Feroze Varun Gandhi’s article, “ >An uncertain Hobbesian life ” (Jan.13), gives heart to young voters like me. The young leader has attempted to delve into the maladies of the “Hobbesian” life of Indian farmers. He, however, ends up singing the same old tune on the need for subsidies for viability gap funding, a criticality of loans and an upgradation of funds for agriculture-related research. It seems from his analysis that the troubles of the Indian farmers start and end at production risks.
The issue facing the Indian farmer has more to do with market risks such as uncertain markets, inefficient supply chain infrastructure and substandard agriculture produce mostly unfit for remunerative prices. In addition, agricultural research in the country has long been plagued by a lack of extension. The young politician has failed to shed any light on these. One is bound to be disappointed as there is a lack of innovative thinking; this when “innovation” seems to be the buzzword everywhere.
Uphar Kaushal,
Kolkata
