Exploring the Opportunities and Constraints of Rural Livelihood: A Case Study of Small Farmers Engaged in Rice Cultivation in India

Agriculture is a primary source of livelihood for more than 75% the Assam’s population in Northeast India, however 98.9% farmers belong to category less 1 2 hectares land per family Dibrugarh district Assam. This research aims at improving these through exploring opportunities and constraints their resources. The study conducted  250 personal interviews with heads households small cultivating rice (the staple food crop)  who were chosen by method purposive sampling among three villages district. data collected schedule along observation, descriptive statistics used analysis. results revealed that main were:  irrigation drainage problems, size agricultural land, lack access inputs production, low productivity, high loss finance,  practical skills training modern agriculture marketing, social organisations. However key were: depending on rainfed agriculture, fertility soil, diversification income, demand rice  market, illiteracy rate, forming cooperative association homogeneity population, which represents strong cultural bond.  concluded some recommendations: offering consulting services Agricultural Extension agency, establishing good infrastructure facilitating soft loans business.