govt.
Hatchery Unit Hatchery Unit
Sl.no Name of District Available Available
1 Barpeta 81 1
2 Nalbari 9 0
3 Darrang 22 2
Fishery Sector Skill Gap Analysis

Capacity building programmes (Training/ workshop/ Field days/ awareness
programmes):Special efforts in the form of technology transfer, capacity building and extension
support, will be made under the project to make farmers aware about different best farming
practices available for adoption in the fish culture systems to increase productivity, production
and value addition.
Short duration training and exposure visits for beneficiary and neighbouring non-beneficiary
farmers will be taken up to enhance their performance and involvement in value chain
development .Need based exposure visit of producers and office bearers within and outside
state shall also be provided under the project
42
Workshops will be organized on intensive scale for all stake holders such as beneficiary farmers,
neighbouring nonbeneficiary farmers, aggregators, other market actors including identified input
dealers.
Technical and management support for the training and exposure visit of the stakeholders will
be availed from AAU/ CoF, KVKs and ICAR fishery institutes such as CIFRI (Kolkata), CIFA
(Bhubaneswar), CIFE (Mumbai), CIFT (Cochin), CFTRI (Cochin) etc.
The capacity enhancement of implementing staff of the FPCs both for technical and office staff
will also be ensured under the programme.
Fish Farmers Field days will be organized on the day of sample netting and harvesting of
beneficiary ponds to show the benefit of improved farming practices to the neighbouring non-
beneficiary farmers in and around the clusters and its impact on increased productivity and
income generation. This will motivate them for adoption of new technologies as ‘seeing is
believing’.
Capacity building/ training to the beneficiary fish farmers as well as non-beneficiary farmers
will be imparted by Assam Agricultural University (AAU)/ College of Fisheries, Raha (CoF) on the
activities related to the project as agreed upon and to retain uniformity with other departments.
To accomplish this, the AAU/CoF will develop training module and curriculum in collaboration
with WorldFish.
National Fish Farmers Day is celebrated on 10th July every year to demonstrate solidarity with all fisher
folk, fish farmers and concerned stakeholders throughout the Country .
Silk Value Chain: Sericulture Sector

In Silk Value Chain of APART Project Eri &Muga Silks are only being considered for value chain activities of
the project. Formation of common service centre (CSC) in Zone-1 by handholding existing FPC in Sonitpur
District namely NOBOMILAN AGRO FARMER PRODUCER COMPANY LTD. Located at Balipara Blocks has
chosen it’s focus commodity as Eri Silk ,similarly the newly registered FPC in Sonitpur (Biswanath) District
namely ALAYARON FARMER PRODUCER COMPANY LTD located at Sakomatha Blocks has also chosen it’s
focus commodity as Eri Silk. In Dhakuakhana block of Lakhimpur District which falls under Zone-1 of
APART project Muga silk is most prominently reared so we have registered an FPC namely CHARIKARIA
43
MUGA FARMER PRODUCER COMPANY LTD.whose focused commodity is Muga Silk. Muga Silk, also
known as Golden Silk,is a Geographical Indication(GI) registered product of Assam.
As we have already mentioned that we have chosen 50 respondents from each Cluster who is members
of FIG and simultaneously member of the FPCs. We had prepared semi-structured open ended
questionnaire to understand the socio-economic status of silk producer and their existing skills to cater
the need of the silk value chain and we have also covered the exiting market channel through a market
survey.
Table S/1 Depicts Social Profile of 50 Respondents on Silk Value Chain

Sl.n Cluster(Silk) Male Female Avg Age Avg
Avg Years
o Group Associate
Avg Family of
d Years
Size Schooling
1 Balipara (Eri) 0 50 38 15 5.25 8.2
2 Sakomatha (Eri) 0 50 40 15 4.48 7.5
3 Dhakuakhana(Muga) 5 45 42 15 4.8 10.2
Table S1: The respondents are 100% Female in case of Eri Silk Rearing activity in both Balipara and
Sakomatha Cluster as Eri Silk is an off-farm activity which is done basically in home backyard and it is
headed by Female members of the family including Host plant raising. Since Muga rearing is an outdoor
activity so the involvement of Male is also prevalent so we have also 10% respondents as Male
counterpart but rest activities are taken care by female. The respondents are associated with this activity
since childhood as member of family but commercially they take part at Age 16 after completion of
Middle school so the average schooling is Class 8 pass. The Average family size in the village of
respondents ranges from 4-6 i.e. Concept of nuclear family is exiting in village too and also due to
migration to bigger town like Lakhimpur, Tezpur and Guwahati for education and better livelihood option.
Silk Value Chain Respondents Gender-Age Variables

60
15 15
50 15
40
50
40 50 50 45 30
30 38 40 42
20 20
10 0 0 5
0 10 Avg Associated Years
Balipara (Eri) Sakomatha (Eri) Dhakuakhana(Muga
) 0
Balipara (Eri) Sakomatha (Eri) Dhakuakhana(Muga) Avg Age Group
Male Female
Graph-S/1 Graph S/2
44
16
14
12 8.2 10.2
7.5
10
8
6 5.25 4.48 4.8
4
2
0
Balipara (Eri) Sakomatha (Eri) Dhakuakhana(Muga)
Avg Years of Schooling Avg Family Size
Graph S/3 Depicts the Average age of schooling and Average Family size of Silk Clusters
Table S/2 Sericulture Activity of the respondents in the Cluster

50 50
50 45
45
40 35 35
35 30
30
25 20 20 Balipara (Castor)
20 Sakomatha (Kessuru)
15 15
12 Dhakuakhana(Som)
15 10
10 5
5 0 0
0
Host Plant Weeding cum Training & Sanitising Purchase of
(Manuring) Soil Works Pruning of Rearing DFLs/Seed
Host Plant House Cocoon from
right sources.
Graph S/4 Out of the 50 respondents- 30% respondents uses manures in castor plants ,40% respondents
uses manures in kesseru plantation and 100% respondents of mugarearers uses manuring in Som
plantation
In case of Eri Silk Castor plants are also grown with manures &Kesseru are the main Host plant while Som
plant is the main Host plant for muga. Castor plants are annual plant and Keseru are perennial plant .Som
plant are perennial plant grown as a plantation for rearing of Muga. Manuring and Weeding activities are
most prevalent in Kesseru&Som plantation. Similalry Training and Pruning activity which are done
annually is prevalent in Kesseru&Som plantation only.
The concept of sanitizing with chemicals is still not adequate in the production houses but culturally they
keep the rearing houses very clean using cow dung & cow urine to sanities the floor.
The practices of purchase of DFLs/Seed Cocoon is very unorganized but still we have got some qualitative
data that the seeds are sourced from outside the district and sourcing from distance place is a traditional
practice Khasi Hills of Meghalaya/ Shivsagar district of Assam. Success rate of muga DFL is better in
comparison to eri as Mugarearing is been given more attention than eri silk as Muga Silk worm is much
delicate than eri silk worm .
45
17.5
18
16
14
12
10 Avg. Age of Host Plantation

(Years)
8 Avg Area (Acre)
4
2
0.39000000000000
1 0.33000000000000 0.67000000000000
2 2 2 5
0
Balipara (Castor) Sakomatha (Kessuru) Dhakuakhana(Som)
Avg No Host Plants per HH
300
Balipara (Castor)
350 Sakomatha (Kessuru)
Dhakuakhana(Som)
150
Graph S/5 Host Plant Age & Area under Host PlantGraph S/6Shows Different Host Plant Acreage
Castor is an annual plant and the density of standing crop is high in comparison to perennial crops like
Kesseru so the No of standing crop per HH having Avg 0.39 acre (Ref Graph S5) is 350 plants (Ref. Graphs
S6) ,Kesseru0.33 acre is 150 plantation. In Case of Respondents from Dhakuakhana having Avg. acreage of
0.67 acre growing Som as perennial host plant is 300 plantation.
46
Silk Value Chain Sericulture Basic Data
50 50 50 50 50 50
50
45
40
35
30
25
20 14
12
15 10 10
8 8
10
5
0
Training Attended Own Host Plant Plantation Seed Cocoon Rearing DFL Units
Graph S/7 Reg Host plant plantation in own land 100% of respondents told they grown their host plant in
their own land.In case of Eri Silk rearers since it is not adequate so they fetch from nearby forest land,
village common and and also they have a practice of barter system Feed vs Pupa as Pupa is a delicacy of
the people rearing eri.
Reg Training imparted by Dept of sericulture under various scheme including APART time to time and
also some NGO who are working in the sector of Silk -20% respondents from Balipara cluster have
attended training through both Govt & NGO Agency, 16% respondents from Sakomatha cluster have
attended training through both Govt & NGO Agency and 20% of respondents from Dhakukhana cluster
have attended training through both Govt & NGO Agency. The training is basically about the awareness of
DFL handling and nurturing , right Seed Cocoon selection, Plantation of Host Plant and time to time
feeding of worms, Identification of Pest & Predators of silk worm, Use of Spinning machine for Eri Silk
Yarn extraction and Reeling machine for muga silk yarn extraction.
Graph S7 Reg DFL Units :Respondents handling or involved in supply chain of DFL so we have 20%
respondents from Balipara cluster who are handling DFLs, 16% in Sakomatha Cluster handling DFLs and
24% of respondents from Dhakuakhana cluster handling DFL of Muga.
Silk Spinning Technics
50 50
50
50
40 50
40
30 30
20 20 0
10
10 0 0
0
0 Traditional Reeling Modern Reeling Machine
Traditional spinner Modern Spinner Machine
Graph S/8 100% Respondents of Eri Rearers in both Balipara and Sakomatha are using Traditional
spinning handheld device name “Takuri” /Drop Spindle as it is convenient and mobile to handle and any
47
member of family irrespective of gender and irrespective of time/place is been used. The use of Chakra
or hand held spinning wheel was also present in HH but it’s usage is very little.
100% Respondents’ from Dhakuakhanacluster forMuga the reeling device used is “Bhir” it is most
prominent among villager and on modern reeling device they say dept has give 01 in the village but she is
also not using . Bhir is convenient and mobile to handle and any member of family irrespective of gender
and irrespective of time/place is been used.
Table S/2 Depicts the Sericulture Activity Quantitative Analysis

