This year drought has affected nearly 200 districts in the country.However, the financial newspapers suggest that this may not have much effect on GDP.It is sad that such measure of impact drought on the lives of millions of rural families is not even considered. It is this mindset in our country which boasts of 6+ GDP that has resulted in the largest number of poor and malnourished people in the world.
My father has taken helm of Karnataka Marketing Federation, a sole organisation in Karnataka s responsible for procurement of foodgrains from farmers, distribution of fertilizers etc.I had the previlege of accompanying him when he toured drought hit districts. I believe following steps might improve the situation.
1) Farm animal camps must be set for cattles to save them from distress sale.
2)During drought , fodder crops,maize,pulses oilseeds etc which are high value but very less water requiring crops must be given precedence.
3)Seed banks must be opened.
4)Millets and ragi must be included in Public Distribution System.
One grave issue is about farmers enthusiasm.In a national weekly, 40% of farmers interviewed said that they would quit farming if they had another option. A grim prospect ,isnt it??
My father has taken helm of Karnataka Marketing Federation, a sole organisation in Karnataka s responsible for procurement of foodgrains from farmers, distribution of fertilizers etc.I had the previlege of accompanying him when he toured drought hit districts. I believe following steps might improve the situation.
1) Farm animal camps must be set for cattles to save them from distress sale.
2)During drought , fodder crops,maize,pulses oilseeds etc which are high value but very less water requiring crops must be given precedence.
3)Seed banks must be opened.
4)Millets and ragi must be included in Public Distribution System.
One grave issue is about farmers enthusiasm.In a national weekly, 40% of farmers interviewed said that they would quit farming if they had another option. A grim prospect ,isnt it??
