• Investment World
• eWorld
• Brand Line
• Mentor
• Life
• Brand Quest
• The New Manager
• Smartbuy

Stocks

• Quotes
• SE Diary
• Scoreboard
• Open-End Mutual Fund

Cross Currency

• Rates
  
  

Shipping

• Ports
  
  

Archives

• Yesterday
• Datewise
• Resources
• In Focus
• In Depth
• Events 2007

Group Sites

• The Hindu
• The Hindu ePaper
• Business Line
• Business Line ePaper
• Sportstar
• Frontline
• The Hindu eBooks
• The Hindu Images

This refers to the editorial “Alleviating poverty” (Business Line, September 6). It is no doubt true that “growth in agricultural and related activities is sure to set off a cycle of more incomes, more consumption and more investment leading to rising rural prosperity”.

But, at the same time, it must be remembered that agricultural is still a gamble on monsoon for the majority of the farmers in the country. They are marginal and small farmers who remain jobless during the lean season.

Hence, it is imperative that there is growth of small scale and cottage industries (without encroaching upon the agricultural lands) in the rural areas. This would not only help the farmers engage in some productive work throughout the year and earn income, but also augment the contribution of small scale and cottage industries to the national income.

S. Ramakrishnasayee Ranipet (TN)

More Stories on : Letters | Economy

Article E-Mail :: Comment :: Syndication :: Printer Friendly Page

Copyright © 2008, The Hindu Business Line. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu Business Line