Table of Contents

APSC Answer Writing (Daily) based on Assam Tribune – 24/05/2025

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 (24-05-2025).

📝 Mains Question:

Q. Discuss the challenges faced by the Assam tea industry in recent years. Suggest policy-level interventions that can ensure the sustainability and global competitiveness of Assam’s tea sector.
(GS Paper 3 – Indian Economy | APSC GS Paper 5 – Assam Economy: Agriculture & Industry)
Word Limit: 250

✅ Model Answer:

🔹 Introduction

Assam accounts for over 50% of India’s total tea production, and the industry is central to the state’s economy, employment, and exports. However, in recent years, the sector has been facing a multidimensional crisis marked by rising input costs, labour unrest, stagnant auction prices, and a decline in global exports. These challenges threaten the viability of both large plantations and small tea growers (STGs).

🔍 Key Challenges

Input Cost Inflation
- Fertilizer, fuel, packaging, and logistics costs have surged, increasing the cost of production.
Export Decline
- Tea exports fell by ~10% in FY 2024–25 due to competition from Kenya, Sri Lanka, and freight costs.
Labour Cost Pressures
- Estate owners struggle to meet wage hike demands and maintain welfare services under the Plantation Labour Act.
Climate Vulnerability
- Unpredictable rainfall, pest attacks, and heatwaves have affected yield and quality.
Auction Inefficiencies
- Prices remain low (~₹180/kg average), despite rising costs. STGs lack bargaining power.

🛠️ Policy-Level Interventions

Solution Area	Proposed Action
Regulatory Reform	Replace Tea Act, 1953 with a flexible, STG-inclusive legislation
Support for STGs	Encourage mini-factories, provide price support, ensure quality assurance
Export Promotion	Launch global Assam Tea branding, offer freight subsidies and leverage FTAs
Labour Welfare	Implement shared cost model for healthcare, housing and digitize wage disbursement
Innovation & Diversification	Promote organic and specialty teas, tea tourism, and packaged value-added products

🧩 Conclusion

Assam’s tea industry is a heritage economic sector at an inflection point. With responsive policymaking, market reforms, and sustainability-focused interventions, the industry can reclaim its global stature while protecting the livelihoods of over a million workers and small growers across the state.

✨ Looking for top-quality APSC Mains Guidance with Personalised Mentor?

🔔 Join Our WhatsApp Study Group!

For exclusive access to premium quality content, including study materials, current affairs, MCQs, and model answers for APSC CCE and other Assam competitive exams.

Click here to join: SuchitraACS Study WhatsApp Group