Apropos ‘Why a transition to natural farming is a necessity’ (March 17), while it is essential to move over to natural farming from the current fertilizer and pesticide intensive cultivation, there are several hurdles that confront this transition. Farmers need to be assured and convinced about the long term benefits that the shift would bring, as the natural farming is more labour intensive, but yields also could dip in the initial years when bio-inputs replace the chemical inputs. A few farmers may be chosen in each and every village in the country and convinced to take up natural farming by making them aware of the advantages of natural farming and providing incentives, extension services and market access after harvesting.

In the initial years the government may procure the entire organic produce so as to build trust among farmers about natural farming. The success of these few farmers will inspire other farmers to take up natural farming.

Kosaraju Chandramouli

Hyderabad

The price of war

Apropos ‘Nervous Republicans’ (March 17), the war on Iran has caused disruption across the globe in all spheres of activities. Oil and gas continue to be critical energy sources for everyday life despite availability of other renewable energy sources. It appears that both Israel and the US failed to gauge the impact the conflict would have on non-participating countries. Many nations such as Japan and Australia have expressed disinterest in sending their forces to support US actions in weakening Tehran’s stronghold in Hormuz Strait. It is time all countries appeal en masse to the warring nations to end the conflict.

RV Baskaran

Pune

Towards electric cooking

Apropos ‘Electric kitchens’ (March 17), the LPG squeeze is a timely reminder that a basic household necessity still rides on volatile imports and distant conflicts. The current disruption should be used to accelerate efficient electric cooking, not merely to patch supply lines. Induction and other e-stoves convert more input energy into usable heat, and when priced sensibly they can reduce the recurring burden of cylinder subsidies. A pragmatic transition needs three guardrails: time-bound support for quality, efficient stoves; clear standards to keep unsafe, low-grade appliances out; and planning for peak electricity demand through time-of-use tariffs, rooftop solar pairing, and storage where feasible. Crisis-driven substitutions should become deliberate resilience.

Veda Chidanand

Bengaluru

Published on March 17, 2026