The Romans’ version of stoicism is rapidly picking popularity on Instagram — Marcus Aurelius, Epictetus, and Seneca are some names that get thrown at you when you fire up your screen.
Germany’s erstwhile Christian Democratic Union govt, led by Angela Merkel, prevented sale of small arms to police forces in states they perceived had ‘bad human rights record’.
A theme has not yet emerged for BJP & people see lack of a contest, which makes it unexciting. For all these reasons, 2024 is turning out to be an unexpectedly theme-less election.
My view is that all small and medium farmers need freedom to sell their produce in a market place of their choice, not necessarily in markets of Agriculture Produce Marketing Committees, where it is often said deals are not transparent.
I believe farming can be profitable if farmers stand on their own legs, without too much government help. In fact, farmers have to help themselves by setting-up their own organizations (but not cartels) which could provide them technical advice, farming tips, market information and marketing support whenever needed. I also believe that through these organizations, farmers can augment their income from noncore farm activities like sale of milk, eggs, etc.
There is an increasing tendency on part of many farmers to demand loan waiver and other financial assistance. In extreme cases of distress this type of assistance should be provided to all small farmers. But it cannot be a routine affair.
Is it not time that we deal with problems of all small farmers (who own less than two hectares of land) on a priority basis? If these farmers face difficulties on account of natural disasters like drought or untimely rain and need financial support it is our Central & State governments’ responsibility to mitigate them. In this connection I believe citizens living in metros, cities, towns etc will gladly pay a special tax/surcharge on income tax, proceeds of which tax can go to needy farmers’ bank accounts.
There are similar heartbreaking stories from many parts of the country. However, the government cannot be in the business of procuring highly perishable agricultural commodities – barring wheat and rice for the PDS – from farmers at prices above market, storing, transporting and then selling them, obviously at a substantial loss. Knee jerk measures, generally taken on the eve of elections, will not provide durable, sustainable solutions. For a start, the next government might wish to appoint as Krishi Mantri a person who understands deeply what the problems are and can work effectively with state governments to place agriculture on a better path.
My view is that all small and medium farmers need freedom to sell their produce in a market place of their choice, not necessarily in markets of Agriculture Produce Marketing Committees, where it is often said deals are not transparent.
I believe farming can be profitable if farmers stand on their own legs, without too much government help. In fact, farmers have to help themselves by setting-up their own organizations (but not cartels) which could provide them technical advice, farming tips, market information and marketing support whenever needed. I also believe that through these organizations, farmers can augment their income from noncore farm activities like sale of milk, eggs, etc.
There is an increasing tendency on part of many farmers to demand loan waiver and other financial assistance. In extreme cases of distress this type of assistance should be provided to all small farmers. But it cannot be a routine affair.
Is it not time that we deal with problems of all small farmers (who own less than two hectares of land) on a priority basis? If these farmers face difficulties on account of natural disasters like drought or untimely rain and need financial support it is our Central & State governments’ responsibility to mitigate them. In this connection I believe citizens living in metros, cities, towns etc will gladly pay a special tax/surcharge on income tax, proceeds of which tax can go to needy farmers’ bank accounts.
There are similar heartbreaking stories from many parts of the country. However, the government cannot be in the business of procuring highly perishable agricultural commodities – barring wheat and rice for the PDS – from farmers at prices above market, storing, transporting and then selling them, obviously at a substantial loss. Knee jerk measures, generally taken on the eve of elections, will not provide durable, sustainable solutions. For a start, the next government might wish to appoint as Krishi Mantri a person who understands deeply what the problems are and can work effectively with state governments to place agriculture on a better path.