M A I L B A G

Strong case for precision farming

KS Bajwa’s views in his article “Knowledge-based farms” (June 8) are unique and need to be examined at senior policymaking level. He presents a sound argument for precision farming. Region-specific farming and suitability of crops will ensure that the best returns are extracted from the diminishing arable land in Punjab. By far, previous theories presented on farm diversification have failed.

Apparently, Dr Bajwa’s ideas will be ignored because these are not coming from the old scientists like Dr Johl or Dr Kalkat. It is time the new generation of thinkers was given a chance to participate in addressing the issues facing Punjab’s agriculture. Punjab’s agriculture is indeed at the crossroads. Fresh discussion on diversification is a must.

JATINDER KAHLON, Faridkot

Tiger on the mat

Tiger Pataudi should remember that his royal days have gone and so are his royal hobbies. Pataudi’s father Hamidulla Khan’s Chiklout Kothi at Bhopal is adorned with the horns and faces of sambhar, chinkara, deer etc. This merciless killing is illegal today because poaching is banned under the law. The modern world is animal-friendly and the policy is to save rather than killing animals.

Sadly, people hunt surreptitiously. Pataudi has committed a crime of poaching black buck. He should learn a lesson from the episode.

RASHI, Chandigarh

II

I don’t know why a celebrity of Mansur Ali’s fame should indulge in such a mindless act of animal poaching. Earlier film personalities like Salman Khan have been accused of killing endangered species. I strongly feel that justice should be delivered speedily. For too long people and the law of the land have been taken for a ride.

KULDEEP SINGH, Una (HP)

Exemplary act

The tale of two Chandigarh-based octogenarian sisters Beant Kaur, widow of Air Vice-Marshal Harjinder Singh, and her younger sister Satwant Kaur is heart-rending (June 10). But this episode is enough to open the eyes of those who consider their loneliness a curse and explore different ways to have someone to look after them in their old age.

Most rich people are scared of their own shadows. They have regular nightmares of losing what they have amassed. There is no need to envy those who have a lot more than you. Most of them deserve your sympathy. We must welcome the gesture of the two sisters tortured by their kin.

DESRAJ PATHANIA, Hamirpur (HP)

II

Three cheers for Beant Kaur and her sister Satwant Kaur (June 10) for donating Rs 1 crore to the Rajiv Gandhi Foundation. They say, they have property and cash, but no happiness. In addition, they faced torture at the hands of Satwant Kaur’s adopted son. Their donation to the RGF is an exemplary act.

SATYA PARKASH SHARMA, Nawanshahr

Flexible stand

This refers to the editorial “Wait for veto” (June 11). The flexible and realistic approach adopted by G-4 nations by agreeing to wait for veto power for 15 years, provided they be made permanent members of the UN Security Council has put the ball in the court of five permanent members to support their just claim. This ploy would also give G-4 nations support from other member countries of the UN as already there is resentment among them against the use of veto power.

The support of France to the G-4 resolution has come as a shot in the arm of G-4 nations while the UK and Russia are already supporting them. The US and China should also recognise the reality that the UN Security Council needs expansion and accordingly support the G-4 nations to make the world body more representative.

ARVIND DHUMAL, Jalandhar

Gas pipeline

The Iran-Pakistan-India gas pipeline project may be economically and technically viable, but is it politically correct? One cannot take Pakistan at its face value. As regards CBMs, it is mostly India’s effort. But Pakistan’s attitude is not wholly positive. Unless Kashmir is settled to Pakistan’s satisfaction, little can be guaranteed.

Pakistan’s anxiety for the early completion of the pipeline is understandable, as the $5-billion project will boost its economy. But for India, the priority should be to ensure the safety of the pipeline. The ins and outs of this mega project should be thoroughly examined.

J.K. MAGO, Panchkula

HP pensioners

Some days back, the Himachal Pradesh government approved the merger of 50 per cent DA into basic salary of its employees from April 1, 2004 and its conversion into basic pay. But this does not apply to pensioners and family pensioners. The government should extend the above benefit to them also.

Moreover, the government has not allowed the two DA instalments of 3 per cent from July 1, 2004 and January 1, 2005 respectively, while Punjab and Haryana have since sanctioned this to their staff. The government should extend the benefit of 50 per cent DA merger in the basic pensioners and family pensioners from April 1, 2004 immediately.

T.R. SHARMA, Ludhiana