Improving farmers’ lot

Apropos ‘Budget and ‘ease of doing farm business’’ (January 24), Indian farmers find it difficult to market their produce in a broadened market at fair prices. Absence of a vibrant national market and cold storage facilities force them to sell to mandi operators at non-remunerative prices. The government must provide institution based formal finance to small farmers. The upcoming Budget must announce easy finance schemes for farmers with commensurate crop insurance. Also, companies must be encouraged to buy agri produce directly from farmers at competitive prices.

NR Nagarajan

Sivakasi, TN

US’ exit from WHO

US President Donald Trump’s decision to exit his country from the WHO, accusing it of failing to incriminate China for the Covid-19 pandemic, is retrograde. As a premier global health agency, the WHO not only plays a pivotal role in containing health emergencies across the world but also continues to leverage its expertise in reducing the incidence of serious non-communicable diseases. Being one of the founding members of the WHO and its largest financial contributor, the US has the moral imperative to engage with the WHO to address the deficiencies in its governance and funding structures rather than take a myopic decision to walk out from it. The withdrawal of the US from WHO now poses a grave threat to the global health architecture.

M Jeyaram

Sholavandan, TN

Importance of Vitamin D

Apropos ‘Address Vit D deficiency’ (January 24), when Vitamin D is low there is an increased risk of bone fracture, muscle pain and even cancer. The government has to create awareness among the public and healthcare providers about Vitamin D-rich foods like fish, milk and orange.

Testing facilities for Vitamin D levels should be made affordable and accessible to overcome this silent epidemic.

P Victor Selvaraj

Palayamkottai, TN

Bridging the work divide

This is with reference to ‘Teaching boys (and girls) to cook’ (January 24). The idea of differentiating between masculine and feminine work is still prevalent in our society. Boys, no doubt, should be taught to cook, so that they are ready for the future when they will need to share the housework, including cooking. This will help in developing mutual understanding and respect between husband and wife and help promote gender equality in society.

Kosaraju Chandramouli

Hyderabad