Date:18/08/2005 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2005/08/18/stories/2005081800321001.htm

Back PM's speech

Addressing the nation from the Red Fort on Independence Day, the Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, outlined an economic growth plan. (Business Line, August 16). Perhaps, it is a reflection of his vision for India. We are a young nation, with more than half of our population under 25. This could be a turning point in our history.

His promise to ensure irrigation for one crore hectares of unirrigated land, however, raises some questions. Most of our cities and towns and the farmers in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan and even Kerala are struggling to sustain their irrigated land because of water shortage. Should we not give priority to their problems? And why not give support to dry land farming?

A. Jacob Sahayam

Thiruvananthapuram

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