Crop diversification is the key

Refer to the editorial ‘Beyond cereals’; looking beyond traditional cereals is crucial for the growth of India’s agriculture. To address the rising demand for milk, fruits and vegetables, diversification is imperative. Be it floriculture, pisciculture, pearl farming or milk production, embracing various agricultural practices is essential. Tackling the staggering 40 per cent food wastage, which is equivalent to 1 per cent of the GDP, requires concerted efforts. Efficient storage facilities play a pivotal role in reducing waste and propelling the sector forward. Transitioning from conventional farming methods is not just a choice but a necessity for sustainability, economic growth and ensuring food security in India.

Vijay Kumar Katial, Panchkula

Bring erring officials to book

Apropos of the editorial ‘Custodial rape’; the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data, which states that 275 cases of custodial rape were reported between 2017 and 2022, is a wake-up call. It is a reflection on poor governance and the indifferent attitude of society. It is a pity that in our country, women are not even safe in institutions like jails, remand homes and hospitals. And what is more disgraceful is that the officials entrusted with the duty of looking after the female undertrials are the ones committing such heinous crimes. These perpetrators must face stringent punishment. The editorial rightly highlights the need for an awareness campaign and the use of strong legal mechanisms to hold the bad elements accountable.

Sudesh Kumar Sharma, Kapurthala

Decentralise Railways

Refer to ‘Scare as driverless freight train travels 70 km from Kathua to Dasuya, probe on’; that a driverless freight train with 53 wagons travelled nearly 70 km from Kathua in Jammu and Kashmir before coming to a halt at Unchi Bassi, near Dasuya, is concerning. Train fires and rail accidents occur because of the absence of men on duty. Mismanagement and uneconomical operations have become very common under the Railways. Since Independence, the train has remained a neglected mode of transport, thanks to the vested interests of those in power. Rail is a cheap mode of transport. To exponentially increase rail transportation, dividing the Railways into independent corporations is a must.

Ashok Kumar Goel, Panchkula

Mamata’s shame

The horrifying events that recently unfolded in Sandeshkhali belie the Trinamool Congress’ slogan of ‘Maa, Mati, Manush’. The political slogan coined by none other than West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee has turned out to be a cruel joke on the people of the state. The obviously deliberate misreading of the Calcutta HC stay order on the formation of an SIT and Mamata’s response to the uproar raises questions about the main accused in sexual assault and land grab allegations, Trinamool leader Shahjahan Sheikh, enjoying the protection and patronage of the party supremo.

Avinash Godboley, Dewas (MP)

Release undertrials

With reference to the middle ‘No human is a lost cause’; there is an urgent need to segregate and release the undertrials who pose no threat to society. Prolonged and never-ending trials can have a long-lasting impact on the mental and physical health of the inmates who are languishing in jails. Community policing, in consultation with the local police, can help curb the crime rate and bring down the number of criminals. However, it is also imperative that convicted murderers and rapists are not released on parole on flimsy grounds.

Lt Col JS Dullat (Retd), Patiala

A loss for world of music

Apropos of the obituary ‘Sonorous voice, gentle persona that made ghazal accessible to all’; with the death of renowned ghazal singer Pankaj Udhas, the world of music has lost an iconic artiste par excellence, who will be remembered for his melodious voice and nuanced understanding of ghazal poetry, which resonated deeply with millions of music lovers in India and abroad. Today, the maestro is no more. But his evergreen hits, like ‘Chitthi aayee hai’ and ‘Na kajre ki dhaar’, that made him a household name, will stay with his fans forever.

Ramesh G Jethwani, Bengaluru

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