Jorhat
is one of the most culturally advanced districts of Assam and has the highest literacy
rate in the state. Important institutions like Assam Agricultural University, Regional
Research Laboratory, Tocklai Tea Research Institute, Jorhat Engineering College, etc. are
located in the district. The location of ONGC, OIL etc. adds many avenues for backward and
forward linkage. The district is centrally located and can feed markets in all parts of
the State.
Agriculture
is the most important primary activity in the
district. Rice is the major crop grown in the district.
Tea
is the single major plantation crop grown commercially on large scale. There are 91 big
Tea Gardens in the District. Besides this, there are a number of small tea gardens in the
district.
There
is tremendous scope for development of fisheries in Jorhat District.
1. Poor
road communication.
2. Poor
Supply of Electricity.
3. Regular
flood and erosion.
4. Border
problem with Nagaland.
The
climate and soil condition are well disposed towards Agriculture and allied activities and
development of Non-farm sector etc. Manufacturing and services sector also have
opportunities in the district.
The
constant erosion by the river Brahmaputra on the Neamati/Hatisal/Jhanjimukh areas as well
as along the banks in Majuli is a long term threat. The rate of erosion at some points is
about 80 to 90 Meters per year. The average loss of land mass in Majuli is 14 sq km per
year.
Large
chunks of Reserved Forests under ”D” and “E” Sectors of Assam-
Nagaland border are destroyed by the people of Nagaland in the form of encroachment and
deforestation. As a result forest cover has reduced considerably in those areas. As per
latest reports, 19,683 hectares of land have been cleared/encroached by the Naga people.