APSC Answer Writing (Daily) based on Assam Tribune – 06/09/2025
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 (06-09-2025).
Question
“The tea industry in Assam, once the backbone of its economy, is now facing structural challenges that threaten its sustainability. Discuss the reasons for the crisis and suggest measures for revival.” (10/15 marks, 150–250 words)
Model Answer
Introduction
Assam contributes over 50% of India’s tea output, with the industry providing livelihood to nearly 1 million workers. However, in recent years, the sector has been hit by falling prices, rising input costs, climate shocks, and global competition, leading to a multi-dimensional crisis impacting both planters and workers.
Body
1. Reasons for the Crisis
- Price Volatility: Auction prices stagnant despite rising production.
- High Input Costs: Fertiliser, packaging, and labour wages have risen sharply.
- Export Slowdown: Global oversupply and demand slump in Europe & Middle East.
- Climate Change: Erratic rainfall, floods, and pest infestations lowering yield.
- Worker Welfare Issues: Poor housing, health, and nutrition; frequent strikes.
- Overdependence on Black Tea: Limited diversification into green, organic, or specialty teas.
2. Consequences
- Threat to small tea growers (1.2 lakh in Assam) whose margins have collapsed.
- Decline in Assam’s export competitiveness compared to Kenya and Sri Lanka.
- Socio-economic distress in tea tribes and estate communities.
3. Measures for Revival
- Price Stabilisation: Explore MSP-like model or minimum floor price.
- Diversification: Promote specialty teas (organic, green, herbal).
- Export Strategy: Tap emerging markets (Africa, SE Asia); aggressive branding of “Assam Tea.”
- Worker-Centric Reforms: Strengthen housing, healthcare, and social security.
- Technology & Research: Collaborate with Tocklai Tea Research Institute (Jorhat) for climate-resilient tea varieties.
- Value Addition: Encourage packaging & retail branding to enhance profitability.
Conclusion
The crisis in Assam’s tea industry is both an economic and social challenge. Revitalisation requires a multi-pronged approach—price stabilisation, diversification, worker welfare, and climate adaptation. With timely reforms, Assam can sustain its identity as the global hub of premium tea while safeguarding livelihoods of lakhs of workers and growers.ced approach of technology + traditional wisdom + regional cooperation can transform the region from a disaster hotspot into a model of adaptive governance.
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