Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

Agrarian crisis

P. Sainath has painted a vivid picture of the state of affairs in the Vidharbha region where the agrarian crisis is at its worst (Nov. 22). The fact that farmers' suicides have become alarmingly frequent and the mainstream media do not even seem to care are a matter of serious concern. The Maharashtra Government's decision to use the services of spiritual leaders to counsel farmers against taking their lives is irresponsible and diversionary.

The much-touted `inclusive growth' is in reality `deceptive growth,' wherein the suffering of the vast majority, especially in the villages, is brushed aside with contempt. The farmers do not need sympathy or compensation but firm and sustained support on procurement and price.

P. Venkatesh,
Salem

* * *

What worries me most is that as a citizen I am unable to do anything about the farmers' distress. How do I reconcile the dichotomy — of plush metros and the never-ending darkness of the poor farmers? For the governments, the hapless seem to be faceless beings who make news one day and evaporate into thin air the next day.

Sanchita Bakshi,
New Delhi

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