Mervyn wrote:
"Now let me try and make my point as clear as I can. Hunting, gathering and
farming are occupations for those with little or no education. Those who
have
to make their living from these activities, are in economic hardships. Those
who have moved away from these activities have a better chance of economic
prosperity. The bottom line is that I have yet to see an economy that is
prospering because of its great agricultural policy."
Comment:
Jumbo Bwana. I am really ashamed to read such claims from a someone who grew
up in Africa. It is my childhood in Africa and particularly the taste of
kitchen gardening in my school curriculam there that gave me my first taste
for the subject and my deep love for nature. Leave aside my great days
thereafter in Goa with my grandmother who cultivated a cart load of onions
and the famous Aldona chillies besides paddy and nachni and other
vegetables. I have never witnessed any poverty. Do labour toiling in
factories not experience hardship?
Hiware Bazar in Ahmednagar district is one village which is 100% agriculture
had as many as 50 millionaires 2 years ago. A village which receives just 2
inches of rainfall per annum and was in abject poverty and drunkenness 15
years ago is today in the news as the one of the most progressive village in
Maharashtra. Every famuily has a monthly saving of Rs. 5000. So what are you
talking about? Do you want more stories from India?
I know a woman from Ponda taluka who just makes a living by growing 'Zaieo'
flowers and vegetables and has an annual income of around 1 lakh. She has
educated 3 children who have also graduated but continue to help her.
I know a farmer in Mapusa whose 2 sons have graduated and continue in
farming and are among the progressive farmers leading the farmers movement .
I just cannot understand from where you have gathered this idea that
agriculture spells poverty.
Which economy and agricultural policy are you talking about?
-soter
