I. Introduction:
Assam has emerged among the top States, particularly in the expansion of area under plantation crops, in the horticulture sector. The Impact Evaluation Report of Horticulture Mission for North East and Himalayan States (HMNEH) during Centre's XI Plan (2007-08 to 2011-12), places Assam in the top in area expansion under plantation crops, like coconut by 43 percent share among 11 States of North East and Himalayan States (Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir and Uttarakhand). Similarly, in the expansion of area under replacement/ rejuvenation of senile plantation, like orange, citrus, Assam is at the top with a share of 25 percent, an official release said here today. The State also topped the list in the total additional area under horticulture crops since 2009-10, with a 13 percent share among 11 North Eastern and the Himalayan States. Assam secured the second position in the expansion of aromatic plants-13 percent and spices-16 percent. In an expansion of area under floriculture, fruits crops, and medicinal plants, Assam got the third position registering 12 percent, 12 percent and 10 percent of the share, respectively.