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APSC Answer Writing (Daily) based on Assam Tribune – 24/03/2025

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 (24-03-2025).

Mains Question

“Organic farming has the potential to transform Assam’s agricultural economy while ensuring environmental sustainability. Discuss the significance of organic farming in Assam, its challenges, and suggest measures to promote it effectively.” (GS Paper 3: Agriculture, Economy, Sustainable Development)

Model Answer

Introduction

Organic farming is a chemical-free agricultural practice that enhances soil health, biodiversity, and long-term sustainability. Assam, with its rich biodiversity, fertile land, and diverse agro-climatic zones, has significant potential to become a leading organic farming hub in India.

The government’s Organic Farming Cluster Initiative under the Green Economy Mission aims to boost agro-exports, reduce environmental degradation, and provide farmers with better incomes. However, challenges such as market accessibility, high certification costs, and low awareness need to be addressed for large-scale adoption.

Significance of Organic Farming in Assam

✅ 1. Economic Benefits for Farmers & Agro-Exports

Higher market prices: Organic products fetch 30-50% higher prices than conventional crops.
Growing export demand: Assam’s organic tea, turmeric, and rice varieties have strong demand in global markets.
Government incentives: Schemes like Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) and Mission Organic Value Chain Development (MOVCD-NER) support organic agriculture.

✅ 2. Environmental Sustainability & Soil Health Improvement

No chemical pesticides & fertilizers: Protects soil fertility, groundwater, and biodiversity.
Climate resilience: Organic farming reduces carbon emissions and improves water retention in soil, making crops more drought-resistant.
Reviving traditional farming methods: Encourages indigenous crop varieties, which are naturally pest-resistant.

✅ 3. Reduction in Health Hazards & Food Security Enhancement

No pesticide residues: Reduces risk of cancer, kidney diseases, and hormonal disorders.
Healthier food for consumers: Nutritionally rich, chemical-free produce enhances food security.
Supports rural nutrition programs: Organic farming can be integrated with mid-day meal schemes and public distribution systems (PDS).

✅ 4. Employment & Rural Development

More labor-intensive: Organic farming requires more manpower, leading to higher rural employment.
Promotes farmer cooperatives: Encourages Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) to develop local supply chains.
Agro-tourism potential: Assam can attract eco-tourism by integrating organic farming with rural tourism.

Challenges in Expanding Organic Farming in Assam

✅ 1. Long Transition Period & Certification Delays

Takes 3 years to convert land into fully certified organic farms.
Farmers face income loss during this transition period as yields initially decline.

✅ 2. High Cost of Organic Certification & Limited Market Access

PGS-India and NPOP certification processes are costly and time-consuming.
Farmers struggle to sell organic produce due to lack of dedicated organic markets.

✅ 3. Lack of Awareness & Training Among Farmers

Many small-scale farmers lack knowledge about organic composting, bio-pesticides, and sustainable crop rotation.
No widespread government training programs on organic farming techniques.

✅ 4. Insufficient Processing & Storage Infrastructure

Lack of cold storage facilities leads to high post-harvest losses for organic fruits and vegetables.
Poor rural connectivity makes it difficult for farmers to transport organic produce to urban markets.

✅ 5. Competition with Conventional Farming & Productivity Concerns

Conventional farming provides higher short-term yields, making it difficult for farmers to switch.
Organic farming requires crop diversification, which some farmers find challenging due to limited knowledge.

Measures to Promote Organic Farming in Assam

✅ 1. Strengthening Government Policies & Financial Incentives

Expand subsidy programs for organic inputs like compost, bio-fertilizers, and bio-pesticides.
Provide direct income support to farmers during the 3-year transition period to organic farming.
Ensure MSP (Minimum Support Price) for organic produce to guarantee fair income for farmers.

✅ 2. Expanding Market Linkages & Certification Support

Develop Organic Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) to help farmers get bulk certifications at lower costs.
Create dedicated organic farmer markets in major cities like Guwahati, Dibrugarh, and Silchar.
Encourage e-commerce platforms to connect organic farmers with national and international buyers.

✅ 3. Improving Farmer Training & Awareness Programs

Set up ‘Organic Agriculture Training Centers’ in rural Assam to teach farmers about composting, pest control, and organic techniques.
Collaborate with agricultural universities and Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) to provide scientific knowledge about organic farming.
Use digital platforms and mobile apps to educate farmers about organic best practices.

✅ 4. Boosting Infrastructure for Processing & Storage

Set up organic food processing units to add value to crops like turmeric, ginger, and pulses.
Develop cold storage & warehousing facilities in rural areas to prevent post-harvest losses.
Improve rural transport networks to connect organic farms with urban markets.

✅ 5. Encouraging Agroforestry & Sustainable Farming Models

Promote agroforestry by integrating fruit trees, medicinal plants, and organic crops on the same land.
Encourage mixed cropping to naturally prevent pests and maintain soil fertility.
Support integrated organic livestock farming (organic milk, poultry, and manure for composting).

Way Forward

✅ 1. Strengthening Assam’s Organic Farming Brand

Promote ‘Assam Organic’ as a global brand to boost tea, turmeric, and rice exports.
Secure Geographical Indication (GI) tags for Assam’s organic products.

✅ 2. Scaling Up Organic Farming to Reduce Chemical Agriculture Dependence

Incentivize farmers to convert at least 30% of their land into organic farms.
Introduce school and hospital nutrition programs that source organic food from local farmers.

✅ 3. Building International Collaborations for Organic Exports

Partner with global organic food brands to market Assam’s organic products internationally.
Align with ASEAN countries for organic certification recognition.

✅ 4. Integrating Organic Farming with Climate Resilience Strategies

Develop drought-resistant organic crop varieties to tackle climate change.
Use AI-based soil health monitoring to ensure sustainable organic farming practices.

Conclusion

Organic farming presents a transformative opportunity for Assam’s agricultural sector by ensuring higher farmer incomes, environmental conservation, and increased global competitiveness.

However, its success depends on strong policy support, better infrastructure, and farmer training programs. If implemented effectively, Assam can become a leader in organic agriculture and boost its rural economy while preserving biodiversity.

By focusing on certification, market linkages, and organic research, Assam can set an example for sustainable farming in India and move towards an eco-friendly, self-reliant agricultural system.

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