Table of Contents

APSC Answer Writing (Daily) based on Assam Tribune – 02/07/2025

For APSC CCE and other Assam Competitive examinations aspirants, practicing Daily Answer Writing is vital. This blog covers the most important Main question and its model Answer from the Assam Tribune today (02-07-2025).

📝 Question:

“The rising paddy procurement in Assam marks a shift in the state’s agricultural strategy. Critically analyse the implications of record paddy procurement on food security, farmer welfare, and agricultural sustainability in the region.”

📘 Model Answer

Introduction

Assam recently recorded its highest-ever paddy procurement of 6.97 lakh MT under the Kharif Marketing Season (2024–25), more than doubling the previous year’s figures. This signals a growing policy focus on farmer welfare and market support, but it also raises questions about long-term sustainability and structural readiness.

Significance of Record Procurement

Dimension	Impact
🌾 Farmer Welfare	Boosts rural income and provides assured market through MSP
📦 Food Security	Strengthens public distribution and buffer stock levels
🚢 Export Potential	Successful export of red rice to EU & Middle East opens global market channels
📈 State Economy	Agricultural output becomes a key economic driver

Challenges Associated

Challenge	Explanation
🛠️ Storage Constraints	Warehousing in Assam is underdeveloped, leading to post-harvest losses
🧾 Procurement Accessibility	Digital and documentation hurdles for small and marginal farmers
⚠️ Environmental Stress	Heavy paddy cultivation can deplete water and degrade soil if not managed
💹 Price Volatility	Delayed MSP payments and market fluctuations affect farmer trust

Sustainability Concerns

Monoculture Risk: Over-dependence on paddy reduces crop diversity
Water Usage: Paddy is water-intensive; in flood- and drought-prone areas like Assam, it’s unsustainable without irrigation reforms
Climate Vulnerability: Erratic rainfall (e.g., 34% deficit in June 2025) disrupts procurement planning

Steps Taken by Government

MSP Expansion to remote districts like Majuli
Agri Export Policy (2023 Assam version) targeting GI-tagged rice
PM-AASHA and e-NAM integration for direct farmer benefit
Agri Infrastructure Fund to promote storage and processing
Red Rice Branding under “One District One Product” for international trade

Way Forward

Reform Area	Action Plan
🧱 Infrastructure	Cold storage, rural procurement centres, solar dryers
🌾 Crop Diversification	Promote short-duration paddy + pulses/oilseeds in rabi
📲 Digital Inclusion	Simplify MSP registration through local language apps
🌍 Export Focus	GI tagging, organic certification, export-specific packaging

Conclusion

Assam’s paddy procurement success reflects a positive shift in state-led market intervention. However, to convert this achievement into long-term agricultural prosperity, Assam must now focus on sustainability, resilience, and diversification—the true pillars of farmer empowerment.

✨ Looking for top-quality APSC Mains Guidance with Personalised Mentor?

🔔 Join Our WhatsApp Study Group!

For exclusive access to premium quality content, including study materials, current affairs, MCQs, and model answers for APSC CCE and other Assam competitive exams.

Click here to join: SuchitraACS Study WhatsApp Group