Date:22/04/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/04/22/stories/2008042255580802.htm

Opinion - Letters to the Editor

Rising inflation

The article “Making sense of rising inflation” (April 21) has rightly analysed the various factors contributing to the inflationary environment. I agree fully with the author that the decline in real investment in agriculture is one of the most important factors. The Centre and the State governments should increase investment in irrigation and land development. Loan waiver for farmers should be matched by new land development loans, minor irrigation loans and sufficient crop loans by banks and agencies such as NABARD.

Murali Krishnamurthy Kopalle,

Chennai

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The matter-of-fact analysis of the current situation should open the eyes of the powers that be. The liberalisation policy has already upset our nation’s agronomy. Greater harm will be wrought if the small savings of the rural folk in post offices and cooperatives are channelled to the stock market as some want and plead for.

The resilience of the Indian economy comes from its rural base, from the rural folk whose capacity for hard work equals their inherent strength to suffer with patience.

A.P. Govindankutty,

Painkulam

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The government’s failure to provide remunerative prices to farmers is the reason why they sell to private parties at better rates. It is thus forced to import commodities at higher prices, which leads to inflation.

The government should immediately ban future trading, universalise the public distribution system, and take stringent action against hoarders.

Bijay Singh,

Hyderabad

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As one who is close to farmers, I wonder why the state always messes up when it comes to farmers and food crops. All of us know that the time-tested method of providing a high minimum support price to farmers for their produce and distribution of the same through the PDS at lower rates is the only way to provide all-round happiness to society.

To this should be added a good insurance scheme for crops. A decent MSP and crop insurance will put to rest almost all problems of farmers. This can replace the misdirected and ever-insufficient system of subsidy.

T. Raj Kumar,

Palakkad