Socio-economic Determinants, Enterprise Structure and Agripreneurial Outcomes in the Brahmaputra Valley Zone

The present study attempts to examine the socio-economic characteristics of agripreneurs and the nature of the agri-enterprises owned by them. Primary data have been collected from 320 agripreneurs by applying a proportionate random sampling technique and using a structured interview schedule. Agripreneurs belonged to the four districts of the Brahmaputra Valley Zone of Assam—Sonitpur, Kamrup (Rural), Nagaon and Sivasagar. The findings reveal that most agripreneurs in Assam are first-generation entrepreneurs within the economically active age group of 31–50 years. They possess a primary to secondary level of education. The agripreneurs are primarily female entrepreneurs, belonging to nuclear families, with low to moderate levels of income. The study also highlights that these agri-enterprises are basically sole proprietorships in nature, followed by self-help groups (SHGs). They operate on a small scale with small to marginal landholdings. However, despite an increase of agri-enterprises, the agripreneurs are generally constrained by access to finance, skill development and managerial capabilities. Thus, this study emphasised the need for targeted policies such as financial inclusion, capacity building programmes and awareness initiatives for enhancing the role of agricultural entrepreneurs and contributing towards the sustainable rural development of Assam.