Apropos, ‘Perils of duty-free cotton imports’, (September 9), duty-free cotton imports, though framed as an economic stabiliser for the textile sector, have paradoxically dealt a debilitating blow to India’s agrarian sector.Cotton imports have triggered a precipitous price decline, thereby destabilising farm-gate revenues in regions already plagued by monsoonal vagaries and escalating cultivation costs. Farmers, deprived of remunerative returns, confront a dual assault of shrinking margins and heightened indebtedness.This policy, while cushioning industrial stakeholders, has exacerbated structural inequities in the agricultural economy by externalising costs onto cultivators. A nuanced recalibration is needed — one that harmonises industrial exigencies with agrarian sustainability to safeguard rural livelihoods.N Sadhasiva ReddyBengaluruA welcome dealIt is with reference to the news ‘India, Israel sign pact to further boost trade and Investments’ (September 9). This is a welcome move.This is a strategic step that will open new doors for both Israeli and Indian investors, strengthen Israeli exports and provide businesses on both sides.India is Israel’s second largest country partner in Asia. Major exports from India to Israel include pearls and precious stones, chemical and mineral products, machinery and electrical equipment and transport equipment.P Victor SelvarajPalayamkottai (TN)Market perilThis refers to the Pocket Cartoon(September 9). Hats off to the cartoonist for creating such a wonderful idea.For sure, this profit savvy gentleman must be living in a fool’s paradise. But the fact also remains that most of the retail investors tend to invest huge sums of money solely with an eye on making some quick money sans doing the proper home work.So it’s hardly a surprise that many end up losing money in the stock markets.All that glitters may not always be gold.SK GuptaNew DelhiReward farmers’ struggleWith reference to the news report ‘Dairy Board to make Desi ‘Starter cultures’ (September 9). Much needed measures to curb import dependence and promote Atmanirbharata.However, the success of RUC culture is highly dependent on the struggle of domestic dairy farmers, who have to contend with with the uncertainty of unreliable price realisation.Therefore the NDDB must advise big dairy brands to share a portion of profit out of this new venture to level the field for farmers, as a tribute to their toil, if not as a remuneration for their struggle.Rajiv MagalHalekere Village (Karnataka)Published on September 9, 2025