Despite the prognosis that Agriculture production is likely to double in the next 10 years, as could be seen in this site,
http://www.agriculture-industry-india.co… the growth has not taken place at the required place. The agriculture production has reached a plateu. The prices of some of the essential commodities like cereals, pulses etc have been sky-rocketing, propelling inflation. The most worrisome has been the economic condition of the farmers. The incidents of farmers suicide have not abated. In a study conducted on 'Farmers suicide in Maharashtra', the following factors were identified for the growing incidence of suicides.
Indebtedness –93 %
Economic downfall – 74 %
Conflict in Family – 55 %
Crop failure – 41%
Dent in Social Status- 36%
Daughter’s/Sister’s marriage – 34 %
Addiction- 28%
Health problems – 21 %
Most of the suicides were because of
combination of more than one factor.
Indebtedness accounted for the first two major reason for the incidence and distress. The third reason, i.e. conflict in family is also a cause that arise as a fall out of the deterirating economic status of the family. In short, the life in the rural India is in doldrum. The response from the policy makers and the government have been far from adequate. They seem to be satisfied with some palliative measures. Much more is required to be done to ameliorate the conditions of the farmers. The effort should be done in a big and concerted way. Noted Agriculture Scientist Mr. M.S. Swaminathan has been crying hoarse on the urgent need for toning up the agricultural secotor , but to no avail.
Many in India, seem to be under the illusion that India has prospered because the urban population basking in the propsperity of the severices sector, feels good. Dr.M.S.Swaminathan has highlighted the plight of the farmers, in the midst of the seeming feel-good feeling in the country. He says:-
"Farmers' indebtedness is rising and farmland even in Punjab, the heartland of the green revolution, is being referred to by the electronic media as "killing fields." Yet, the economy is estimated to have grown at 8.1 per cent during 2005-06, on top of the 7.5 per cent growth recorded in the previous year. The services sector continued to be the major driver of economic activity, accounting for almost three-fourths of overall GDP growth. Indian companies raised an unprecedented $40 billion in equity and debt. Merchandise exports rose by 25 per cent crossing the $100 billion level. Unfortunately, more than 50 per cent of our population living in rural areas have no option except to remain silent onlookers of this new-found urban prosperity, conveyed night and day on television channels. This is the Indian enigma. "
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http://www.hindu.com/2006/05/24/stories/…
In the above article, the scientist has raised valid issues. Farmers problems are multi-dimensional. The farmers distress leads to naxal movement. Rural poverty, joblessness, undue pressure on the land, urban slum, criminalisation of the society. The scientist has suggested various measures to redress the problem. In invite the readers to read the article reported in the Hindu, in the above site. The last solution is particularly interesting in that he says that "the gap between what the rural producer gets and the urban consumer pays must be made as narrow as possible, as has been done in the case of milk under Dr. V. Kurien's leadership." The governemnt has to take earnest measures in minimising the layers of middle men in retail trade, so that the interests of not only the farmers but also the consumers are protected.
While pleading for the cause of agricultural sector, I am not underplaying the need for growth in the industrial sector. Industrial developemnt cannot be ignored, if the country has to come out of poverty. Industry is the giant wheel that can propel the country's growth at a faster pace. Having been subjugated under the foreign rule, for well over two centuries, when industrial revolution was started elsewhere in the world and lagged behind, in the process, we need to give an impetus to our industries in a big way. Entrepreneurs have to be encouraged. But, the attention given to the industries shall be done at the expense of agriculture sector, which is the main stay of the majority of the population in the country.
Agro-based industries have to be encouraged.
Total machanisation should be avoided.
Debt servicing should be cornered by the industry, at the expense of the agriculture.
In short, the growth should be even and the hammer and plough should go hand in hand.
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