APSC Answer Writing (Daily) based on Assam Tribune – 26/11/2025

Model answer

MODEL ANSWER (Pointwise, ~250 words)

Introduction

Certified seed availability is fundamental to agricultural productivity and farmers’ income. The recent CAG audit (2018–19 to 2023–24) revealed severe inefficiencies in the Assam Seeds Corporation Limited (ASCL), including only 0.28% contribution to the State’s total seed requirement. These findings highlight systemic failures in governance, infrastructure, and technical capacity within Assam’s seed sector.

Significance of the CAG Findings

1. Alarming Gap in Seed Security

ASCL supplied an insignificant portion of required seeds, forcing farmers to depend heavily on private suppliers, often at higher costs.

2. Underutilised Public Assets

Despite having over 250 hectares of cultivable land, up to half remained unused every year, indicating critical operational inefficiency.

3. Infrastructure Deficiency

The absence of irrigation, drainage, and soil-health systems resulted in low yields and crop failures.

4. Weak Governance & Accountability

Lack of internal audits, monitoring, and scientific planning point to structural administrative gaps within ASCL.

5. Poor Financial Performance

Recurring losses from multiple seed farms reflect ineffective management of public funds and wastage of agricultural potential.

Reforms Needed to Strengthen Certified Seed Production

1. Infrastructure Modernisation

• Install micro-irrigation, drainage channels, and farm mechanisation.
• Introduce soil testing labs and integrated nutrient management.

2. Scientific Land Utilisation

• GIS-based mapping for real-time land tracking.
• Prepare season-wise crop calendars to ensure 100% land utilisation.

3. Organisational Restructuring

• Revise staff recruitment; hire agronomists and seed technologists.
• Create farm-wise performance evaluation and accountability indices.

4. PPP & FPO Participation

• Lease idle farm land to Farmer Producer Organisations or private seed developers to boost output.

5. Strengthen Monitoring Systems

• Third-party audits with agricultural universities.
• Monthly reporting dashboards for cultivation, yield, and losses.

6. Market Strategy & Branding

• Develop an ASCL seed brand with competitive pricing and regional marketing.

Conclusion

The CAG findings are a wake-up call for Assam’s agricultural ecosystem. Addressing structural deficiencies through scientific planning, infrastructure upgrades, accountability mechanisms, and collaborative models can transform ASCL into a dependable seed-producing institution, strengthening the State’s seed security and enhancing farmers’ resilience.