Dear Sri " Kala Bhairavan",
I don't think it is wise to reduce the percentage of people involved in Agriculture, which is the lifeline of any Nation, while our population is increasing leaps and bounds.
My DIL belongs to the family which still continue agriculture as their main Occupation in Tanjore District. I used to visit their village to attend the family functions.
Now almost all members of the family, except one Uncle, have migrated to cities in India and abroad. He told me now it is difficult to get agricultural labour, since the present generation children of farm labourers migrate to Cities after getting educated. Now with the help and guidance of TN agricultural department, he has started mechanisation of his agricultural activities. Last time while I was in their village, I saw him using Japanese made machine for planting paddy saplings in his land.
This mode of mechanical operation is economical only for big land holdings.
Agriculture, especially the crops selected in south being seasonal and delicate, require intelligent labour to attune the operations with nature. Just like other agrarian trade the agricultural operations require lifelong training passed on from generation to generation. Book learning will have limited use !
Most of the Brahmin families in rural Tamil Nadu, who owned farmlands have left the villages after disposing off their lands.
I have written in detail about the present status of agriculture in villages, since you have raised the subject.
I wish this important subject is taken up separately for discussion in our Forum.
Brahmanyan
Bangalore.