Cluster(Silk) DFLs per HH Avg No. of Avg No of Avg Yarn Yarn Price Income
per Annum rearing Cocoon Qty Per Kg from
season per Reared per (Kg)/HH Sericulture
annum HH
Balipara (Eri) 75 3 26250 8.75 2900 26250

Sakomatha (Eri) 70 3 24500 8.17 2700 24500
Dhakuakhana(Muga
) 230 5 11500 2.3 20000 46000
In Balipara and Sakomatha Cluster where ERI Silk is been reared we have found that their Avg DFL Usage
per HH is 70-75 and every HH use to rear it on an average for3 season in a year (March-April, June-
July ,Sept-Oct) are most convenient for it’s feeding due to availability of feed stock but still the available
feed stock is insuffient as it has to been fed 4-6 times in a day.
With the average no of cocoon 24500 to 26250 they spin 8.17 kg to 8.75 kg yarns (excluding wastage) ,as
per the respondents the local traders buys the Finest eri yarn at Rs 3200/kg and medium range eri at Rs
2500/kg and on average of 3 season the average price of Balipararearers are getting more price as they
are close to Eri Market hub i.e. Tezpur where all buyers from Arunachal are prominent and Sakomatha
area is having less advantage to access to Tezpur they have to sell of at local trader of BiswanathCharali
market which further supply to Tezpur market.
Mugarearers of Dhakuakhana take advantage of the natural environment and full of forest coverage rich
bio-diversity from which they are able to grow the worm for 5 season in a year .The price of muga yarn is
7-8 times higer than that of eri silk, they are placed at the hub of muga bio-diversity so they have an
competitive advantage are the price per kg of finest yarn are sold at Rs 22000/kg and lowest grade yarn at
Rs 15000/kg .The average price fetched by the respondents is Rs 20,000.00 per kg (excluding wastage).
Annual average income from Sericulture activity only for Eri Farmers is Rs 25000.00 and for Muga Farmers
is 46000.00 which is 84% higher than compared to erirearers.
Skill Training Limitation of sericulture

1) Majority of the weavers who weave for self consumption keep Eri spun yarn by hand spinning technique by
using takli( a type of yarn winding spindle) .This method is traditional and convenient for the weavers but it
has it’s own limitation .The low productivity of this method is evident by the fact that only 100 to 150
cocoons can be spun in a full day , hardly producing 50 gm of spun yarn
2) Lack of establishment common facility centre for yarn dyeing and fabric processing
3) Less cocoon marketing centers at district level for marketing cocoons
4) Most of the weavers are less educated and learning new technological needs focus and time
5) Traditional practices and knowledge about reeling &spinning .
48
Market Survey & Value Chain Analysis: Sericulture Sector
Silk Value Chain Eri Muga

DFLs Eri Seed Grainage is not available in MugaGrainage is not available in
Sakomatha&Balipara Cluster Dhakuakhana. So the muga DFLs are
( inSonitpurJamuguri its, available). However fetched from Hilly areas of
Eri DFLs are used for cultivation purpose in Meghalaya.
remote areas of Balipara&Sakomatha block.
1gm of Eri DFLs = Rs 10 in Sakomatha area of
Sonitpur. In case of individual 10-30g Eri
DFLare uses for cultivation for a season.
Seed Cocoon Seed coccon is more prevalent traditional way Muga seed cocoon are used for DFLs
of seed purpose. In case of Eri its Rs. purposes. In Dhakuakhana rate is
1.60/Cocoon. Rs 5.00/seed cocoon.
Cut-cocoon In case of Eri, pupa are separated by cutting This is not practiced in case of Muga
one edge of the cocoon.
Yarn Yarn are produced through spinning of Muga yarn is a continuous filament,
ericocoon. 1kg of eri-cocconwill produced 900 so it is reeled. In general 5 khon (One
gm thread(machine spinning) and 800gn in khon =Thousand)muga (5000 no.
Takli(Hand spun), 3000 good quality cocoon cocoon) will produce 1kg of Muga
will produced 1kg of Eri yarn and it’s is sold at thread. However in case of
Rs 3000/kg of Eri thread. Kotiaseason 4khon will produced 1kg
thread.
1kg ofMuga thread will produced 5
Mekhela or 6 Riha.
Rate of good quality Muga thread in
present market is Rs 20000/kg.
Pupa Pupa is a special delicacy item for most of the Muga pupa is not so important as
tribal people of NEI. 1kg of pupa is 360-400 compared to eri one. However
counts pupa and selling price is 350-400 per people consumed it locally.
kg of Pupa.
The data of Market Survey and Value Chain development has some limitation
 Time and resource limitation- Weavers stays in far fling areas so one has to move early and no availability
of frequent public transport in the village area.
 Covid-19 restriction has already limited face to face interaction in the village level which has now got
relaxed but our ice breaking time was covid -19 restriction.
 All stakeholders of Market are unorganized so it’s very difficult to meet them and avail time for interaction
 Since it is a govt funded project the stakeholders like Local vendors and middle level vendors were not
willing to give full details as they might be thinking this products and prices might also attract GST.
Activity Photos Photo 18 to 22 are sericulture activity Photos of Balipara Sonitpur and Dhakuakhana
Lakhimpur with DTM and State Team Eri Silk and Muga Silk Value Chain
49
Some womens were using spinning machines with solar plant inbuilt activity supported by Selco
Foundation an NGO
50
Silk Value Chain: Handloom &Textile Sector
In Silk Value Chain of APART Project Eri &Muga Silks are only being considered for value chain activities of
the project. Formation of common service centre (CSC) in Zone-1 by handholding existing FPC in Sonitpur
District namely NOBOMILAN AGRO FARMER PRODUCER COMPANY LTD. Located at Balipara Blocks has
chosen it’s focus commodity as Eri Silk ,similarly the newly registered FPC in Sonitpur (Biswanath) District
namely ALAYARON FARMER PRODUCER COMPANY LTD located at Sakomatha Blocks has also chosen it’s
focus commodity as Eri Silk. In Dhakuakhana block of Lakhimpur District which falls under Zone-1 of
APART project Muga silk is most prominently reared so we have registered an FPC namely CHARIKARIA
MUGA FARMER PRODUCER COMPANY LTD.whose focused commodity is Muga Silk. Muga Silk, also
known as Golden Silk,is a Geographical Indication(GI) registered product of Assam.
As we have already mentioned that we have chosen 50 respondents from each Cluster who is members
of FIG and simultaneously member of the FPCs. We had prepared semi-structured open ended
questionnaire to understand the socio-economic status of silk weavers and their existing skills to cater
the need of the silk value chain and we have also covered the exiting market channel through a market
survey.
Handloom & Textile Products

