This is with reference to the report, "Agri ministry: Old schemes renamed, other misleading claims" (July 23). Our farmers are under severe stress due to untimely rains, monsoon deficiency and falling sugar prices, among other reasons. Add to this the lackadaisical approach of the Union and state governments and farmers are being driven to take extreme steps like committing suicide.
While reforms and welfare measures such as extension of interest subvention scheme, including for the current year, and raising of agriculture credit to Rs 8.5 lakh crore from Rs 8 lakh crore will bring some relief to farmers, these are not enough. Renaming existing schemes serves little purpose. Schemes are not being monitored properly leading to wastage of time, manpower and money. Consequently, the benefits are being enjoyed by those not entitled to them. The Centre and state governments have to come up with radical changes to ensure implementation of these schemes.
VSK Pillai, Kottayam
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