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Shocking

This refers to the article “Food crisis pushes them toward starvation” (July 30). It is shocking to see that the people of Haiti are heading for starvation in the next six to 12 months and that mud cakes have become the staple diet for many families. While the global oil and food crisis is the main reason for the present state of affairs, it is also because of the country’s IMF-dictated policy. To get an IMF loan in 1986, Haiti had to import rice and other agriculture products. Local rice farmers went bankrupt. Today, although food is available, most people cannot afford to buy it.

It is the responsibility of the global community to intervene to resolve the crisis in Haiti. The situation the country finds itself in is also a lesson for developing countries, including India. They should think twice before allowing the import of food and other basic commodities without encouraging local production.

S.M. Wasiullah,

Hyderabad

M. Vidya,

Hyderabad

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