Assam with 12.83 Lakh weavers has highest number of weavers in the country.Gamocha the
pride of Assam is a reserved item for exclusive production in handloom under the handloom
(Reservation of Articles for Production) Act,1985.
Hand-woven in Assam campaign: The component will launch a high volume "Handwoven in Assam"
branding campaign using a mix of mass, print and social media to build visibility for Assam's hand-woven
silk product brands in national and international markets . Along with Gamocha, Mekhala, Chadar,
Riha , Mekhala Chadar are the major products of muga silk weavers and Sawl for both men &
women as well Eri Mekhala& Chadar are major products of eri silk weavers.
In our country National Handloom Day is been celebrated since 2014 and it is been observed
every year on 7th August so the sector is gaining much importance for export potential. The use
of natural and organic dyes in Eri Silk Product is gaining more importance in both national and
international market.
51
Table H&T-1 Depicts Social Profile of 50 Respondents on Handloom & Textile
Value Chain
Sl.no Cluster(Silk) Male Female Avg Age Avg Avg Avg Years
Group Associate Family of
d Years Size Schooling
1 Balipara (Eri) 0 50 40 16 5.25 8.5
2 Sakomatha (Eri) 0 50 40 15 4.48 8.2
Dhakuakhana(Muga
3 ) 0 50 42 17 4.8 9.1
Table H& T 1: The respondents are 100% Female in case of Eri Silk Weaving activity in both Balipara and
Sakomatha Cluster as weaving with traditional looms is an off-farm activity which is done basically in
home backyard and it is headed by Female members of the family irrespective of Eri or Muga Silk Value
chain. The respondents are associated with this activity since childhood as member of family but
commercially they take part at Age 16 after completion of Middle/High school so the average schooling is
Class 8 pass. The Average family size in the village of respondents ranges from 4-6 i.e. Concept of nuclear
family is exiting in village too and also due to migration to bigger town like Lakhimpur, Tezpur and
Guwahati for education and better livelihood option.
Handloom& Textile Respondents Social Profile
14
12
8.5 9.1
10 8.2
4 5.25 4.48 4.8
0
Avg Family Size Avg Years of Schooling
52
Handloom& Textile Respondents Social Profile
50 50 50
50
42
45 40 40
40
35
30
25
20 16 15 17
15
10
5 0 0 0
0
Male Female Avg Age Group Avg Associated Years
Graph H&T 1 Shows that the Average family size of weavers is ranging from 4-6 and average schooling 8-
10 years
Graph H&T 2 Since the average age of weavers are 40 years and their association with this sector for day
to day activity is 15 years on an average.
Photos 23 & 24 are Handloom & Textile activity of Sakomatah Cluster (Eri Silk Weaving) District Biswanath
Charali
Table H&T 2
Training
H& T Attended Own Avg No
Dept on Handloom of
Beneficiar Traditional Availabilit Handloo
Cluster (Silk) y Loom y m per HH
Balipara (Eri) 12 12 45 1
Sakomatha (Eri) 10 10 45 1
Dhakuakhana(Mug
a) 18 25 46 1
53
Table H&T 2 Depicts that the Average no of traditional loom available to respondents weavers is one and
out of 50 respondents 90% of the weaver has their own functional looms and rest 10% is having looms
but non-functional due to some technical issue/needs repairing.
The graphs H&T 3 shows that in Balipara cluster 24% respondents are department beneficiary and have
attended training imparted by Govt Dept., APART &NGOs ,Sakomatha cluster has 20% respondents who
are department beneficiary and who have undergone training and the Dhakuakhana cluster have the
highest no of respondents i.e.36% department beneficiary and in addition to that 14% more i.e. 50% of
the respondents have attended training from the Govt department, APART/NGOs etc.
H&T Respondents No on Technical
50 45 45 46
45
40
35
30 25
25
18
20
12 12
15 10 10
10
5 1 1 1
0
H& T Dept Beneficiary Training Attended on Own Handloom Avg No of Handloom
Traditional Loom Availability per HH
Own Yarn
Source Dependent Supply
Cluster (Silk) of Yarn on others Adequate
Balipara (Eri) 25 25 5
Sakomatha (Eri) 40 10 6
Dhakuakhana(Muga
) 45 5 10
Graphs H&T/ 3 is of Table H&T/3 Depicts Balipara Cluster shows 50% of the respondents have own
source of yarn and rest 50% purchases from local traders/fellow silk rearers. Sakomatha cluster shows
80% of the respondents have own source of yarn and rest 20% purchases from local traders/fellow silk
rearers. Dhakuakhana cluster shows 90% of the respondents have own source of yarn and rest 10%
purchases from local traders/fellow silk rearers as Muga silk yarn is very high value product so weavers
want to do on their own using family mens& female labour.
Only 10% of respondents from Balipara cluster told that the yarn supply is sufficient for her, rest 90% told
if their would be a yarn storage /bank than they could have produced more.
Similarly 12% of respondents from Sakomatha cluster told that the yarn supply is sufficient for her, rest
88% told if their would be a yarn storage /bank than they could have produced more.
80% respondents of Dhakuakhana Cluster respondents were urging the need of muga yarn bank in
Dhakuakhana block itself as only 20% respondents told that they are getting sufficient yarns as per their
need.
54
45
45
40
40
35
30
25 25
25 Balipara (Eri)
Sakomatha (Eri)
20 Dhakuakhana(Muga)
15
10 10
10 6
5 5
5
0
Own Source of Yarn Dependent on others Yarn Supply Adequate
GraphsH&T /4 of Table H&T /3 Depicts the need for yarn bank for both Eri &Muga in respective cluster as
with the growing demand of good quality fabrics there is huge potential for silk products in both
domestics and for exports.
Table H&T /4 Depicts the Handloom & Textile Products Raw Materials & Products
Multipl
e
Use of Weave
Natural Weave Self Single Product
Dye/Organi Plain Design Specialize Variatio
c Dye Fabrics Fabrics d Product n
Balipara (Eri) 5 40 10 20 30
Sakomatha (Eri) 5 42 8 25 25
Dhakuakhana(Mug
a) 0 30 20 35 15
In Table H&T /4 it is seen that 90% of respondent Balipara Cluster &Sakomatha Cluster whose raw
material is Eri Yarn colour off white is use to prepare Plain Fabric of natural colour and only 10% of
respondents uses Natural and Organic dyes on demand from local vendor. They use natural dyes from
material like Seeds, Roots,PlantsTurmeric,Tea, soil ,dry leaves etc
In case of eri silk fabric 80% respondents weave plain fabrics and 20% weave fabric on self design or
design shared by local vendor. But in case of Muga 60% weavers weave plain fabric and 40% weaver
weave self design or local vendor demanded design .
40% to 50% respondents oferi silk from Balipara&Sakomatha weave Single Specialized Product like Sawl
for Men &Sawl for women and rest 60% to 50% respondents.
Mekhala,Chadar or mekhala Chadar is considered as single specialized product and 70% of respondents
follows this practice, rest 30% of respondents prepares multiple products like Rini, Gamocha, along with
Mekhala,Chadar or mekhala Chadar
55
Weaving Technics
42
45 40
40
35 30
30
25 20
20
15 10
8
10 5 5
5 0
0
Use of Natural Dye/Organic Dye Weave Plain Fabrics Weave Self Design Fabrics
In Graph H&T/5 of Table H&T /4
Weaving Variant
50 15
45 25
40 30
35
30
25 35
20 25
15 20
10
5
0
Single Specialised Product Multiple

Product Variation
In Graph H&T/6 of Table H&T /4
Table H&T/5
Product Sold
through
Product Sold by Peers/SH OR FI Product Sold to
Cluster (Silk) Self-Family Groups Local Vendor Only
Balipara (Eri)
40 10 50
Sakomatha (Eri)
45 5 50
Dhakuakhana(Muga) 45 5 50
In Table H&T /5 it is seen that 80%-90% of respondent Balipara Cluster &Sakomatha Cluster sells their
product on their own or with the help of family members and rest 20-10% sells their product through
56
peers or Farmers Interest Group/Women self help group . 100% Respondents sells their products to local
vendors ,third party can’t directly approach the weavers for purchase due to lack of trust ,credit
assurance as each products are costly.
The eri products ranges from Rs 1200 to Rs 3500 per unit and Muga Products price ranges from Rs 2500
i.e.Gamocha to Rs 20,000 i.e. Mekhala Chadar
50 50 50
50 45 45
45 40
40
35
30
Balipara (Eri)
25
Sakomatha (Eri)
20 Dhakuakhana(Muga)
15 10
10 5 5
5
0
Product Sold by Self- Product Sold through Product Sold to
Family Non-Family Local Vendor Only
Graph H&T/7 of Table H&T/5
Table H&T/6 Depicts Annual Income of Respondents from Handloom & Textile Activity Only
Avg Annual
Income from Avg Hours of Avg No of Family
H&T Activity Working/Day per Members working
Cluster (Silk) (Rs/Annum) Annum in Silk Value Chain
Balipara (Eri) 36400 4.5 3
Sakomatha (Eri) 30500 4.3 3
Dhakuakhana(Muga) 45500 4.2 3
In Table H&T/6 it is been seen that the respondents from Balipara and Sakomatha who are undergoing
Eri Silk Product activity with the support of existing traditional loom and support of family (whose time
calculation is not made ) with Avg working hours (Mean of Lean and Peak Period) of four & half hours to
Five Hours per day can earn income of Rs 30,500 to 36,400 considering only weaving activities (ie.
Excluding rearing & spinning activities). Income might increase if the yarn is sufficiently available,training
on advance looms with product variance, order is generated regularly and the market is organized i.e. Buy
Back system than the working hours could have been stretched from 4 hours to 8 hours even.
57
Avg Annual Income from H&T Activity
45500
50000
45000 36400
40000
30500
35000
30000
25000 Avg Annual Income from H&T
20000 Activity
15000
10000
5000
0
r i)
r i)
a)
(E
(E
ug
a
M
ar
th
a(
lip
ma
an
Ba
ko
kh
Sa
ua
ak
Dh
Graph H&T/8 from Table H&T/6 In case of respondents from Dhakuakhana cluster who are undergoing
Muga Silk Product activity it is been observed from the response that they work for 4 hours 20 mins
(Mean of lean & peak period) per day and with support of family time to time (whose time calculation is
not made ) is making Annual Income of Rs 45,500.00 from the weaving activity only (ie. Excluding rearing
& spinning activities). Income might increase if the yarn is sufficiently available, training on advance looms
with product variance, order is generated regularly and the market is organized i.e. Buy Back system than
the working hours could have been stretched from 4 hours to 8 hours even.
7
3
3 3
6
5
Avg No of Family Members work-
ing in Silk Value Chain
4 Avg Hours of Working/Day per
Annum
3
4.5 4.3 4.2
2
0
Graph H&T/9 from Table H&T/6
Eri Silk Products variants Photo 25 & 26
58
Eri Male and Female Sawl displayed at an exhibition for Sale in Guwahati
Eri Silk Product Portfolio of Balipara & Sakomatha Cluster

