India 2018

States and Union Territories 597
Hasao district, merging with the Barail range, which is the highest hill range
in Assam. The elevation of the Barail range varies from 1,000 to 1,200 metres
above sea level. The south side of the Barail range is very steep. It attains a
maximum height of 1,953 metres in Mahadeo peak to the east of Haflong. This
valley is full of dense forest and rare wildlife.
Economy
The state finances have improved considerably. Over the years with industry
and businesses picking up.
Agriculture
Assam is endowed with abundant fertile land and water resources with a total
geographical area of 78,438 sq. km. The mighty river Brahmaputra and the
Barak with their 121 small and tiny tributaries and branches flow through the
two valleys keeping the state fertile and cool all along.
Assam has achieved 40 per cent increase in the contribution of agriculture
to state GDP. Rice production has increased to 54.40 lakh MT. Likewise,
production of foodgrains has also increased from 41.72 lakh MT to 57.22 lakh
MT.
Forest & Wildlife
Assam has a total 29,282 sq. km. area of forest and tree cover which covers
37.33 per cent of total geographical area of the state. It has 13,870 sq. km of
Reserved Forests; 3103 sq. km. of Proposed Reserved Forests; 5,850 sq. km of
Unclassed State forests; and 3,925 sq. km of Protected Area Network. (Source:
FSI Data-2009 and “Assam 2011”, page-152).
About 180 species of mammals are found in the state which includes
globally threatened species such as Golden Langoor, Hoolock Gibbon, Pigmy
Hog, Hispid Hare, White-winged Wood Duck, Tiger, Clouded Leopard,
Elephant, Swamp Deer, Gangetic Dolphin, etc. More than 800 species of birds
and about 195 species of reptiles are found in the state. Strong enforcement of
wildlife conservation measures have resulted increase in the tiger population
of the state. The tiger population has risen to 167 in 2014 from 143 during
2010-11. The rhino population in Assam stands at 2,624 as per 2015 census.
Efforts are also being taken to provide sustainable livelihood to the forest
communities.
Industry
Today’s Assam embarks on the new charter in the path of development, laying
emphasis on new capital formation through the creation of ecologically
compliant assets in a sustainable manner. Loans are extended for small
industries and service sector under PMRY scheme (till 2008) and under PMEGP.
Under these schemes, 2,76,022 unemployed youths have been offered selfemployment
opportunities between 2001 and 2014. Under Mukhyamantrir
Karmajyoti Achoni (MMKA), tools, equipment and raw materials worth