Reaping woes

In 8216;New life to the lands of death8217; IE, February 13, M.S. Swaminathan provides an excellent insight ...

In 8216;New life to the lands of death8217; IE, February 13, M.S. Swaminathan provides an excellent insight into the problems faced by our cotton farmers. I think the problem inheres in every stage of cotton farming: high input cost, low productivity, low price realisation and high production risk. The basic problem is non-availability of cheap credit which forces farmers to borrow at higher rates and they find themselves in a debt trap. The government must ensure the availability of credit at affordable rates. Some long term measures need to be adopted as well, such as investment in technology and upgradation of farming techniques. Creation of alternative employment in rural areas is a must.

8212; Rajesh Kumar New Delhi

Critical question

8226; A number of articles and editorials have appeared in the Indian Express in the last few days questioning the stand of the DAE that fast breeder reactors are critical for the energy security and strategic needs of our nation. If it is really so, then why is the US insistent on including them in the civilian list?

8212; Vijaya Singh Ghaziabad

Leave Baba alone

8226; Just as Shailaja Bajpai is using her column to express her opinions, Baba Ramdev as an Indian and a true nationalist, has the right to express his views in his chosen any forum 8216;Freedom of speech 8212; at public8217;s cost8217;, IE, February 13. His advice on cola or pizzas is for the good of the health of our kids and the nation. Is that wrong? Bajpai is wrong in putting Baba Ramdev8217;s sermons on the same level as the controverial cartoons or the Farah matter. It only exhibits her own misunderstanding, or mischief.

8212; Kedarnath Aiyar Mumbai

Call this secular?

8226; All parties practice secularism in confusing ways. Just two examples: Narayan Rane has suddenly become so secular that he is now a contender for the post of the chief minister of Maharashtra as a candidate of the most secular party in India. His contemporary in the Shiv Sena, Sanjay Nirupam, is already the official spokesperson of the Congress. The JD Secular in Bangalore has entered into an alliance with the BJP Communal to capture power.

8212; S.C.N. Jatar Pune

More clarity

8226; This refers to Pratap Bhanu Mehta8217;s 8216;Nuclear or unclear8217; IE, February 11. In the era of globalisation, sovereignty cannot be defined by restrictions but by increased transparency. The earlier our mandarins in the nuclear establishment understand this facet of a changing dynamic of international relations, the better it is for our growth as well as vital interests.

8212; B.R.K. Rao New Delhi

He would forgive

8226; It is sad to note that even in the 21st century Muslims cling to a mistaken belief that an insignificant cartoon published in a newspaper with minuscule readership and debatable standing can in any way insult the great Prophet who gave humankind a message of peace. Their violent reaction of taking this issue to the streets in countries not even remotely connected to the publication of the offending cartoon is not in conformity with the teaching of the Prophet, who, probably would have readily forgiven the offender.

8212; Kishore Karnad Baroda