45 45 45 45
45
40
35
30
25
20
12
15 10
10
4
2
5
0
Sawl Men Sawl Female Mekhala Chadar
Balipara (Eri) Sakomatha (Eri)
Sawl Sawl Mekhal

Product Portfolio Men Female a Chadar
Balipara (Eri) 45 45 10 2
Sakomatha (Eri) 45 45 12 4
In Graph H&T/10 & Table H&T/7 it is been shown that Eri Fibre is having demand for Sawl (90%
respondents prepare the same) for both Mens and Womens followed by Mekhala and Chadar (20% to
24% respondents) preparartion.
Muga Silk Products Variants
Photo 27 Muga Silk Product Gamocha,MekhelaChadar,Riha Displayed at an exhibition at Guwahati
59
Different Products Variants of Muga Silk
50 50 50
50
45
35
40
30
35
25
30
25
20
15
5
10
5
0
Fabric Mekhala Chadar Mekhala Riha Gamocha Shirt
Chadar
Dhakuakhana(Muga)
Mekhala
Cluster (Silk) Fabric Mekhala Chadar Chadar Riha Gamocha Shirt
Dhakuakhana(Muga
) 25 50 30 35 50 50 5
In Graph H&T/11 & Table H&T/8 it is been shown that Eri Fibre is having demand for various product and
it is been observed from the data that 100% respondents traditionally practices preparation of Mekhala
(the main cloth worn by female on very special occasion example Marriage or any ceremony) and it
attracts very high value in domestic and foreign market. 60% of respondents prepares Chadar, 70% of
respondents prepare both mekhala& chadar. Riha&Gamocha are the prides of assam culture and it’s
demand is getting generated continuously with the occasion of national meetings and functions so 100%
of respondents have got trained from fellow trainers /instructors of dept of Handloom & Textile with
support of APART.
Male muga shirt is specially worn in traditional occasions like Marriage and rituals ceremony but it is
having very less demand and preparing ashirt needs proper training so only 10% respondents have
undergone muga shirt making training and they are preparing on order generation.
Market Survey & Value Chain Assessment- Handloom & Textile Sector
Cluster Balipara & Sakomatha

Selling Price of Eri handloom products from Sonitpur(Biswanath) Clusters
3848 3868
4000 3410
3200 3069 3051
3500
3000
2500
2000
1500
1000
500
0
Sawl Men Sawl Female Mekhala
(Rs/Unit) (Rs/Unit) (Rs/Unit)
Balipara (Eri) Sakomatha (Eri)
60
In Graph H&T/12 Shows Eri Products and Avg. Selling price from Balipara & Sakomatha cluster
It has been observed that altogether 50% weavers in Sonitpur district buy Eri yarn from Local Seller
( Sanjib Saha). Remaining 50% weavers in Sonitpur district do production of Eri yarn themselves. In
Balipara Block 73% weavers do not get adequate supply of yarn as and when required. They are in urgent
need of yarn bank in their Cluster.
During the study weavers were asked about various sources of demand and market price for Eri and
Muga products. It has been found that in Sonitpur district majority of the weavers get information about
demand and market price from local market in Tezpur. A significant number of weavers get market
demand information from Arunachal. They receive design sample from Arunachal. Weavers also do
customization according to the buyers of Arunachal. Weavers of Sangaigaon fully depend on weaving for
livelihood. There are 80 households in Sangaigaon and they belong to SC Community. Weavers of Rajpur
village ( Bodo community mostly) mainly sales in Rajgarh market. This is a weekly market, operates only
on saturday between 4 AM to 7 AM. Customer base is only Arunachal Pradesh for this market. During the
study datasheets were also administered to some traders and collectors to understand the market
scenario. It was found that for Eri mekhela, chadar sawl etc. average sales margin is around 15% to 20%.
We identified Paban Bora, a master trainer as a significant stakeholder in the value chain.
Lakhimpur Cluster
Selling Price of Muga handloom products from

