FOR WANT OF A PAIR OF BULLOCKS: Bheemrao Manigempure, a small farmer of Kadlabad village in Bidar district, Karnataka, with his son Shivasharanappa and daughter-in-law Saraswati. While the two men pull the plough, she helps them, sowing, de-weeding, or adding fertiliser and pesticides.
The family has a huge loan to repay. Bheemrao owns a small tract of land, which is anything but fertile. '`Any one else would have hanged himself by now,'' is how he explains his life. Reforms mean nothing to them.
The State Agriculture Minister and district in-charge says his ``Government understands that Bidar is one of the poorest districts in the country. We are trying to help the families that need immediate assistance.'' The question is when will this help come. Bidar district is part of the semi-arid and drought-prone belt of northern Karnataka and has been susceptible to periodic droughts. (Courtecy : The Hindubusinessline)
