'Inflation, Food Prices Need to be Given Serious Thought': RSS Says People Want Basic Necessities to Be Affordable

The link between inflation and food prices needs to be given a serious thought, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale has said, stressing that people want essentials to be affordable. Referring to a presentation made by Amul Managing Director RS Sodhi on the linkage between inflation and food prices, Hosabale said, “The issue of linkage between inflation and food prices needs to be given a serious thought.” “In the presentation it was suggested that people are ready to pay more for industrial products but not for food items… it is obvious that people want food, clothing and shelter to be affordable as they are basic requirements to live,” Hosabale said while adding that cooperatives can play a big role in this regard. “India has not only become self-reliant in grains but can also send to other countries and for that credit goes to all governments till date, scientists and farmers.” Emphasising the need for raising the stature of farmers, Hosabale said a movement is required to make agriculture attractive which will also help in checking rapid migration from villages to cities. Noting that Indian agricultural practices have been always ahead of the time, Hosabale, said students of agriculture must also learn about India’s ancient knowledge systems that had the best traditional farming practices.