Dhakuakhana Cluster(Lakhimpur)
16000 14313
14000
12000
10000
Dhakuakhana(Muga)
8000
5000 5309 4847 4847
6000 4610
4000 2538
2000
0
Fabric Mekhala Chadar Mekhala Riha Gamocha Shirt(Rs/
(Rs/ (Rs/Unit) (Rs/Unit) Chadar (Rs/Unit) (Rs/Unit) Unit)
Sq.m) (Rs/Unit)
In Graph H&T/13 Shows Muga Products and Avg. Selling price from Dhakuakhana cluster
During the study weavers were asked about various sources of demand and market price for Eri and
Muga products. It has been found that in Lakhimpur district majority of the weavers get information
about demand and market price from local market in Boginodi, Dhalpur, Lakhimpur and Narayanpur.
Some weavers mentioned about a specialty market created by Nogaon Ramanujan College. A significant
number of weavers of Lakhimpur district get market information from Arunachal; mostly for Eri chadar,
Eri mekhela chadar and Eri sawl. During the study datasheets were also administered to some traders and
collectors to understand the market scenario. It was found that for Eri mekhela, chadar sawl etc. average
sales margin is around 20%. Sales margin for Muga products is around 20% to 25%. Some important
stakeholders identified in the marketing side of the value chain are AnurupaBuragohain – Entrepreneur
and Minu Borah – Entrepreneur.
61
Skill Mapping & Gap analysis in Handloom & Textile Sector
Entity Role Expected Competencies Skill Gap
Handloom Produce Understanding of weaving process Lack of creative designs
Weavers quality according to the specified length and
handloom breadth requirement
products
Knowledge of fitting the yarn in the Minimal understanding of customer demands
loom for the weaving to begin (Loom
set up)
Ability to use the woven fabric to make Minimal access to market information
a variety of items such as traditional
dresses, bags, cushion cover, napkins,
modern dresses, masks, etc.
Ability to use various ancillary Lack quality finishing of the products
equipment & machineries
Lack of skill for using various equipment &
machineries
Limited knowledge on Fly shuttle & semi-
automatic Looms
Source: FIG Focus Group Discussion at Dhakuakhana,Sakomatha & Balipara
The data of Market Survey and Value Chain development has some limitation
 Time and resource limitation- Weavers stays in far fling areas so one has to move early and no availability
of frequent public transport in the village area.
 Covid-19 restriction has already limited face to face interaction in the village level which has now got
relaxed but our ice breaking time was covid -19 restriction.
 All stakeholders of Market are unorganized so it’s very difficult to meet them and avail time for interaction
 Since it is a govt funded project the stakeholders like Local vendors and middle level vendors were not
willing to give full details as they migh be thinking this products and prices might also attract GST.
62
Chapter IV Discussion
Existing Skills: During the assessment, it was evident that all the farmer members have adequate
knowledge about traditional system of farming, fishery, sericulture & Handloom Textile as that is
what is being practiced since generations.
Some of the common traditional techniques followed by farmers include:
 Haphazard planting of rice seedlings: In most cases, farmers tend to go for transplanting
rice seedlings without maintaining any specific spacing between raw to raw or plant to
plant. Simple techniques like planting in lines are not followed as farmers find the process
time consuming. This make intercultural operation difficult towards later part of the crop
growth as possibilities of using mechanical weeding like paddy weeder is significantly
reduced due to haphazard planting. Further, numbers of seedlings per hill are also
comparatively kept higher, which affects plant growth and yield.
 Seed Broadcasting in Mustard: Mustard is not considered to be a crop that needs line
sowing; farmers opt for random hand broadcasting of the crop, which causes a non-
uniform spread of the crop, thereby causing problems in weeding apart from affecting
crop growth. Traditional technique of sowing depends solely on the individual farmer
who is broadcasting the seeds and thus can have multiple distribution pattern (Lighter
spread in one area and denser crop in another) within the same field depending on who
has done it.
 Fertilizer Application without soil testing: While farmers go for fertilizer application in
field crops religiously, the same is comparatively a newly acquired technique for fisheries. But,
both the sectors are crippled with same attitude and that is fertilizer is applied without testing
the soil. Thus, the actual nutrient requirement is not known, which may lead to over or under
application of fertilizers. Lack of awareness on the scientific need of soil testing as well as
unavailability of soil testing facilities in appropriate place and time is the major cause of this.
Farmers prefer their own rate and dose of fertilizers which is governed by cost, availability and
peer influence. Individual expertise on traditional techniques play a significant role in such cases,
which can impact production/ post-harvest fate of crops/commodities. Further, most of the
time, rather than following a scientific approach towards various farm activities, farmers tend to
be influenced by ‘peer group actions’ or ‘what is going on around’ and thus requirement based
farming practices are absent, often leading to more cost of cultivation. For example application
of fertilizers without soil testing may lead to application of more fertilizer than the actual
requirement, which means cost of cultivation goes up along with wastage of nutrients. Similarly
broadcasting or haphazard transplanting increases time needed for weeding thereby increasing
labour cost. During the survey, it was observed that only a handful of members have received
trainings on modern methods and techniques. FPC wise, only Mandia agriculture FPC have 8
numbers of individuals out of 54 who have received training on Potato cultivation. This training
was conducted by some private agencies who are handling the contract farming actions. For
other FPCs, very persons have attended trainings imparted by state line
departments/NGOs/APART. Absence of training as well as lack of retention and application of
techniques learnt in trainings is also evident in farmers engaged across all sector.
63
Skill Gaps and Demands:
1. Agriculture: Considering the types of crops being targeted by the FPCs, the major
skill gap include lack of knowledge on modern cultivation techniques. For example, in
Paddy, farmers go for transplanted Kharif rice; but no farmer have applied simple
technique like uniform spacing while transplanting, which simplifies future inter
culture operations in the crop, thereby reducing drudgery. Considering the need of
creating a market oriented production system for business and profit maximization,
the following skill gaps need to be addressed in general for the FPCs targeting
agriculture and horticulture sector:
i. Varietal Selection: Paddy, although being a major crop, has very less profit potential in
current condition. One of the major reason for the same is farmers do not opt varieties
that has high market demand or are high value premium rice varieties. Local premium
rice varieties like Joha, Bora, Bao, Black rice does have high demand; but lack of
information on the market demand has made farmers to adhere to low cost easily
available and random varieties naming it “traditional variety” in general. Exposure to
improved cultivation practices may help farmers to overcome this barrier, thus enlarging
the niche market for their produce.
Further, seed sourcing is another area which needs to be addressed. Major seed sources
include – farmer’s self-retained seeds, seeds from fellow farmers as well as random
varieties available in the market across the locality. In some cases, for e.g. in crops like
potato and maize, specific private agency given seeds are grown as farmers are now a
days opting for contract farming. Apart from that, high yielding varieties or locally
developed high yielding varieties are not grown by farmers due to various reasons
including high cost and low availability, which is a major hindrance to the profitability.
Another significant aspect related to low seed replacement rate, which is an area
requiring sensitization.
ii. Modern Techniques of Cultivation: Be it rice, mustard, potato or any such horticulture or
field crops, modern cultivation techniques are yet to gain popularity among majority of
the farmers. For example, SRI is a technique that increases rice productivity and reduced
duration of the crop significantly, thereby enabling farmers to go for double or triple
cropping in a year. But, this technique is yet to be adopted in farmer’s field in a large
scale. Similarly, raised bed vegetable cultivation, improved technologies of potato
cultivation, soil test based fertilizer application, use of paddy weeder, minimal post-
harvest processing techniques in horticultural crops are some skills that are highly
required among the farmers considering the market aspects. On the other hand, for
certain crops, e.g. Joha or Bora rice, knowing the scientific rationale behind growing
organic crops as well as the low cost indigenous techniques for organic cultivation can
help the farmers to catch a global market. Absence of scientific knowledge about post-
harvest processing like drying up to certain moisture content, adequate storage
techniques and facilities are some of the gaps that reduces the value of the commodity
after harvest as well as storage life of the crop/commodities. Further, mechanization and
knowledge about using/maintaining different machineries is another sector that needs
immediate attention considering the FPCs target.
64
iii. Market and Business Related skill: Most of farmers though know about sales and
purchase, precise skills on market strategy development, product development and
business planning are yet absent among the farmer groups. In fact, basic record keeping
on various aspects of production, market and business is a significant skill gap, which
needs to be addressed to increase self-dependency of the farmers. This applies for all the
sectors- agriculture, horticulture, fishery, sericulture and textile sector etc. Market study
and learning to develop adequate business and market plan will help the FPCs to
strategize their production and sale so as to maximise benefits.
iv. E-marketing Marketing Intelligence, Rural Haat Village Mandi ,NCML e-trading
platforms: Considering the changing ecosystem of agri-business, it is important that
newer concepts like E- marketing, market intelligence, market training &exposures,
RuralHaat Development, Mandi development, Gem portal etc. are the need of the hpur
for the FIG/FPCs to compete in a larger field thereby increasing the chances of business
development. These being economics and business related aspects, higher emphasis
needs to be given on that. Because, in most cases from various parts of the state, farmers
find it difficult to sell their produce at right rate and right quantities, which demotivates
the farmers of the locality. So, FPC/FIG groups will require exposure to such concepts if
the issues of market and sale are needed to be solved.
2. Fishery: Though commercial fishery is prevalent among the farmer members of the
FPCs, survey details indicate non-availability of good feedstock as a major challenge
for the farmers. So, developing skills to produce their own feed can benefit these
farmers in multiple ways. Further, fish seed stock production techniques are not
known by farmers and hence they have to depend on outside sources. This, in fact, is
one of the major bottlenecks of the fishery industry in the state. As choice of varieties
or species is limited, it limits their potential. Trainings targeted to impart the skills of
fish seed stock productions can benefit these FPCs in catching the market as well as
in creating their own source of fish seed.
Another significant aspect of fishery farmers are that, though now a day, they apply
fertilizers in fishery, scientific practice is generally not followed. Cleaning of fisheries,
application of fertilizers only after testing of fishery soil etc. are not followed. Further,
unscientific rearing practices followed through ‘peer group influence’ also impacts the
quality of the produce, thus limiting it’s potential to reach larger markets. These gaps in
skills and production practices need to be addressed immediately for effective FPC
actions.
On the other hand, as mentioned in the section above, another sector laden with skill
gaps is marketing and business. Starting from scientific farm records keeping till
developing business strategy and market plan, FPC members will need assistance in
developing their concerned skills considering the scale of production and business
targeted as per the project objectives. Enabling farmers to look beyond their current
targets and objectives is important and that skill gap needs to be taken care of.
Recommendation for Value Chain Development in Fishery Sector
 Fish processing for Value Addition and better price realisation

 Flake ice manufacturing unit to FPCs for storage when the harvest is high and inflow in
market is peak.
65
 Live fish transportation support to FPCs so that it can be sold in some good attractive
market
 Market support: Development/ reconstruction of already existing fish markets/seed
markets linked to fish and fish seed clusters
 Training of wholesalers, retailers and aggregators, panchayat representatives: Capacity
building on post-harvest management is very important to maintain quality of fish till it is
sold in the retail market. Each value chain player right from fish harvest generally
arranged by aggregators and transported by him to markets, and subsequently handled
by wholesalers and retailers require minimum training on post-harvest handling of fish.
 Improvement of price discovery methods: The present system of pricing is not very
effective as farmers actually remain in dark about what price they may get after sending
the fish to the market. Sometimes it so happens that heavy loss is incurred by the farmers
due to sudden excess market landings as there is no effective system of communication
or harvesting schedule amongst the producers. Android based apps for better price
discovery and realisation with support of IIT Guwahati
 Post Harvest Fisheries Management:Fish is a highly perishable commodity. To develop
cold chain, the project can extend technical and financial support to the FPCs to maintain
quality of fish during transportation to distant markets by providing one mobile flake ice
manufacturing unit to each CSC. The unit will be run and managed by the FPC themselves
for which the selected members will be adequately trained.
 Establishment of seed multiplication centres for quality seed production
 Establishment of hatcheries with improved Brood Stock management programme for
production of high yielding carps
 Value chain development through Collective entrepreneurial spirit covering:
3. Silk Value Chain: In our context, the silk value chain is not limited to the rearing and
production of silk alone; rather it also encompass making of various silk based
attires/clothing items/other items. The silk worm rearing sector is still largely
traditional, with almost all farmers following techniques learnt from their older
generations and hence needs scientific improvisation of techniques. Scarcity of
disease free laying (DFL), pest and disease attack, climate and pollution sensitivity,
scarcity of host plants are some major issues of the sector. On the other hand, the
post-harvest value chain components including textile/clothing are crippled by
presence of duplicate products. Standardization, quality assurance, e-market, digital
marketing are some of the areas, where strengthening is needed to cater to the larger
market. Further, it is equally important to modify the production ecosystem with
more improved techniques as well as product diversification.
Skill and Value Chain Gap Analysis -Sericulture Sector
Rankin Pre-cocoon problems faced by Ranking Skill related problems faced by the
g the respondents
respondents in pre-cocoon
technology
1 Lack of sufficient and good quality 1 Lack of self confidence in learning
DFL (Disease free new things
layings)at subsidised price
66
2 Lack of capital for seed 2 Lack of formal education to capture
procurement the new technics easily
3 Lack of sufficient availability of 3 Lack of Time being a
host women,mother have household
plants for rearing activity entire day
4 Impact of environmental pollution 4 Lack of expertise in managing
professional & personal timing of
work
5 Incidence of pests and predators 5 Lack of communication with the
in fellow farmers to get information
silkworm on new order, new design in
market,buyers suppliers etc.
6 Incidence of disease in host 6 Lack of Capital for higher
plants investment
7 Incidence of disease in
silkworm
Rankin Land utilization problems faced Ranking Marketing problems faced by the
g by the respondents respondents
1 Lack of suffient own land for 1 Lack of marketing facilities
higher rearing
2 Lack of land utilization 2 Fluctuation of price
knowledge
3 Lease of the host plant land area 3 Lack of marketing information
for rearing
4 Lack of knowledge about proper
techniques of marketing
5 Involvement of Middleman

