‘Economic policies lack political will’

Patiala, January 28

Experts discussed agrarian crisis in the state, including problems of labourers, tenants, depleting underground water and historical evolution of villages during a special lecture at Punjabi University.

Dr Gian Singh, former professor, Department of Economics, highlighted the problem of increasing debt among marginal and small farmers.

He said, “Economic policies of the government lack political will. Paddy cultivation has lead to depletion of ground water.”

“Excessive use of fertilisers and pesticides has resulted in water pollution,” he said.

Dr Ronki Ram, professor, Department of Political Science, Panjab University, Chandigarh, explained how people from lower strata were exploited by upper castes in villages. — TNS