Introduction: Horticulture contributes over 33% to the overall agricultural output in the country in the year 2022. Recognizing the significance of the horticulture sector, the Government of India initiated the "National Horticulture Mission" in the fiscal year 2005-06, while for the Northeastern states, a specific program titled "Horticulture Mission for North Eastern and Himalayan States (HMNEH)" was introduced. Context: Banana holds a significant position in the socio-economic and cultural fabric life of banana growers in rural areas of Assam among the diverse range of fruits grown. Despite its nutritional value and the implementation of schemes leading to increased banana production and expanded cultivation areas, but the productivity levels continue to lag behind the national average. Objective: Therefore, the present study was undertaken during 2020-21 in Jorhat and Kamrup districts of Assam to assess the impact of the mission on banana growers for last four years i.e. 2016-17 to 2019-20. Method: A total of 142 respondents (71 beneficiaries receiving banana suckers from the scheme and 71 non-beneficiaries who already had banana plantations) were selected with the help of random sampling technique. The data were collected using structured schedule and were analyzed with proper statistical techniques viz. frequency, percentage, Chi-square test. Results & Discussion: The beneficiaries had greater positive changes through the scheme as compared to non-beneficiaries. Among the socio-personal characteristics of the respondents, caste of beneficiaries is associated with maximum number of impact indicators. Whereas, family size, farming experience and management orientation were not at all associated with any of the impact indicators.

Keyword: Banana growers, Horticulture, Beneficiaries, Non-beneficiaries, chi-square