EMPIRICAL STUDY ON AGRO-BASED INDUSTRIAL ECONOMY OF DIMAPUR DISTRICT OF NAGALAND, INDIA.

In modern world, industrial economy is an important part of any developing state. The current study is based on understanding agro-based industry in Dimapur district of Nagaland. Nagaland state of India is hilly region, sparse population and primarily agricultural (horticulture) economy and having an infant industry sector. Dimapur district was purposively selected as it being the commercial capital of Nagaland with a sample of 20 agro-based units classified into five product based classifications viz., Manufacturing Food items, Food processing, Bakery items, Aromatic oils & Tea and FMCG based on farm inputs. The study identified 144 agro-based units out of about 600 industrial units in the district. More than 80% of the industries belonged to micro industry having capital expenditure at Rs. 6.85 lakhs and annual turnover of less than Rs. 50 lakhs. The estimated annual economy of agro-based units of the district was Rs. 60.35 crores and total direct employment was 1760 in 2015-16. Three quarters of units had registered their product and quality certification from different certifying agencies. It was observed that cluster based approach in town areas helped in accessing cheaper, sufficient and regular raw materials to getting finance. Also, Self Help Groups in rural and remote locations were identified for growth and development of agro-based industry of the state. However, multiple constraints affecting agro-industry were electricity, raw materials, poor roads and illegal tax system.