Rankin Transportation problems faced Ranking Institutional problems faced by
g by the respondents the respondents
1 Poor condition of road 1 Lack of training from experts
2 Non availability of own 2 Lack of co-ordination
vehicle for supply chain among farmers
3 High cost of hiring vehicle is very 3 Lack of Buyers-Sellers meet or any
high not fit with the margin such initiative
Lack of Govt dept having limited
manpower in this sector.
Rankin Problems faced by the
g respondents related to post-
cocoon technology
1 Stifling and storage of cocoons
2 Lack of availability of reeling and
spinning machinery
3 Lack of availability of proper
space
for post cocoon operations
Source –D4 Focus Group Discussion with FIG Leaders of all 3 clusters
67
Skill Gap Analysis is Silk Value Chain ;Handloom & Textile Sector
Entity Role Expected Competencies Skill Gap
Handloom Produce quality Understanding of weaving Lack of creative designs

Weavers handloom process
products according to the specified
length and
breadth requirement
Knowledge of fitting the Minimal understanding of
yarn in the loom for the customer demands
weaving to begin (Loom
set up)
Ability to use the woven Minimal access to market
fabric to make a variety of information
items such as traditional
dresses, bags, cushion
cover, napkins, modern
dresses, masks, etc.
Ability to use various Lack quality finishing of
ancillary equipment & the products
machineries
Lack of skill for using
various equipment &
machineries
Limited knowledge on Fly

shuttle & semi- automatic
Looms
Organisational and Managerial Skills: A road way to Sustainability

A major aspect of FPC or FIGs is sustainability. Many a times, internal conflicts, non-cooperation
or non-compliance to the fixed set of rules even by one of the farmer group member may lead to
dilution of the intended objectives of the FPC, thereby putting a barrier in to its sustainability.
Considering this, FPC members will need counselling or capacity building on different
organisational and managerial skills. This skills or issues include maintenance of attendance,
account related transparency, accountable and cohesive behaviour, regular internal auditing,
systematic record keeping, quality management etc. Such capacity building or skill development
initiatives will help the farmers to understand their personal and collective styles of managing
themselves and will also support them improving their planning, implementation and monitoring
skills, thereby leading to the sustainability of the enterprise. Leadership quality development,
68
digital literacy, understanding government schemes and most importantly understanding their
own rights as farmers or government beneficiaries are some other aspects, where skill
development can impact the performance and sustainability of the organisation in the long run.
For examples, Indian Institute of Entrepreneurs offers diploma courses on business
management, where one or two representatives from FIGs can be enrolled through bilateral
cooperation. Similarly, trainings can be conducted in association with KVKs or AAU to impart
business skills among FIG members.
Key Learning’s from Skill Gap Analysis:

During the course of the skill gap analysis reporting, it has become evident that most of
the FIG/FPC members follow traditional techniques of cultivation, horticulture, fishery and
sericulture. Skill improvement will be needed for each of these FIGs with respect to production
and marketing sector and that has been echoed by the farmers.
Climate change adaptation is another major area that demands sensitization of farmers,
which will help augmenting their resilience to the risks and threats posed by global climate crisis.
On the other hand, it is also important to consider the most significant issues for the
farmers while imparting any training from the implementing agency. As the survey suggested
that though some farmers have taken trainings, use of knowledge and skills imparted in training
in their own crop field is very rare. This can be overcome by incorporating hands on practices
during the training programme as well as collecting the feedbacks on what they need for their
crop.
It was also observed that to enhance sustainability of the organised efforts, multiple
members of the FIG/FPCs need to be trained on organisational and managerial skills, so that
leadership quality is developed. The major task is to make almost all members learn basic skills
of entrepreneurship, cooperative community actions and basic financial responsibilities, so that
every member can lead the group to operate successfully whenever any crisis develops.
***************
Annexure-1
D4 Component Questionnaires for all 3 Sectors
1. Agriculture & Horticulture Sector
2. Fishery Sector
3. Sericulture & Handloom-Textile Sector
69
Assam Agribusiness and Rural Transformation Project
(APART)
D4 Component: Skill Assessment and Market Survey /

Value Chain Assessment
Questionnaires Sector- Agri-Hort
Establishment of Common Service Centres (CSCs) through

formation of Farmer Producer Organizations/Companies
(FPOs/FPCs) for Zone-I
INTERNATIONAL COMPETENCE CENTRE FOR ORGANIC AGRICULTURE

(ICCOA),
Head Office: # 294/22, 7th Cross Road, 1st Block, Jayanagar, Bengaluru – 560 011.
Phone: 080-26561151, 26561152 Telefax: 080-26561154, Email: info@iccoa.org
Website: www.iccoa.org
State Office: H/No- JW/2, Juripar Path, Panjabari Road

Sixmile, Guwahati-781037, Assam
Questionnaires for Farmer’s of Farmer’s Interest Group

(FIGs’)-Agri-Hort Sector
70
A. Basic & General Information
i.District________________________________ ii.Block__________________________________
iii.Farmer’s Name: ________________________________
iv.You are associated with FIG/FPG/SHG/Another Group_________________
v.Name of FIG/FPG_______________________Location:_________________
vi Social Details (Please tick (✔) on the appropriate box
a) Age Group:Below 15 years ☐ b) 16 to 25 years ☐ c) 25 to 35 years ☐ d) 35 to 45 years
☐ e) Above 45 years ☐
b) Gender: a) Male ☐ b) Female ☐
c) Marital Status: a) Married ☐ b) Unmarried ☐
d) Educational Qualification: a) No formal Education ☐ b) Primary School ☐ c) Middle
School ☐ d) Up to High School ☐ e) Up to Higher secondary ☐ f) Graduation ☐
e) Total number of Family members: _______________________
f) Your preference of this occupation: a) Primary ☐ b) Secondary ☐
g) For how long you have been working in this sector:
a) Less than 1 year ☐ b) 1 to 5 years ☐ c) 6 to 10 years ☐ d) 11 to 15 years ☐ e) More
than 15 years ☐
B. Skill Assessment
i. Primary crop grown by Farmer in your FIG/Cluster _________________________
ii. Availability of Seed material____________ and Rate per unit________
iii. Planting Season Rabi/Kharif/Summer_______________
iv. Methods of Planting_________________________ Spacing_____________
v. How do you Ensuring quality of Planting material__________________________
vi. Farming is done Traditionally or Trained by any agency
Details of Training Taken Duration Topic Coverage Agency
vii. Intercultural Operations in Primary crops

a. Manuring and Fertilisers used _____________________
b. Methods & Dose of Application ____________________
c. Weeding and Soil Workings________________________
d. Irrigation Practices Type____________ & No. Of Times)_________
e. Pest and Disease Management: Chemical/Cultural/Mix
f. Secondary Crops grown by Farmer-
Crop Name Seeds Source & Seed Purchase Yield Selling Price
Rate(kg/Bigha) Price kg/Bigha Rs/Kg
(Rs/Kg)
71
C. Market Survey
1. Selling Price of Primary Crop produce Rs/kg____________________________
2. Market Price of Primary Crop produce Rs/Kg___________________________
3. Yield of Primary Crop Produce
Yield Production Own Consumption Marketable

Surplus
4. Market Infrastructure Availability and Accessibility

i. Distance from the Market(Kms)________________________
Ii.Connection with Local Vendor__________________________
iii. Market Surplus sold to local vendor Qty in Kg_______________________________
iv. Facilities given by local traders (Finance/Seed/Fertiliser/Others)
a._______________________________________
b._______________________________________
c._______________________________________
v. Transportation Facility availed by vendor and Rate of Transportation
vi. Price offered by Vendor
a. MSP (Rs.) b. Market Rate (Rs.) c. Above MSP(Rs.) d. Below MSP e. Others________
vii. Any form of Malpractices or Price Difference observed while selling produce
a. Weight Difference b. Deductions c. Standard Quality Parameter
5.Annual Income generated from your Farming Practices per Bigha Land
Year Income in Rs Expenditure Savings

2020(A
)
2021(A
)
2022(E)
D. Value Chain Assessment

1. What is the Purpose of undertaking cultivation as Primary Crop__________
_____________________________________________________________
2. What are the primary processing undertaken by you for the primary crop
72
Crop Processing Frequency Rate additional
3. Existing facility available for Primary processing in your cluster
Name Duration Capacity Rate/Unit
4. Do you have any agreement for buy back with any buyers party
Contractor Area/Quantity Duration
5. Availability of Agri-Insfrastructrure like Warehouse, cold storage, Godowns, Market etc.
Facility Quantity of Sale(Kg) Storage Season Remarks
6.Have you undergone any Training for Primary Processing till date
Name of Training Duration of Training Topics Converged
Observation of the Enumerator
73
(APART)
D4 Component:Skill Assessment and Market Survey /

