Pressurized by the Opposition, the ruling UPA Government has been forced to come up with an answer to the rising food prices. The Agriculture Minister has indicated that the Food Prices would come down in 10 days time. What a magic wand has he got? Is it possible to do it practically? Only time will tell.
Let us look at where we stand and what our problems could be. This information below was published in Economic Times. This table demonstrates how the prices have moved from Jan 09 to Dec 09.
The government is trying to offload some of the grains from its stock. This is only a temporary solution. The real problem needs to be understood in its perspective and attended to. Should we just blame the poor monsoon always? The monsoon is unpredictable and we should plan better to preserve what is grown during the monsoon.
Here are some questions which the Government needs to ponder with
Every year Billions of dollars worth of agricultural produce is let to perish due to inadequate storage facilities. Have we got enough post-harvesting infrastructure and facilities in every Township and Districts?
It is a known fact the monsoon is only for a short duration of a year during which the bulk of the rainfall takes place. Can’t we use technology to preserve the water or do rain water harvesting so the water level goes up in the land making it viable for cultivating other produce during offseason?
There is a sizeable percentage of land that is not used for cultivation in India. The yield on the cultivated land is also very less when compared to some of the countries. Can’t we use science and technology and invent ways and means to improve our agricultural yield?
What measures have the Central and the State Governments taken to crackdown on Hoarders? Why don’t the investigation journalism team of popular TV channels venture on such missions and expose Hoarders?
Why don’t the government allow Corporates to buy or lease agricultural land? The Corporates can get in the required invention and technology which will improve the yield. The corporates, as a pre-condition for such approvals from the Government, should employ the same farmers to continue working in the land for a fixed month salary and also provide them with a percentage of profits. This will help the farmers economically and will prevent them from committing suicide.
Another wild thought, Can’t the government use the Indian railways in transporting water to the drought hit areas and ensure cultivation is not stopped?
The Irony now is, with this increase in Food Prices, the Farmers seem to be very happy as they get a lot more for their produce.
Let us look at where we stand and what our problems could be. This information below was published in Economic Times. This table demonstrates how the prices have moved from Jan 09 to Dec 09.
The government is trying to offload some of the grains from its stock. This is only a temporary solution. The real problem needs to be understood in its perspective and attended to. Should we just blame the poor monsoon always? The monsoon is unpredictable and we should plan better to preserve what is grown during the monsoon.
Here are some questions which the Government needs to ponder with
Every year Billions of dollars worth of agricultural produce is let to perish due to inadequate storage facilities. Have we got enough post-harvesting infrastructure and facilities in every Township and Districts?
It is a known fact the monsoon is only for a short duration of a year during which the bulk of the rainfall takes place. Can’t we use technology to preserve the water or do rain water harvesting so the water level goes up in the land making it viable for cultivating other produce during offseason?
There is a sizeable percentage of land that is not used for cultivation in India. The yield on the cultivated land is also very less when compared to some of the countries. Can’t we use science and technology and invent ways and means to improve our agricultural yield?
What measures have the Central and the State Governments taken to crackdown on Hoarders? Why don’t the investigation journalism team of popular TV channels venture on such missions and expose Hoarders?
Why don’t the government allow Corporates to buy or lease agricultural land? The Corporates can get in the required invention and technology which will improve the yield. The corporates, as a pre-condition for such approvals from the Government, should employ the same farmers to continue working in the land for a fixed month salary and also provide them with a percentage of profits. This will help the farmers economically and will prevent them from committing suicide.
Another wild thought, Can’t the government use the Indian railways in transporting water to the drought hit areas and ensure cultivation is not stopped?
The Irony now is, with this increase in Food Prices, the Farmers seem to be very happy as they get a lot more for their produce.
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