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.
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