Questionnaires Sector- Fishery


(ICCOA),
Head Office: # 294/22, 7 Cross Road, 1st Block, Jayanagar, Bengaluru – 560 011.
th


Questionnaires for Farmer’s of Farmer’s Interest Group
74
(FIGs’)-Fishery Sector
Basic & General Information
iii.Name: ________________________________
iv.You are associated with CFC/ SHG/WORKSHOP/COMPANY/ OTHER/ INDIVIDUAL
v.Name of CFC/ SHG/WORKSHOP/COMPANY
_______________________Location:____________________________
h) Age Group:Below 15 years ☐ b) 16 to 25 years ☐ c) 25 to 35 years ☐ d) 35 to 45 years
i) Gender: a) Male ☐ b) Female ☐
j) Marital Status: a) Married ☐ b) Unmarried ☐
k) Educational Qualification: a) No formal Education ☐ b) Primary School ☐ c) Middle
l) Total number of Family members: _______________________
m) Your preference of this occupation: a) Primary ☐ b) Secondary ☐
n) For how long you have been working in this sector:
b) Less than 1 year ☐ b) 1 to 5 years ☐ c) 6 to 10 years ☐ d) 11 to 15 years ☐ e) More
than 15 years ☐
E. Skill Assessment
1. Are you a Traditional Fishermen or Trained Fishermen
Details of Training Year Duration Agency
2. Enlist the top 3 Fish Variety Cultivated by you in Last 2 years and plan for 2022
Variety Seasonal/ Seed Qty Seed Qty Seed Qty

Regular 2020 (kg) 2021(kg) 2022(kg)
1.
2.
3.
3. Enlist the Sources of top 3 Variety Seed Sources & Details
Variety & Size Source of Seed Price/Unit Agency name/no.
75
1.
2.
3.
4. Feeding of Fishes per season per Bigha
Nature of Feed Dose/Month Recommended Duration in Feed Cost

Dose/Month Months Rate/Unit
1.
2.
3.
5. What kind of Good Pond Management Practices you follow in your ponds
Activity Management
1. Manuring
2. Chemicals & Fertilisers
3. Cleaning followed by
Liming
4. Water Quality Testing
5.Fingerling Disease
Diagnosis
6.Outlet for Drainage during
Flooded condition
7.Seperate hatchery for
1.Spawns
2.Fry
3.Fingerlings
5. Good Pond Management Practices knowledge is received from

1. ITK & Family Head 2.Govt. Dept Advice 3.NGOs Working
4.KVK/Other Institutions 5.TV News/Krishidarshan/YouTube Videos 6.Peer
Leaders
B. Market Survey
1. Fish Production/Harvesting & Selling Details
Variety Annual Selling Price Annual Selling Price

Production Qty Per kg Production Qty Per kg
2020 (kg) 2021 (kg)
1.
76
2.
3.
2. Marketing Channel & Market Infrastructure
Variety Market Channel Infrastructure

Available
1.
2.
3.
4. Market Infrastructure Availability and Accessibility

i. Distance from the Market____________________________________
ii. Connection with Local Vendor_________________________________
iii. Market Surplus sold to local vendor____________________________
iv. Facilities given by local traders
a._______________________________________
b._______________________________________
V.Transportation Facility availed by vendor and Rate of Transportation
1. Dist HQ Rate 2. Block HQ Rate 3. Local Mandi Rate 4. State HQ Mandi Rate
vii.Any form of Malpractices or Price Difference observed while selling produce

b. Weight Difference b. Deductions c. Standard Quality Parameter
5. Source of Market Intelligence Report

1.Peer leaders 2. Local Vendors 3. Local Market 4. TV/Mobile News 5. Other sources
6. Annual Income generated from your Culture/Practices per Bigha Pond
Year Income in Rs Expenditure Savings

2020(A
)
2021(A
)
2022(E)
7. Challanges Faced by Fishermen in the present situation
Heading Challenges (Yes/No) If Yes What

1.Seed Stock
2.Feed Stock
77
3.Harvesting Stock
4.Storage
5.Marketing
6.Finance
7.Repayment of
Loan
8. Do you keep all records for your Calculation?
1.Daily 2. Fortnightly 3.Monthly
4. Quarterly 5. Seasonally 6.Anually 7.Never
F. Value Chain Assessment
5. What is the Purpose of undertaking Fish Cultivation as Primary Crop
a.___________________________________________
b.___________________________________________
c.___________________________________________
6. What are the primary processing undertaken by you as per consumer choice
a.___________________________________________
b.___________________________________________
c.___________________________________________
3. What is the Harvesting Arrangement Made by you
a. By Engaging Local Fishermen b. Fishermen Group through Contract
c.By Aggregator on contract basis d. By Buyers own arrangement e. Other______________
5. Availability of Fish-Infrastructure like Warehouse, cold storage, Godowns,Market etc.
Facility Quantity of Sale Duration of Sale Remarks
6. Have you undergone any Training for Primary Processing till date
6. Are you interested in investing on hatchery as a good business for future, if Yes that what
are the challenges faced by you in keeping hatchery
78
a. Time consumption b. Skill Set c. Finance
d. Risk of Pest & Disease e. Not-Economical due to lack of market demand

7. What are the major challenges faced by you in participating in Fish Value Chain
1.Consumer demand changing 2.High Inflation 3. Covid-19 Crisis
4.High Cost of Transportation 5.Few Players in Market 6. Unorganised Market
Local Enumerator Observation_______________________________________________
79
(APART)
D4 Component: Skill Assessment and Market Survey /

Questionnaires Sector- Sericulture & Handloom Sector


(ICCOA),
Head Office: # 294/22, 7th Cross Road, 1st Block, Jayanagar, Bengaluru – 560 011.

80
A. Basic & General Information
iii.Name: ________________________________
iv.You are associated with FIG/SHG/Any other Group___________________________
v.Name of FIG/ SHG/FPCs______________Location:____________________________
o) Age Group:Below 15 years ☐ b) 16 to 25 years ☐ c) 25 to 35 years ☐ d) 35 to 45 years
p) Gender: a) Male ☐ b) Female ☐
q) Marital Status: a) Married ☐ b) Unmarried ☐
r) Educational Qualification: a) No formal Education ☐ b) Primary School ☐ c) Middle
s) Total number of Family members: _______________________
t) Your preference of this occupation: a) Primary ☐ b) Secondary ☐
u) For how long you have been working in this sector:
c) Less than 1 year ☐ b) 1 to 5 years ☐ c) 6 to 10 years ☐ d) 11 to 15 years ☐ e) More
than 15 years ☐
G. Skill Assessment
1. Since how long you have been associated with the Silk Value Chain_______Years.
2. Which part of Value Chain you have been associated with
i. Host Plant Cultivation & Rearers ii. Rearers of Seed Cocoon & DFLs
iii. DFL Rearers & Cocoon spinners/reelers iv. Weavers of Fabric v. Others
3. Are you a Traditional Workmen for silk Value Chain or a Trained person
Details of Training Year Duration Agency
6. Enlist the activity on Silk Value Chain you in Last 2 years and plan for 2022
Activity Units Year 2020 Year 2021 Year 2022

1.Host Plant Plantation
2.DFLs
3.Seed Cocoons rearing

4.Cut Cocoon Spinning
81
5.Production of Yarn
6.Weaving for making it a
fabric
2. Enlist the Sources of Feeding Material to Silks
Species & Year of Area in Bigha Production/Annum Self Consumption Surplus for
Planting Qty (Kg) Supply to
others Qty(Kg)
1.
2.
3.
3.How do you purchase DFLs for Participation in Silk Value Chain
Source of DFLs Units of DFLs No of DFLs used Supplier Grainage

per season District & Availability
State of Source
suppliers
1.
2.
3.
7. What kind of Good Silk Worm Management Practices you follow in your practices
Activity Management
7. Host Plant( Manuring
Chemicals & Fertilisers)
8. Weeding cum Soil
Works
9. Training & Pruning of
Host Plant
10. Sanitising Rearing
House
11. Purchase of DFLs from
right sources.
12. Right selection of Seed
Cocoon.
13. Keeping Hygiene of
Seed Grainage (if
available)
14. Good Silk Value Chain Management Practices knowledge is received from
82
3. ITK & Family Head 2.Govt. Dept Advice 3.NGOs Working
4.KVK/Other Institutions 5.TV News/Krishidarshan/YouTube Videos 6.Peer
Leaders
C. Market Survey
15. Output marketing of Produce (Rs/Unit)
2020 2021
Name of the Product Eri Muga Eri Muga
1.DFLs
2.Pupa
3.Cut-Cocoon/Reeling
Cocoon
3.Seed Cocoon
4.Yarn
5.Fabrics
16. Availing any training, if yes-
Name of training Duration of training Training Organized by
1.
2.
3.
4.Market Infrastructure Availability and Accessibility

i. Distance from the Market
ii. Connection with Local Vendor
iii. Market Surplus sold to local vendor
iv. Facilities given by local traders
a._______________________________________
b._______________________________________
c._______________________________________
v.Transportation Facility availed by vendor and Rate of Transportation
2. Dist HQ Rate 2. Block HQ Rate 3. Local Mandi Rate 4. State HQ Mandi Rate
vii.Any form of Malpractices or Price Difference observed while selling produce

c. Weight Difference b. Deductions c. Quality Parameter Varies with Actual
5. Source of Market Intelligence Report

