Gross Agricultural Area Shows Slight Decline Since 2015-16
The gross agricultural land in Assam has marginally decreased over the past nine years, dropping from 35.09 lakh hectares in 2015-16 to 34.94 lakh hectares in 2024-25. Assam's Irrigation Minister Ashok Singhal revealed these figures during a reply to Independent MLA Akhil Gogoi's question in the state Assembly on Friday.
Net Agricultural Land Witnesses Marginal Rise
Despite the slight decline in gross agricultural area, the net agricultural land in Assam has increased slightly during this period. According to Minister Singhal, net agricultural land rose from 28.01 lakh hectares in 2015-16 to 28.62 lakh hectares in 2024-25, indicating modest growth in land utilization.
Substantial Increase in Irrigated Land Area
Highlighting a positive development, Minister Singhal pointed out a substantial rise in irrigated land in Assam. In 2015-16, net irrigated land stood at 3.25 lakh hectares, while gross irrigated land was 4.55 lakh hectares, representing approximately 11.60% of the total agricultural land in the state.
By 2024-25, these figures had dramatically improved. Net irrigated land reached 6.95 lakh hectares, and gross irrigated land expanded to 8.80 lakh hectares, accounting for 24.28% of Assam’s total agricultural area. This indicates that the state has significantly increased its irrigation capabilities and expanded agricultural productivity potential.
Data Sources Clarified
Minister Singhal mentioned that the data presented for the year 2015-16 was sourced from the Statistical Handbook of 2017 and the state's irrigation department. The latest figures for 2024-25 are derived from current departmental records.
The minister's statement provides a clear insight into Assam’s evolving agricultural landscape, emphasizing the progress made in irrigation despite a slight reduction in gross agricultural land.