APSC Answer Writing (Daily) based on Assam Tribune – 06/08/2025

Model answer

📘 GS Paper 3: Agriculture | Climate Change | Disaster Management
📘 GS Paper 5 (Assam): Economy | Environmental Challenges | Agriculture in Assam

Introduction

Assam, traditionally known for abundant rainfall and fertile plains, is now facing drought-like conditions due to deficient monsoon rains in 2025. This marks a significant shift in the state’s climate profile and exposes deep structural problems in agriculture such as overdependence on monsoons, poor irrigation, and fragile livelihoods.

Impact of Drought in Assam

1. Agricultural Disruption
   • Failure/delay in sowing of Sali paddy, the main kharif crop.
   • Crop stress across barpeta, nalbari, nagaon, morigaon, etc.
   • Reduction in vegetable and oilseed output.
2. Water Stress and Ecological Pressure
   • Decline in groundwater recharge and surface water levels.
   • Drying up of seasonal ponds and wetlands.
3. Livelihood and Economic Distress
   • Income loss for small and marginal farmers.
   • Increased borrowing and risk of debt traps.
   • Distress migration to cities for alternate income.
4. Food Security and Inflation
   • Disruption in Public Distribution System (PDS) supplies.
   • Risk of rise in food prices and rural inflation.

Structural Causes Behind the Crisis

Government Initiatives

• PMFBY: Crop insurance to cover losses—but awareness remains low.
• PMKSY (Per Drop More Crop): Encourages micro-irrigation like drip and sprinkler.
• Assam State Action Plan on Climate Change: Includes agriculture resilience as a focus.
• Seed Replacement Programs: Distribution of short-duration drought-tolerant varieties.

Way Forward: Building Drought Resilience in Assam

1. Expand Irrigation Network
   • Tap into Brahmaputra and tributaries via minor irrigation schemes.
   • Develop solar-powered lift irrigation in floodplains.
2. Climate-Resilient Agriculture
   • Promote crop diversification and dryland farming.
   • Support R&D on local adaptive varieties (e.g., drought-resistant rice).
3. Strengthen Early Warning Systems
   • Deploy real-time satellite-based monitoring for rainfall and soil moisture.
   • Community-level advisories in regional languages.
4. Boost Crop Insurance Penetration
   • Simplify PMFBY enrolment with digital platforms and local agents.
   • Ensure timely compensation disbursal.
5. Water Harvesting and Storage
   • Construct farm ponds and check dams.
   • Promote zero-budget natural farming and mulching to retain soil moisture.

Conclusion

Drought in Assam is no longer an anomaly—it signals a climate-induced reality. The solution lies in moving beyond relief-centric measures to a preventive, adaptive, and inclusive agricultural policy. A resilient Assam must empower its farmers with irrigation, information, and innovation.