TEA COMPANIES-Dark Side of Indianisation

ECONOMIC AND POLITICAl WEEKLY overtaken its 'green revolution' which had raised its wheat yields to record levels. The yield per hectare of rice has risen because of better seeds, timely inputs of fertiliser, good irrigation and, of course, the industrious ambition of Punjab's farmers. From barely two lakh tonnes a few years ago, rice production in Punjab has increased to 15 lakh tonnes. Over 90 per cent of this is exported to the rice-eating states, the staple food of Punjab itself being wheat; with maize being used in the winter for a change. The rice mills and shellers are working overtime, and yet the market glut has not been cleared.