The Hindu Business Line : Stark reality

The front page picture of a farmer and his family in Bidar Dist. doing the physical work of an animal (Business Line, August 12) is indeed shameful, and depicts the stark reality of Indian agriculture.

The picture, accompanied by a comprehensive write-up, speaks a thousand words, sending right (or wrong?) signals to policy-makers and administrators, as it effectively conveys the pathetic conditions of small and marginal farmers, particularly in backward areas such as Bidar.

Due attention has not been paid to agriculture or the problems of rural areas, where over 77 per cent of the population lives.

The tardy, sometimes stagnant, growth of the farm sector is a reflection of gross negligence.

Farmers suicides are promptly reported but action taken is often only on a case-to-case basis, and only after such events are reported.

No overall and long-term solutions are provided. Rural development seems to be allocated huge sums in successive Budgets but rural poverty and misery continue.

With such inadequate and untimely help, the farmer has no alternative but to resort to extreme actions. The farmer and family may be pulling the plough but cannot pull through the rough and hard times any more. An urgent study and quick action are needed.

The readers of Business Line sympathise with such families, standing in for the bullocks.

The picture and the press note should open the eyes of the concerned authorities who must initiate quick remedial action.

H. K. LakshmanRao Chennai

More Stories on : Letters | Agriculture | Rural Development

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