Natural Resources of Asssam Essay Example

workforce of about 77% involved in agriculture, has only tapped into a small percentage (around 5-10%) of the potential plants and herbs available. This sector contributes approximately 40% to the state's GDP, utilizing around 40% of the total land for cultivation. Among Assam's unique products is the Assam Lemon, rich in Vitamin C (10 mg), as well as Vitamin B (0.02 mg) and Niacin (0.1) per 100 gm. The peel of this lemon variety contains about 0.8% extractable oil content, making it suitable for use in the cosmetic industry.

Hatkora, an exclusive export item from the citrus family, is used for tenderizing meat and enhancing flavor in culinary dishes. Assam is home to over 600 out of the 925 varieties of orchids available in India, with around 200 unique varieties found in the region, of which 60% are ornamental. Joha Rice, an aromatic rice grown in the region, has a quality comparable to popular aromatic rice worldwide. Bhut Jalakia, also known as Capsicum Chinensis Jacq., is the hottest chili on earth with a Scovelli Heat Unit (SHG) of 10,41,047. Additionally, the climate and general environment of Assam are well suited for sericulture.

The state cultivates traditional varieties of silk such as eri, muga, and mulberry. The local silk weaving industry uses muga silk, known for its fine sheen and golden color, which has led to the growth of the muga culture. It also provides opportunities in silk processing and spinning units. Moreover, the favorable agro-climatic conditions support the cultivation of various horticultural crops including plantation crops, fruits, vegetables, flowers, spices, medicinal and aromatic plants, nut crops and tuber crops.

The majority

of horticulture products in Assam are organic, with farmers relying on traditional organic farming methods and using minimal Chemical Fertilizers. Assam is renowned for its wide selection of Orchids, boasting over 600 different types, including 200 unique varieties. Out of these orchids, 60% possess ornamental characteristics. Furthermore, Assam showcases a diverse range of aromatic plants like Citronella (Cymbopogan flexuosus Steud Wats), Lemon Grass, Patchouli (Pogostemon cabiln Benth.), and Agar (Aquilaria agallocha Roxb.). Currently, most extracted oils from these plants are sold in their crude form. Additionally, Assam possesses abundant forest resources.

Assam, known for its significant forest cover accounting for approximately 25% of its land area, possesses reserved forests that benefit from ample rainfall. These forests serve as a reserve for valuable resources such as timber, bamboo, stone, and cane. Bamboo, recognized globally as the finest natural engineering material, holds great importance. The Government of Assam aims to promote bamboo as a substitute for wood and establish it as the primary timber choice in the 21st century.

The northeastern region of India where Assam is located holds 64% of India's bamboo growing stock and contributes to 20% of the world's supply. Annually, this region harvests bamboo worth 500 billion rupees. It is noteworthy that wood consumption in India is increasing at a rate of 10% each year.

As an alternative to wood, Assam possesses abundant mineral resources that can be widely utilized in construction, scaffolding, and furniture. These resources consist of Coal (320 Mn. T.), Limestone (703 Mn. T.), Iron Ore (11 Mn. T), Granite (1 Bn. Cu. Mtrs), as well as Fireclay, Lithomarge, Fuller's Earth, Sillimanite, and Glass Sand. However, the

coal in Assam contains high levels of sulphur and volatile matter which diminishes its cokeability. Conversely, limestone is another valuable resource with reserves of approximately 500 million tonnes accessible in various grades.

The Karbi-Anglong district has a valuable resource in the form of China clay, which is essential for the ceramics industry. This has led to the establishment of a few small plants. There are also abundant deposits of decorative stone such as granite, with an estimated volume of over one billion cubic meters, available in various shades and colors. These stones have a significant potential market both locally and internationally. There are several opportunities in the mineral industry, including Gasification & Liquefaction of Coal, De-Sulphurisation of Coal, Coal based Power Plant, Coal Bed Methane (CBM) Extraction, Exploration of Oil & Natural Gas, and HDPE / LLDPE / Polypropylene based industries. The overall focus is on energy, oil, and gas-based industries.Assam possesses approximately 1.3 billion tonnes of proven crude oil and 156 billion cu. mt of natural gas reserves, making it a significant contributor to India's crude output. Notably, the wells located at Digboi, Duliajan, Sivasagar, and other areas also contribute to around 50% of India's onshore natural gas production. The region boasts multiple refineries with varying capacities: Digboi Refinery (0.65 MMTPA), Guwahati Refinery (1.00 MMTPA), Numaligarh Refinery (3.00 MMTPA), and Bongaigaon Refinery & Petrochemicals Ltd. (2.5 MMTPA). Additionally, the Assam Gas Cracker Plant is under development, with an expected production capacity of 220,000 TPA for HDPE/LLDPE and 60,000 TPA for Polypropelene. Over the past four years, private sector/JV companies have made approximately 32 significant hydrocarbon discoveries in the region.

Assam also attracts tourists from various walks

of life due to its abundant natural beauty. From nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts to sightseers, ornithologists, and photographers, the region offers a diverse range of attractions including lush green forests, wildlife sanctuaries, pilgrimage spots, and tea gardens. Assam truly caters to the preferences of various types of tourists, from leisure seekers to adventure enthusiasts.

The tourism industry is expected to experience significant growth with the removal of the Restricted Area Permit (RAP). There are numerous opportunities in various sectors, including Accommodation Projects (such as Hotels, Motels, Lodges, and Resorts), Food Oriented Projects (including Restaurants, Cafeterias, and Wayside Amenities), and Service Oriented Projects (such as Travel Agencies, Tour Operators, and Training Institutes). Additionally, Ropeways and amusement parks have potential for development. Some of the state's popular tourist destinations consist of Kaziranga, Manas, Orang,
Sonai, Rupai,L aokhowa,Pobitora,and Dibru-Chaikhowa Wildlife Sanctuaries.

Scenic Beauty: Chandubi, Bhairabkunda, Daranga, Bhalukpung, Haflong.
Pilgrimage: Guwahati, Hajo, Majuli, Batadrawa.
Golf courses with air strips: Narengi, Borsola, East Boraoi and 21 others.
Manpower availability and skills: Assam has a large number of educational institutions. A significant portion of the population in the major towns, aged between 15 and 25, are computer literate.

Assam has several educational institutions, with a significant portion of its population having a literacy rate of 52.89%. The region's female literacy rate surpasses the national average at 43.3%. Assam is home to four universities and one agricultural university, as well as three medical colleges and one specializing in aquaculture. When it comes to technical education, the state boasts four engineering colleges, including the renowned Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), along with 23 vocational training institutes (ITI), eight polytechnics, and one

junior technical school. Nonetheless, there is an observable disparity between the national average and Assam's statistics for technical education. Consequently, initiatives are underway to bridge this gap and achieve the national average by the end of the IXth Plan.