The Hindu Business Line : Lethargic farm sector

This refers to the editorial, `Revamp farm extension' (Business Line, February 10). Despite the scant attention paid by governmental and other agencies, it is good that the agricultural sector has shown a growth of 2 per cent in the last five years, which is close to the population growth rate. It appears that the Indian economy has to reckon with the fact that agriculture is still the mainstay of rural and semi-urban India. It was rightly pointed out that the Government lacks sincerity in adhering to the promises made to the farm sector.

The Government seems to forget that any projections on growth sans real production give a false picture. The dormant agri-clinics and agri-business centres need to be activated with fresh infusion of funds and technology.

The farmers should man these entities and the Government should bring in suitable reforms in these areas. Private investors should come forward to tap the immense potential in the sector. The Government could also consider enacting suitable land reforms for group and collective farming. It is vital that the farm sector is saved in the larger interest of the population.

C. P. Velayudhan Nair

Kochi

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