Introduction

Assam is located in the north-eastern part of India with its capital at Dispur  situated at 240-280 N latitude and 890 50'-9704' E longitude. Located south of the eastern Himalayas, Assam comprises the Brahmaputra and the Barak river valleys and the Karbi Anglong and the North Cachar Hills with an area of 30,285 square miles (78,438 km²).Total population of Assam was 26.66 million with 4.91 million households according to 2001 census. Present population density in the state is 384/km2. The population grew by 107% against the national rate of 92.7% during the last three decades. The literacy rate according to 54th round of National Sample Survey (2001), has been 80% in Assam against the all India average of 60% which is an encourage factor. About 74% of population depends on agriculture and allied activities. The socio-economic condition of Assam largely depends on its agricultural production. Rice is the main food crop in Assam agriculture as it is the main diet in the state. More than 50 percent of the total population of the state is involved in agricultural activities.

 The proposed district Dhemaji is one of the most backward districts of Assam. It is one of the remotest district of India, at the eastern-most part of Assam. Agriculture and its allied sector is the main livelihood support system of the people of Dhemaji. About 59% of the working populations depend on agriculture related activities for their livelihood. Paddy is the major agricultural crop cultivated in 69290 ha (summer, autumn and winter paddy), constituting around 55% of the gross cropped area (2001-2002). Sali, Ahu and Boro are the three main varieties of rice commonly grown in Dhemaji. The major cropping systems are Sali rice followed by Ahu rice, rice followed by toria, rice followed by vegetables and rice-fallow. In addition, sugarcane and mustard are also grown in some places of the district. Pulses are mostly grown in alluvial flat lands on the riverbanks. The commonly grown pulses are Matimah (Phaseolus mango), Magumah (Phaseolus aureus), Arhar (Cajanus cajon), Masurmah (Pisum sativum).Fruits and vegetables are also cultivated on a moderate scale. But the numerous drainage systems originating from the hills of Arunachal Pradesh flow through this narrow valley ending at the mighty river Brahmaputra. In general the slope of the triangular district drops from northern and eastern corners towards south and western sides. After the confluence the three mighty rivers i.e. Dihing, Dibang and Lohit from their hilly course to the valley exert tremendous impact of peak runoff at the eastern most corner of Dhemaji district, making the district vulnerable to annual flooding.

The floods affect in storage and supply of seed and other essential input for agriculture and allied activities. Research and development efforts in regard to the problem like flood are being conducted like promotion of boro paddy which has shown a good impact. The area affected by flood where deposition of sand and silt is a major problem, the cultivation of boro paddy, pit cultivation of  vegetables and plantation of fruits result very good impact.

 On the other hand,Piggery, Dairy and Goatry are the major allied agricultural activities carried out in the district. Livestock and pisciculture are the alternate source of income for the economically backward communities of Dhemaji district. However, due to limited infrastructural support and manpower with the line departments, required services are not available to the communities at right time. There is also a great scope for high air breeding fish culture as well as double harvest of fish in the flood affected areas. Fish drying is another practice carried out during the monsoon season, mainly by the people living near the rivers.

Sericulture  plays a very vital role in the socio-economic development of the weaker section of the rural population especially during their off-agricultural season
Dhemaji district occupies a unique place in the production of the three different kinds of silks - Pat, Muga and Eri - which have a very high demand in the national and international markets. However due to lack of proper infrastructure and appropriate marketing facility this industry has not been exploited to its full potential.

Hence a multi disciplinary and multi-institutional action research program for livelihood security in district Dhemaji is apparently crucial. AFPRO has been working as Technical Support Institute selected by Ministry of Panchayati Raj to facilitate the district level planning for this district. By realizing the need to address the challenges due to flood in the Demaji district, AFPRO proposes to undertake a program under NAIP which will be community based technically oriented. The program will look forward for sustainable livelihood security with proper management of existing resources and effectively utilization of pre and post flood situation.