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A Rural Manifesto: Realizing India’s Future through Her Villages
A Rural Manifesto sparks a national conversation on rural distress, highlighting the potential solutions to putting the village economy on an even keel, while exploring how the vast majority of India ekes out a living.
In this heartfelt and timely book, covering facets of the Indian rural economy, Feroze Varun Gandhi shines a bright light on the travails of the marginal farmer and asks searching questions on why the rural economy remains in doldrums, six decades after Independence.
Through a series of vignettes, the book explores rural India’s innate perseverance and highlights potential solutions in development policy with a focus on making the rural economy resilient.
In this heartfelt and timely book, covering facets of the Indian rural economy, Feroze Varun Gandhi shines a bright light on the travails of the marginal farmer and asks searching questions on why the rural economy remains in doldrums, six decades after Independence.
Through a series of vignettes, the book explores rural India’s innate perseverance and highlights potential solutions in development policy with a focus on making the rural economy resilient.
- GenresIndiaNonfictionPolitics
848 pages, Hardcover
Published November 27, 2018
27 people are currently reading
209 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
December 29, 2018
It’s a huge book and well written with deep knowledge and understanding so it took me few days to complete this. This is basically non fiction work, so you have to put effort to understand the facts, but still very interesting.
Book is basically divided into eleven chapters. First is on agriculture inputs. In that different aspects in field of farming and agriculture is explained and definitely factors affecting it is very well shown with data, table and charts also. Following chapters are based on Water availability, on energy access, on agricultural marketing, on non-farm income, on handicrafts, on rural labor, on rural education, on rural healthcare, on rural credit and a way forward.
As we know from ancient times, majority people are dependent on agriculture and handicrafts business. And working in rural areas, I can understand that completely. And being daughter of a farmer, I know that all aspects shown in the book are true like water, electricity availability, impacts of different weather etc. I am glad that I came across and read this book, so that I can help the people of rural area with this knowledge and I can definitely recommend them.
I liked the section which is based on rural healthcare the most, because working in that same sector, I can relate majority of the circumstances. The information provided is going to be very useful. So I loved that section.
➡️Overall it’s a good one.
➡️To write such type of non fiction book, the author has to study hard the subjects and the data and information has to be perfect, and it is almost perfect. So I must say author has thorough with his knowledge of rural India.
➡️Good use of vocabulary and language.
➡️Numerical data has been represented with table and charts so it’s easy to understand.
➡️ Residing in India, where majority population still lives in rural area, we must read these concepts.
➡️Overall I can say worth reading.
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January 11, 2019
‘A rural manifesto’ is a huge book, so it can become a daunting task to read sometimes. But this book is not suppose to be a light read. You have to be a patient reader to make most out of it.
Written brilliantly, the book ‘A Rural Manifesto’ offers amazing insight into the core issues of rural India.
Divided into 11 chapters, the book focuses on many aspects of rural India: Water Availablity, Agriculture, Handicrafts and so on and so forth.
Author Varun has done a real Brilliant job of researching and putting the book together. Backed by solid stats and case studies, this book is an eye opener and engaging read.
Do I recommend this book:
Though huge, the book ‘A rural manifesto’ is a must read for Non-Fiction lovers. Narrative style and the easy language will make it more interesting read.
Rating 4/5
Written brilliantly, the book ‘A Rural Manifesto’ offers amazing insight into the core issues of rural India.
Divided into 11 chapters, the book focuses on many aspects of rural India: Water Availablity, Agriculture, Handicrafts and so on and so forth.
Author Varun has done a real Brilliant job of researching and putting the book together. Backed by solid stats and case studies, this book is an eye opener and engaging read.
Do I recommend this book:
Though huge, the book ‘A rural manifesto’ is a must read for Non-Fiction lovers. Narrative style and the easy language will make it more interesting read.
Rating 4/5
October 1, 2019
Very nice book by author. It covers a range of topics about Rural labours and farmers mainly.
He has discussed the diverse topics taking time .
There are policies created by government discussed along with the main causes of plight of farmers , what kind of hardships they go through and even the geography based difficulties has been taken up giving a extended view of the hardships of farmers , possible causes of problems in agriculture and rural employment as a total
He has discussed the diverse topics taking time .
