This refers to ‘West Asia crisis and fertilizer management’, (April 20). The intensifying geopolitical turbulence across West Asia has precipitated a structural dislocation in global fertilizer supply chains, acutely exposing India’s import dependence.

Disruptions in natural gas availability — an indispensable feedstock for nitrogenous fertilizers — have escalated production costs and constrained supply, transmitting inflationary pressures onto an already distressed agrarian economy.

This exogenous shock calls for diversification of sourcing geographies, augmentation of domestic manufacturing capacity, and incentivisation of bio-fertilizers and sustainable agronomic practices.

Furthermore, rationalising the subsidy regime and instituting strategic reserves, coupled with resilient bilateral procurement arrangements, are imperative to mitigate volatility and fortify long-term agricultural security.

N Sadhasiva Reddy

Bengaluru

Bill fiasco

Apropos the Editorial ‘Process deficit’ (Apr 20), the attempt of NDA government in placing the Bills in the special session of Parliament on Women’s Reservation and on Delimitation was ill-timed as a few States are going to the polls.

Besides, the government’s oral assurance of a 50 per cent hike in Parliamentary seats did not cut ice with States as it was not written into the Bill. But the Opposition too must understand the need to to revise Parliament seats given the rise in population.

On women’s reservation, the government seeking political mileage by pushing the Opposition in a corner also must not be ignored.

RV Baskaran

Pune

Unique DMK manifesto

Apropos ‘Ahead of polls, DMK unveils ‘Chennai Super 6’ manifesto’ (April 20). This manifesto stands apart from rival party pledges by offering a city-specific vision rather than only State-wide welfare promises.

While AIADMK, BJP, and TVK emphasize subsidies and cash transfers, DMK also addresses Chennai’s urban needs — mini-buses, Metro completion by 2028, AI-enabled traffic systems, stormwater drain upgrades, and RO-purified water and surprisingly ‘stray dog menace’. It also blends technology and culture, promising AI hubs, gaming and animation centres, and a world-class cultural facility under the “Dravidian Model 2.0.”

This dual strategy positions DMK as both a welfare provider and moderniser, distinguishing its manifesto from competitors who remain largely welfare-centric without a comparable urban development plan.

O Prasada Rao

Hyderabad

Systemic brutality

This refers to ‘The tragic reality of police brutality’ (April 20). The death sentence handed to nine policemen for the heinous torture and eventual death of a father-son duo in Tamil Nadu’s Sattankulam draws attention to the deep-rooted, systematic fault-lines in the country’s police force. This incident would have been forgotten but for the huge public outcry which sparked an enquiry and the subsequent court prosecution.

Unless fundamental Police reforms are implemented, beginning with entry-level candidate screening, and it is protected from external pressure, the episode is unlikely to be the last of its kind.

Kamal Laddha

Bengaluru

Published on April 20, 2026