1.Peer leaders 2. Local Vendors 3. Local Market 4. TV/Mobile News 5. Other sources
6. Annual Income generated from your Culture/Practices per Annum
Year Income in Rs Expenditure in terms of Man- Savings
83
hours (1 Mandays=8 hrs)
2020(A
)
2021(A
)
2022(E)
7. Challenges Faced by Silk Value Chain Practitioner in the present situation
Heading Challenges (Yes/No) If Yes What

1.DFLs Stock
2.Host Plant Stock
3.Harvesting Stock
4.Storage
5.Marketing
6.Finance
7.Repayment of
Loan
8. Do you keep all records for your Calculation
1.Daily 2. Fortnightly 3.Monthly
4. Quarterly 5. Seasonally 6.Anually 7.Never
I. Value Chain Assessment
9. What is the Purpose of undertaking Silk Value Chain as Primary Crop
a.___________________________________________
b.___________________________________________
c.___________________________________________
10. What are the primary processing undertaken by you as per consumer choice
a.___________________________________________
b.___________________________________________
c.___________________________________________
3. What is the Feeding of Worms Arrangement Made by you
For Eri
a. Female member of family b. Male member of Family c. Family labours Jointly
d.By Aggregator on contract basis e. By Buyers own arrangement e. Other______________
For Muga
a. By Engaging Local rearers b. Silk Farmers Group through Contract
c.By Aggregator on contract basis d. By Buyers own arrangement e. Other______________
84
5. Availability of Infrastructure like Seed Grainage, Nursery to Host Plant,Common Facility

Centre like Reeling or Spinning machines availability centre.
Facility Size and Machinery Time spends in Hours Remarks
6.Have you undergone any Training for Primary Processing till date
17. Are you interested in investing on Grainage as a good business for future, if Yes that
what are the challenges faced by you in keeping hatchery
b. Time consumption b. Skill Set c. Finance
d. Risk of Pest & Disease e. Not-Economical due to lack of market demand

7. What are the major challenges faced by you in participating in Silk Value Chain
1. Consumer demand changing 2.High Inflation 3. Covid-19 Crisis
4. High Cost of Transportation 5.Few Players in Market 6. Unorganised Market
Questionnaire for Weaver- Handloom & Textile Sector

District________________________________ Block_________________________________________
Name: ________________________________
85
You are associated with CFC/ SHG/WORKSHOP/COMPANY/ OTHER/ INDIVIDUAL
Name of CFC/ SHG/WORKSHOP/COMPANY _____________________________________
Location:____________________________ Age Group:
(Please tick (✔) on the appropriate box)

v) Below 15 years ☐ b) 16 to 25 years ☐ c) 25 to 35 years ☐ d) 35 to 45 years ☐ e) Above 45 years ☐
w) Gender: a) Male ☐ b) Female ☐
x) Marital Status: a) Married ☐ b) Unmarried ☐
y) Educational Qualification: a) No formal Education ☐ b) Primary School ☐ c) Middle School ☐ d) Up to High
School ☐ e) Up to Higher secondary ☐ f) Graduation ☐
z) Total number of Family members: _______________________
aa) Your preference of this occupation: a) Primary ☐ b) Secondary ☐
bb) For how long you have been working in the Handloom sector:
d) Less than 1 year ☐ b) 1 to 5 years ☐ c) 6 to 10 years ☐ d) 11 to 15 years ☐ e) More than 15 years ☐
e) What type of loom does you prefer to use?
i. Dobby ii.Jacquard iii.Traditional iv. Other ______________(name)
f) What are your difficulties in using the existing plant and machineries available with you (in your CFC/
SHG/ CO-OP/ WORKSHOP etc? __________________________________
g) Have you taken any loan so far? If yes give details: Who has taken?
Yourself/CFC/SHG/CO-OP/COMPANY (Please tick (✔) Amount_____________________
h) Have you received any government subsidy? Give details
Scheme/project______________________________Year__________________________
Amount_________________________________________
i) How much money have you got as an individual?
Amount________________________ Year______________ Amount_________________________Year______________
j) Sources of Yarn
ERI MUGA
Source Qty Amount(Rs.) Source Qty Amount(Rs.)
k) Production & Demand Information
Production Names of Source of Demand & Market Price

Total Fabric Qty. Sales(Rs.) Regional Local International Speciality
Only,ERI National Market
Mekhela
Chadar
Mekhela
Chadar
Complete set
Sari
Sawl
Others
DRESS OF ERI
Men’s Kurta
Women’s
Salwar
Shirt
Kids Ware
86
Others
l) Production from MUGA
Production Names of Source of Demand & Market Price

Total Fabric Qty. Sales(Rs.) Regional Local International Speciality
Only,MUGA National Market
Mekhela
Chadar
Mekhela
Chadar
Complete set
Sari
Sawl
Others
DRESS OF ERI
Men’s Kurta
Women’s
Salwar
Shirt
Kids Ware
Others
m) How can we improve the supply of yarn, dye and other input? Suggest your idea.
n) How can we bring design variety in the existing products? Suggest your idea
o) How can we go for more product diversification ? Suggest some possible areas of product
diversification
Any other observation by ENUMERATOR
87

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A Report on Skill Assessment and Market Survey/Value Chain

Assessment Under APART Project, Zone 1

25 Skill Mapping & Gap analysis in Handloom & Textile Sector 62

2 Sector-wise number of FIG 7

3 Summary of 42 FPC -Zone-1 as per District, Sector and Shareholders no 8

4 Gender wise distribution of shareholders in Zone-1 FPCs 9

5 Agro-Hort Sector Cluster wise Social Profile of Barpeta District 13

6 Agri-Horti Sector: District: Nalbari 14

11 Composite Fish Farming in 1 acre Pond 39

12 Market Survey Data for Fish Seed Supply Status 41

13 Depicts Social Profile of 50 Respondents on Silk Value Chain 43

14 Depicts the Sericulture Activity Quantitative Analysis 48

15 Depicts Social Profile of 50 Respondents on Handloom & Textile Value Chain 52

17 Handloom & Textile 56

1 Questionnaires for Agriculture & Horticulture Sector 71

2 Questionnaires for Fishery Sector 75

3 Questionnaires for Sericulture & Handloom-Textile Sector 81

v Livestock & fisheries (milk, fish),

B. Farmer Interest Group Formation and Handholding:

Table 2: Sector-wise number of FIG

Sl.no Sector/Dept No of FIG % Focus Commodity

The details of 42 FPCs are briefly given below-

Table-3 Source :Service Provider Data Base updated on 30.7.2022

No of Sum of % of Sum of % of Sum of Total

6 Barpeta 1892 73% 706 27% 2598

Awareness meeting with Stakeholders before starting of D4 Survey questionnaire

B. Approach and Methodology:

Target FPC of Agri-Hort No of Focus Commodity

Distribution of Focus Commodity in Clusters

Barpeta;Agro-Hort,Social Profile Barpeta,Agro-Hort Technical Analysis

Graph A/1 Graph A/2

Avg Age Avg.

Graph A/3 Graph A/4

Barkhetri Maize Pub Nalbari Mustard Borigog BonbhaG Paddy

Mangaldoi- Pas Mangaldoi Sipajhar Mangaldoi Dalgaon Bechimari

No of Male No. of Female

Graph A/6 Social Profile of Darrang’s Agri Hort Sector

Darrang:Agri-Hort Sector Social Profile

Mangaldoi- Pas Mangaldoi Sipajhar Mangaldoi Dalgaon Bechimari

Self Saved Purchase Broadcasting Line Sowing

Lakhimpur;Agri-Hort Sector Respondents Age & Association

Avg Age Group Avg. Association Years

No of Male No. of Female

Photo-8 of Orientation of Dhakuakhana FIG of FPC Sericulture

Narayanpur Mustard Ghilamara Paddy Lakhimpur Potato Dhakuakhana Red Rice

Focus Avg Avg.

No of Male No. of Female

Avg Age Group Avg. Association Years

Sonitpur;Agro-Hort Technical Analysis

Broadcasting Line Sowing Self Saved Purchase

Focus Avg Avg.

Baghmara Chaiduar Sakomatha Behali Baghmara(Gingi Biswanath

No of Male No. of Female

Avg Age Avg. Association Years

Sonitpur(Biswanath) Technical Analysis

Baghmara Chaiduar Behali Baghmara(Gingi Biswanath Sakomatha

Broadcasting Line Sowing Self Saved Purchase

Skill Gap Analysis on Agriculture Sector

Crop No. of Existing Skill Required Skill

Post-harvest & Storage

Seed Quantity and Crop Duration

Post Harvest and Storage Manures & Fertilisers