There are policies created by government discussed along with the main causes of plight of farmers , what kind of hardships they go through and even the geography based difficulties has been taken up giving a extended view of the hardships of farmers , possible causes of problems in agriculture and rural employment as a total
September 13, 2019
A brilliant read on the Indian rural economy, Varun Gandhi's latest book shines a light on the problems that plague the Indian rural economy even after almost seven decades of independence. We have reached the moon but our farmers are still struggling to feed themselves. In the same breath, he also gives possible solutions to these long-standing problems. All-in-all, a really insightful read if you are looking to further your knowledge rural Indian economics.
January 8, 2019
'A Rural Manifesto: Realizing India's Future through Her Villages' by Feroze Varun Gandhi was my first non-fiction read this year.
The book is divided into eleven chapters and talks about agriculture related aspects such as agricultural inputs, water availability, energy access, agricultural marketing, rural education, rural healthcare and etc. According to the author, India's agricultural yields per hectare are amongst the lowest in the world. Thus, in this book, the author has tried to highlight the current scenario of India's agriculture and has also given suggestions as to how the agricultural productivity can be increased.
As one go through the chapters, one can see how well researched and detailed the book is. The writing style was analytical, and the author has also incorporated bar graphs and pie charts in the chapters to explain his theory.
However, the book was lengthy and so reading it can be tedious. But well, I would recommend this book to anyone who wishes to know more about the agricultural sector of India.
The book is divided into eleven chapters and talks about agriculture related aspects such as agricultural inputs, water availability, energy access, agricultural marketing, rural education, rural healthcare and etc. According to the author, India's agricultural yields per hectare are amongst the lowest in the world. Thus, in this book, the author has tried to highlight the current scenario of India's agriculture and has also given suggestions as to how the agricultural productivity can be increased.
As one go through the chapters, one can see how well researched and detailed the book is. The writing style was analytical, and the author has also incorporated bar graphs and pie charts in the chapters to explain his theory.
However, the book was lengthy and so reading it can be tedious. But well, I would recommend this book to anyone who wishes to know more about the agricultural sector of India.
January 18, 2019
In 'A Rural Manifesto,' Feroze Varun Gandhi gives a detailed account of the major issues faced by rural India. The book is divided into 11 chapters, each addressing issues on various aspects of agriculture, handicrafts, energy access, water availability, rural education, rural healthcare, rural labour, and non-farm income.
We often take farmers and farming for granted. Through his book, Gandhi tells us how farming is driven by a set of right decisions from crop selection, soil analysis, and surface temperature to providing proper nutrition and crop protection. And yet, no amount of right decisions ensures proper wages. The rural economy is in shambles and the issues faced by marginal farmers are not given the attention they require.
Throughout the book, Gandhi helps the reader understand the gravity of various issues through relevant examples. We comes across people like Ramesh Yadav, a marginal farmer from Uttar Pradesh, who had to switch crops from maize to wheat; Parvez Khan, a farmer from UP, who is tormented by annual rainfall worries; Ramesh Bisht, a fifteen-year-old living near the town of Tarikhet in Almora district, who has to walk 30 minutes to collect water in jerry cans from the local well; Hari Yadav, a farmer from Uttar Pradesh, whose farm is severely affected due to irregular electricity; and Sunita Yadav who is a construction site worker who is paid half the wages as her husband for doing the same amount of work.
The book is substantiated with facts and statistics that are also represented in the form of graphs, flowcharts and tables, helping the reader to easily understand the 'numbers' behind the situation. Though a heavy read, 'A Rural Manifesto' is a must-read for understanding the rural issues. Gandhi has done a great job in compiling all the facts and figures into a book that is easily comprehensible. Gandhi questions the existing government policies that were created to boost the rural economy, while at the same time providing viable solutions. I learnt so much after reading the book and I feel like I should read it again by investing more time in it, to take in all the information.
We often take farmers and farming for granted. Through his book, Gandhi tells us how farming is driven by a set of right decisions from crop selection, soil analysis, and surface temperature to providing proper nutrition and crop protection. And yet, no amount of right decisions ensures proper wages. The rural economy is in shambles and the issues faced by marginal farmers are not given the attention they require.
Throughout the book, Gandhi helps the reader understand the gravity of various issues through relevant examples. We comes across people like Ramesh Yadav, a marginal farmer from Uttar Pradesh, who had to switch crops from maize to wheat; Parvez Khan, a farmer from UP, who is tormented by annual rainfall worries; Ramesh Bisht, a fifteen-year-old living near the town of Tarikhet in Almora district, who has to walk 30 minutes to collect water in jerry cans from the local well; Hari Yadav, a farmer from Uttar Pradesh, whose farm is severely affected due to irregular electricity; and Sunita Yadav who is a construction site worker who is paid half the wages as her husband for doing the same amount of work.
