Crisis of Indian Agriculture

Sir,

Thank you for carrying Part I of the article entitled "Indian Agriculture - Crisis and Cure" in your August 1-15, 2006 .
The problems facing Indian Agriculture are chronic and endemic and have assumed a new complexion under the aegis of neo-liberal policies of privatization and liberalization. Never before in recorded history has there been such a widespread and systematic phenomenon of farmer suicide as has been seen in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and most recently in Vidarbha, which is a symptom of the atrocious conditions prevailing in the ranks of the peasantry. The Governments have no solution, except to offer this or that lame excuse and offer a small ex-gratia payment or some relief for the incurred debts.

The Governments and financial institutions have no trouble in subsidising the costs or in offering tax-holidays and other sops to other sectors, e.g., the information technology sector, but are very hard nosed when it comes to impoverished debt-ridden small farmers who produce food without which human life would not be possible. The injustice and inhumanity of the scenario is bound to impress any person of conscience. It is only when communism takes root in the soil of India that the problems of the peasantry in India can become a thing of the past. I am writing to express my enthusiasm at the propsect of reading Part II of the article on Agriculture.

G. Rajan, Chennai