The Hindu Business Line : Improving farm sector

He admitted that the country was short as far as planned investments were concerned, that only 50 per cent of the targets could be achieved in the first three years (of the plan period).

The Prime Minister lamented over the poor performance in agriculture. The actual performance of agriculture appears to have deteriorated and growth in the sector will possibly not exceed 1.5 per cent during the first three years of the Plan.

The Prime Minister asked the Chief Ministers to explore the possibility of doubling agricultural output in 10 years. So much about percentages and planning.

Now to the ground realities: A farmer in Salem grows a large amount of Tapioca is becoming poorer in spite of the many organisations set up to increase the productivity and profitability of the farm sector.

He pays 60 per cent interest (or more) on loans leads a miserable life. He sells his harvest for pittance, while the contractors and middlemen make all the money. It is the same for other commodities. The question is: Will the farmer's condition improve if resources are mobilised for investments and the agricultural output double in 10 years?

Ironically, the higher the investments and agricultural output, the poorer the farmer becomes.

V. S. Venkatavaradan

Salem

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