The book is substantiated with facts and statistics that are also represented in the form of graphs, flowcharts and tables, helping the reader to easily understand the 'numbers' behind the situation. Though a heavy read, 'A Rural Manifesto' is a must-read for understanding the rural issues. Gandhi has done a great job in compiling all the facts and figures into a book that is easily comprehensible. Gandhi questions the existing government policies that were created to boost the rural economy, while at the same time providing viable solutions. I learnt so much after reading the book and I feel like I should read it again by investing more time in it, to take in all the information.
January 11, 2019
A perfect book About rural India.
The author has tried to show the current situation of India's agriculture and has also given suggestions that how our agricultural problems can be solved .
The author highlighted the issues related to farmer and agriculture like water problems, management of income and Energy Access, agriculture marketing, Non-Farm Income, Handicrafts, Rural labour, rural education, Rural Healthcare etc.
Author also uses pie charts and bar to explain his view .
The book was lengthy but it was interesting.
I highly recommended this books to those who wants to know about rural india .
The author has tried to show the current situation of India's agriculture and has also given suggestions that how our agricultural problems can be solved .
The author highlighted the issues related to farmer and agriculture like water problems, management of income and Energy Access, agriculture marketing, Non-Farm Income, Handicrafts, Rural labour, rural education, Rural Healthcare etc.
Author also uses pie charts and bar to explain his view .
The book was lengthy but it was interesting.
I highly recommended this books to those who wants to know about rural india .
November 3, 2019
This is a very nice book on the background of India. It extrapolates villages in an extensive manner. Unless one knows about rural areas, one can't ponder upon the country's growth.
Though the book is a good read. However, it's very tedious & boring. It's so bulky & huge that it makes it totally monotonous. It's accompanied by numbers, illustrations, facts, figures, statistical & mathematical diagrams, various tables which indicates that the book is reference academic book rather than a novel. That's why it's more of an academically researched textbook, than a novel.
Overall, a tedious read. A shallow attempt of a strong novel.
Though the book is a good read. However, it's very tedious & boring. It's so bulky & huge that it makes it totally monotonous. It's accompanied by numbers, illustrations, facts, figures, statistical & mathematical diagrams, various tables which indicates that the book is reference academic book rather than a novel. That's why it's more of an academically researched textbook, than a novel.
Overall, a tedious read. A shallow attempt of a strong novel.
January 11, 2019
Rural economy, the forgotten food bowl, agriculture and all things needed. It covers all the aspects of agriculture, starting from the beginning and goes on the explain the different points like farming, water needs, cross culture, harvesting, the marketing, the money issues and mostly the fading sense of obligation every Indian needs to have.
The various problems that they face, the environmental loopholes and the pitholes of our economy are forever drawn parallels that we just can't seem to cross.
Nonfictions specially of the volume that this one is are usually a bit tedious and tricky to read but none the less they are worth it.
The writing is beautiful and carefully crafted not to hurt the sentiments of any sects and yet beautifully concocted to fit the notion of a green country.
The author has indeed done a great job at showcasing the core issues of a subculture that is indeed in dire need to representation.
Agriculture is truly the backbone of Indian Economy.
The various problems that they face, the environmental loopholes and the pitholes of our economy are forever drawn parallels that we just can't seem to cross.
Nonfictions specially of the volume that this one is are usually a bit tedious and tricky to read but none the less they are worth it.
The writing is beautiful and carefully crafted not to hurt the sentiments of any sects and yet beautifully concocted to fit the notion of a green country.
The author has indeed done a great job at showcasing the core issues of a subculture that is indeed in dire need to representation.
Agriculture is truly the backbone of Indian Economy.
January 9, 2019
A huge nonfiction book with a subject with needs lot of knowledge and understanding and is absolutely well presented. Not even for a moment I felt that the book is written by a politician. The gives us in depth knowledge about the rural India and tries to highlight major issues and the reasons why we face them. The rural indebtedness, increased rate in farmers suicide, difficulties in agriculture, rural education, healthcare, access to required resources, are some the main topics covered by the author.
