India does not have a structured and comprehensive farm policy, even though majority of the populace is dependent on agriculture. We have fractured schemes like MSP, interest subvention, credit disbursement targets and last but not the least, adhoc loan waiver schemes. Unlike the industry and service sector, the farmer is solely dependent on his land and livestock.
The inflation in food prices over the decade has increased manifold but the MSP and farm gate prices have barely increased in real terms. Coupled with vagaries of monsoon, farm labour, input costs have substantially increased. With industrial units setting up their manufacturing facilities in rural centres, to take advantage of the incentives accruing to backward area units, migration of farm labour is substantial.
The government should modify MGNREGA to the effect that the workers should be engaged only in farm activities during the agriculture season; this will be an assured and subsidised supply of labour.
The entire produce should be procured by the Government at the market rates. Insurance should also cover the loss due to variation in selling prices. At present there are no schemes to cover the default of bank loans, like the one available for MSMEs under the credit guarantee scheme.
S Veeraraghavan
Coimbatore
Rural employment
Waiver of bank loans for farmers at the cost of economic growth is undesirable. Appropriate steps should be taken for improving farmers’ economic conditions.
The Government can either fix a minimum price for their crop sales or purchase directly from them at a price. And, the Government can provide measures to help them for alternative incomes. The sources can be village industries like handloom/khadi or handmade potteries/craft items in which their family members can be included.
Mahesh Kapasi
Rajini’s generosity
This refers to: “Rajinikanth meets farmers” (June 19). The Tamil superstar Rajanikanth assuring the delegation of farmers that he will take up their issue with the Prime Minister by pledging ₹1 crore portrays his magnanimity and sagacity. The superstar’s concern towards the travails of farmers should not be seen with askancethe style offered ₹1 crore towards interlinking Himalayan and Peninsulas rivers way back in 2002. One fails to understand why such large heartedness is absent among affluent people.
HP Murali
Bengaluru
Dealing with population
It refers to “The elephant in the room — our population” (June 19). Ever-rising population could act to both one’s advantage and disadvantage. If our government is able to provide health and education to one and all then this issue can be handled smoothly.
With Make in India being one of the biggest initiatives of this government, skill development and new job generation should be top priority. And quality of public healthcare and education system has always been a challenge.
Bal Govind
Noida
Sporting glory
Pakistan has finally broken its jinx against India by managing to topple the latter and lift the ICC Champions Trophy title for the first time. After a string of defeats against the Indians in ICC tournaments and weighed down by history, Pakistan peaked at the right time to scale a new high. Credit should go to the ‘Men in Green’ who fought their way into the final through sheer grit and determination after being mauled in the opener by Kohli and company.
Pakistan’s domination in the final was complete as it first put the Indian bowling to the sword to chalk up an impressive score and then followed it up with a disciplined effort with the ball.
On a day when the Indian team buckled under pressure there was some consolation for fans as the Indian men’s hockey team defeated Pakistan 7-1 and booked a place in the quarter-finals of the World League in London.
NJ Ravi Chander
Bengaluru
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