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APSC Answer Writing (Daily) based on Assam Tribune – 25/12/2025

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 (25-12-2025).

GS Mains Question

“The stress in Assam’s tea industry reflects structural challenges rather than a temporary price cycle.”
Examine the causes of distress and suggest measures to ensure long-term sustainability.

Model Answer

Introduction

Assam’s tea industry—contributing over half of India’s tea output—has been facing sustained distress marked by low auction prices, rising input costs, and productivity stagnation. The persistence of these issues indicates structural vulnerabilities that threaten livelihoods of plantation workers and small tea growers (STGs).

Causes of Distress

Price Volatility
- Global oversupply, weak demand, and quality competition depress auction prices
Rising Costs
- Higher wages, fertilisers, energy, and compliance expenses
Fragmentation
- Rapid growth of STGs with limited bargaining power and market access
Quality Differentiation Gaps
- Inadequate branding/value addition beyond bulk CTC teas
Climate Stress
- Erratic rainfall and temperature affect yields and quality

Implications

Livelihood Insecurity
- Income stress for workers and STGs; spillovers to health and education
Competitiveness Erosion
- Loss of market share to premium and specialty teas from other regions
Social Stability
- Distress fuels labour unrest and rural vulnerability

Way Forward

Value Addition & Branding
- Promote orthodox, specialty, GI-led and organic teas
Market & Price Support
- Improve auction transparency; explore risk-hedging/price-stabilisation tools for STGs
Cost Rationalisation
- Energy efficiency, shared services, mechanisation where feasible
Labour-Centric Reforms
- Health, housing, skilling and productivity-linked incentives
Climate Resilience
- Climate-smart practices, resilient varieties, water management

Conclusion

Reviving Assam’s tea industry requires structural reforms that combine market diversification, value addition, labour welfare, and climate resilience. A coordinated policy approach can protect livelihoods while restoring the sector’s global competitiveness and sustaining Assam’s iconic tea economy.

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