Date:15/11/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/11/15/stories/2007111554601201.htm

Opinion - Letters to the Editor

Farmers’ suicides

This refers to the op-ed page articles ‘Farm suicides rising, most intense in 4 States’ (Nov. 12) and ‘Farm suicides after 2001 — study’ (Nov. 13). The so-called growth-oriented economic reforms initiated by various Central governments have virtually killed millions of farmers and deprived millions of others of their means of livelihood. Statements that inclusive and equitable growth will be ensured will not console the countless families who have lost their bread-winners. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh who had taken the credit for initiating economic reforms should also take moral responsibility for this dismal state of affairs in the farming community. He should immediately launch innovative schemes with the required thrust and focus.

S. Kasimayan,

Madurai

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The article ‘Farm suicides worse after 2001—study’ sums up analytically the issue highlighted by Professor K. Nagaraj of the Madras Institute of Development Studies. It exposes governmental tendency to play with figures rather than take stock of facts. Had our Agriculture Minister paid more attention to the vital issues affecting farmers instead of worrying about cricket, the unfortunate farmers could have seen better times.

Bankim Samaddar,

Faridabad

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The articles highlight a vital issue. Now the ball is in the court of Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar. History has taught us that Congress governments have done precious little for our primary sector. It hoped that Mr. Pawar will open his eyes towards the survival issues of farmers, a vulnerable group of shining India.

Dileep Kumar P.K.,

Kannur