The state and central governments, instead of taking responsibility, blame each other for the mishap (“Farmer kills self after banks refuse loan,” Nov.12, Gulf Today website).

Occasionally, tonnes of harvested paddy perish in the fields due to inaction by the authorities during rains. I believe farmers can take a proactive approach by processing the paddy themselves and selling rice in the local market at a competitive price. This way, they can realise their yield quickly with minimal government assistance.

Forming cooperative societies in clusters would enable them to procure, process and market value-added products through various outlets. Relying on the government to correct and streamline paddy procurement may not be a feasible expectation for farmers.

Girish R Edathitta, Kerala, India