It's definitely a must read if economy or India and Rural India are the subjects that interest you.
It's definitely a must read if economy or India and Rural India are the subjects that interest you.
January 11, 2019
In this book Varun Gandhi has share all the rural life problems he came across in bis life. All rural society issues mainly problems related with farmers has been discussed in a great way.
This is a type of economic case study and can be read by anyone. It will help you to understand economic conditions of India in better ways.
The researches are really appreciable. The book is really huge containing 11 chapters. A great read. Language is easy to understand an narration is too good.
This is a type of economic case study and can be read by anyone. It will help you to understand economic conditions of India in better ways.
The researches are really appreciable. The book is really huge containing 11 chapters. A great read. Language is easy to understand an narration is too good.
January 15, 2019
Though a very huge book, it’s a thorough work of research and the detailed text, focussing mainly on rural issues and affairs in the country. Recommended only to readers having an interest in rural and agricultural case studies and intended to read about the rural status of the analysis of the author.
December 28, 2019
The facts and the long sentences did make me want to dnf this one. And I DID DNFed this one.
January 9, 2019
I received this book as part of The Book Genie Review Program.
I picked up A Rural Manifesto because I was fascinated by the title. I liked the blurb as well. It is interesting, don't you think? And then I picked up the book to read and I was FLOORED! It's a great non-fiction book. I don't usually read the genre but so far, every factual book I've picked up, I've loved it. In A Rural Manifesto, Gandhi has an amazing writing style. The book reeks of his concern about rural India so really, if you're into that kind of stuff and would like to know more about the hard life of India, then this is the book for you!
Edit (January 8, 2018): A lot of you messaged me asking me how on earth was I able to read such a bulky book last year. Well, the answer is: "if you like the content, the size doesn't matter." And I believe this is true in every sphere of life. <3
I picked up A Rural Manifesto because I was fascinated by the title. I liked the blurb as well. It is interesting, don't you think? And then I picked up the book to read and I was FLOORED! It's a great non-fiction book. I don't usually read the genre but so far, every factual book I've picked up, I've loved it. In A Rural Manifesto, Gandhi has an amazing writing style. The book reeks of his concern about rural India so really, if you're into that kind of stuff and would like to know more about the hard life of India, then this is the book for you!
Edit (January 8, 2018): A lot of you messaged me asking me how on earth was I able to read such a bulky book last year. Well, the answer is: "if you like the content, the size doesn't matter." And I believe this is true in every sphere of life. <3
December 23, 2018
This book is like a textbook on rural economy with 11 chapters which cover various topics like inputs, accessibility, availability, PPP Models, handicrafts, rural health care, etc. My favourite is the handicrafts chapter. Each chapter has references.
The research that has gone into the book is visible.
The research that has gone into the book is visible.
August 29, 2019
A very well written book in Indian economy, agriculture and rural India. The writer has used his experience and knowledge as a politician very well. If you are a economics student like me or want to read about Indian economy which majorly focuses on rural area and agricultural sector, this is definitely a must read.
December 31, 2018
“Agriculture is the backbone of Indian economy” is what we were taught in our Geography class in school. But when the very backbone is under desperate conditions, how do we expect a nation to prosper.
Manifesto, as the dictionary suggests is a written statement that describes the policies, goals and opinions of a person or group. In the Rural Manifesto, the author tries to precisely deliver that. The book is a collection of eleven essays concentrating on the rural life in India. The author explores the different aspects that affect the life of rural India and tries to provide an answer to the problems.
The book which is a tome of numbers, facts and figures, statistical diagrams and tables tabulating different indicators can be one of the best reference books. The author and his research team have done tremendous work to consolidate so much information under one roof. Each of the essays elucidates the current situation with every detail from the scratch and provides solutions to alleviate the pain in these situations. The book is highly academic, highly researched and may not touch you unless read over a period of time.
The presence of so many facts makes the book a far reach for the layman. Though address of rural India is one of the priority points of India today, providing so many facts to the layman is not going to yield any results. However, things might be different if the author is trying to make a pitch for himself. This book can appeal only to the intellectuals and not to the Common Men, living in towns and cities, submerged neck deep in issues of their own. Further, the solutions provided are not very credible as the author does not provide any facts and figures to justify that the solutions could bring about a change. Further, there is also no mention in the way forward as to how the bridge the gap between the urban and rural India can be closed. By the way the book goes, we need to understand that India today lives in two streams, rural and urban; and by the end of the book it is to be inferred that this needs to continue, but by providing more to the rural India. Also, the author does not mention the problem of population except for rare mentions.
