Speaking about buying fruits and vegetables in the local market, we know that most of what is available has been imported from Assam and elsewhere through Jorhat. Many of these fruits and vegetables are ‘new’ to us and were not traditionally grown in our land, despite their suitability for our soil. It is known fact that most of these crops are imported, even though they could be cultivated locally. This suggests that a horticulture-driven economy involves more than just having fertile land. Beyond the availability of labor and capital—both of which may be lacking—other factors such as scientific knowledge and economic dynamics come into play, areas unfamiliar to many of us. It is time for us to familiarize ourselves with these sciences and economics while also preparing to literally cultivate the land and secure capital to produce and export horticultural products.
Simple and fundamental questions seem to perplex us. For instance, why are pomegranates sold by vendors in the market from elsewhere smooth and shiny, while those grown locally always crack and split? How do green chilies and tomatoes remain available year-round, unaffected by seasonal changes? Despite being predominantly agrarian, why do we import most of our food while exporting almost nothing? How can we address this trade imbalance? Could the rising prevalence of health issues such as diabetes, obesity, and cancer be influenced by dietary changes, including increased dependence on imported food? Furthermore, why are all the traders in the organized fruit and vegetable market non-local?
To some, these questions may seem simple with readily available answers. However, the fact that they still need to be addressed until the broader local community can understand, comprehend, and resolve them remains. If there are experts who can answer and explain these questions, please reach out to us. We would be delighted to provide our platform for sharing your knowledge with the public. As long as we depend on external sources for essential horticultural produce, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, our economy will struggle to grow, even with a dedicated government department to manage it.