This refers to the editorial "Relief for farmers" (Business Line, June 20), which talks of how completely dependent the Indian farmer is on the monsoons.

But a few simple measures can release him from the stranglehold of the unpredictable monsoon.

For instance, in addition to dams for storing surplus water, the government should build large reservoirs. Large lakes should be created at suitable sites so that the monsoon surplus can flow into them.

This would not only alleviate the farmer's crisis, but also a host of other economic setbacks. For one, it will create jobs for the rural landless labourers.

Second, it will increase ground water levels. Afforestation around the lakes will improve climate. The lakes could even be turned into tourist attractions.

But most important, these lakes will serve as water banks that will free farmers from depending entirely on the monsoon.

Digging such lakes will involve huge investment and infrastructure, but the long-term benefits will be worth the effort.

C. V. Krishnamoorthy

Kolkata

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