Notwithstanding the rhetoric of governments giving high priority to agriculture and rural development, in reality, the situation is just the reverse right from the very inception of governments, whether at the Centre or in states. The most influential and talented MPs are picked for finance, home and defence ministries. Portfolios like agriculture and rural development are given to those left out of the top posts. At the end of the day, one may not be able to recall even the name of the agriculture minister of India or of one’s own state. In the posting of bureaucrats too, the same caste system is visible. With a plethora of national and international issues, the focus, if any, on agriculture and rural development recedes to the background.
During elections, every party makes tall promises and tries to win elections through short-term gimmicks but it is lamentable that, even after many decades, too little has been done too late.
Agriculture revolves between two cycles of drought and bumper crop. Particularly after a bumper crop, when prices crash, the agony of farmers is acute. A long-term strategy by governments could help avoid such a situation. Agriculture, even by the most liberal yardstick, is not a profitable venture. Agriculture cannot sustain the 69% rural population of our country. It is just not viable.
Process or Perish
The daily milk collection of Amul is 180 lakh litres and around 36 lakh farmers benefit from it. In 2009-10 the daily milk collection was barely 90 lakh litres. In a short period, the milk collection has recorded a 100% jump. India has become the largest milk producer in the world. Almost 50% of the milk is processed as ghee, butter, curd, cheese etc. These processed products have international markets... Read more
During elections, every party makes tall promises and tries to win elections through short-term gimmicks but it is lamentable that, even after many decades, too little has been done too late.
Agriculture revolves between two cycles of drought and bumper crop. Particularly after a bumper crop, when prices crash, the agony of farmers is acute. A long-term strategy by governments could help avoid such a situation. Agriculture, even by the most liberal yardstick, is not a profitable venture. Agriculture cannot sustain the 69% rural population of our country. It is just not viable.
Process or Perish
The daily milk collection of Amul is 180 lakh litres and around 36 lakh farmers benefit from it. In 2009-10 the daily milk collection was barely 90 lakh litres. In a short period, the milk collection has recorded a 100% jump. India has become the largest milk producer in the world. Almost 50% of the milk is processed as ghee, butter, curd, cheese etc. These processed products have international markets... Read more