This refers to the report "Chandrababu Naidu govt sets a target of 25% growth in agriculture"(February 6). Though not explicitly stated, this points to a much awaited shift of focus from the tertiary to primary sector, if economic development is to be sustainable in the Indian context. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu is known for his correct understanding of development. When he says that improving agricultural productivity can bring down the percentage of farmers facing a debt crisis, one can trust that further follow up to ensure necessary linkages for which the state government is responsible - if the credit that is being provided by National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development has to produce results other than increasing farmers' indebtedness - will be forthcoming.
The initiative taken by Andhra Pradesh is one the nation should take note of. Perhaps the Centre will have to consider tapping agricultural income as a source for taxation and use the proceeds as a dedicated corpus to address problems, including farmers' indebtedness on an ongoing basis.
M G Warrier Thiruvananthapuram
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