The Hindu : Opinion / Letters to the Editor : Dismal performance

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Wednesday, Sep 05, 2007
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Opinion - Letters to the Editor

Dismal performance

The article “Agriculture: where India and China stand” (Sept. 3) is a realistic summary of India’s poor performance in agriculture. After the Green Revolution, R&D in agriculture has become lethargic. Scientists should wholeheartedly accept that their research record has been abysmal. The agrarian crisis in India is not so much due to monsoon, as to poor R&D efforts.

S.K. Rajkishore,

Coimbatore

* * *

Little quality research has been carried out to develop competitive and better yielding varieties in the last 10-15 years. To make research more effective, it should be ensured that there is accountability with regard to the funds allocated. On-field results should be strictly evaluated. To diversify the agriculture sector, farmers should be provided a technologically sound extension education and a market created for those who opt for diversified agriculture. And to make agriculture competitive, polices should be formulated keeping in mind the requirements of Indian farmers. They cannot be imported from developed nations.

Seema Duhan,

Hisar

* * *

A comprehensive study should reveal where the fault lies. Does it lie in the political system, politicians, scientists, extension workers, researchers, farmers or technology? Unless the causes are located, nothing much can be done to improve productivity. If technology, R&D, and the agricultural policy are key factors, did the farmers’ commissions take note of them? Do our eminent scientists agree that 30,000 scientists in India are not delivering? Experts seem to be groping in the dark while farmers toil in vain.

S. Arunajatesan,

Chennai

* * *

The management of the agricultural sector is beset with many problems. First, we do not have capable leadership. We should put dedicated professionals at the top. Secondly, the government should rationalise the subsidies and perks given to the sector.

Thirdly, we should propose and implement rational policies rather than populist policies aimed at votes.

Sunil Abraham Thomas,

Kottayam

* * *

The agricultural sector is receiving step-motherly treatment compared to industry. We are fascinated with exports and so the agricultural sector does not count much. There has to be a planned strategy to boost agricultural export with incentives. The marginal farmers, who are victims to the vagaries of nature, should be encouraged to come together in cooperative societies. When there is glut in the market, farmers suffer due to excess supply and inadequate demand.

There has to be proactive intervention by government-controlled agencies to help farmers get a good deal. A concerted effort should also be made to improve cold storage facilities, and other means to preserve excess produce.

D.B.N. Murthy,

Bangalore

* * *

The reference in the article to ICAR is extremely relevant. ICAR has been reduced to a mass of scientists engaged in no pro-farmer activities of far-reaching consequence. They should look at ISRO for rejuvenation.

The approach to farm development should focus on inter-sector (finance, commerce, marketing, etc.) integration which is seldom adopted by our governments. A good scientist-politician with a lot of authority is probably what we need.

T. Raj Kumar,

Palakkad

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