This book is recommended to those who are preparing for civil services or are interested in the facts and figures of rural India. My favorites are the essays on handicrafts and rural education. I would suggest the readers who are new to this subject to try out P Sainath’s “Everybody loves a good drought”. If the reader finds it interesting and is interested in digging deeper then they can venture into this thick book.
Overall, an exhaustive read. One with an option to swallow or chew and digest.
Manifesto, as the dictionary suggests is a written statement that describes the policies, goals and opinions of a person or group. In the Rural Manifesto, the author tries to precisely deliver that. The book is a collection of eleven essays concentrating on the rural life in India. The author explores the different aspects that affect the life of rural India and tries to provide an answer to the problems.
The book which is a tome of numbers, facts and figures, statistical diagrams and tables tabulating different indicators can be one of the best reference books. The author and his research team have done tremendous work to consolidate so much information under one roof. Each of the essays elucidates the current situation with every detail from the scratch and provides solutions to alleviate the pain in these situations. The book is highly academic, highly researched and may not touch you unless read over a period of time.
The presence of so many facts makes the book a far reach for the layman. Though address of rural India is one of the priority points of India today, providing so many facts to the layman is not going to yield any results. However, things might be different if the author is trying to make a pitch for himself. This book can appeal only to the intellectuals and not to the Common Men, living in towns and cities, submerged neck deep in issues of their own. Further, the solutions provided are not very credible as the author does not provide any facts and figures to justify that the solutions could bring about a change. Further, there is also no mention in the way forward as to how the bridge the gap between the urban and rural India can be closed. By the way the book goes, we need to understand that India today lives in two streams, rural and urban; and by the end of the book it is to be inferred that this needs to continue, but by providing more to the rural India. Also, the author does not mention the problem of population except for rare mentions.
This book is recommended to those who are preparing for civil services or are interested in the facts and figures of rural India. My favorites are the essays on handicrafts and rural education. I would suggest the readers who are new to this subject to try out P Sainath’s “Everybody loves a good drought”. If the reader finds it interesting and is interested in digging deeper then they can venture into this thick book.
Overall, an exhaustive read. One with an option to swallow or chew and digest.
February 4, 2019
India is known as an agricultural country, as most of the population of villages depends on agriculture. Agriculture forms the backbone of the country’s economy. The agricultural sector contributes most to the overall economic development of the country.
A Rural Manifesto by Feroze Varun Gandhi puts a limelight on this subject with the vast information and statistics in an apple pie order. The book is divided into various chapters, where it encompasses the rural economy, it speaks about agriculture and its resources, marketing, education to help the rural communities with the latest technologies and the developments in an agricultural field etc.
For centuries together, the Indian village has been a self-sufficient and self-contained economy. During the past forty years, rural reconstruction and development have been the major thrust of economic planning, which has caused a rapid transformation in the Indian rural economic structure.
These changes have taken place in spheres, such as land reforms, agriculture, animal husbandry, supplies and marketing, village industries, rural leadership, village administration, etc. With the help of the rural development programmes, a cultivator is able to take advantage of the modern technological facilities in his agricultural operations. These cultivators are now using modern agricultural implements and high-yielding varieties of seeds and fertilizers.
The book talks about the distress in the rural economy which is leading to an increased number of farmer suicides in the country. The mills and the other crop consumer companies do not provide with a sufficient amount of money to the farmers. They bully them to death and corruption plays the main role in the same! Farmers are bound to hop from one crop to another as a result of constant low returns. The hopping is something dangerous for the over-all development of the economy. There are no significant policies to govern the change of crop production. All this information is kind of disturbing, knowing about what's happening in the rural areas and how we don't bother about anything.
Overall, A Rural Manifesto is a book which depicts about the rural economy, and the author has skillfully illustrates giving the detail picture. This book is really useful if you want to know more about the Indian rural economy or anything related to the agriculture. The book may be huge, but once you start reading you get the feeling that you want to know more. I rate this book 3.5 out of 5 stars.
A Rural Manifesto by Feroze Varun Gandhi puts a limelight on this subject with the vast information and statistics in an apple pie order. The book is divided into various chapters, where it encompasses the rural economy, it speaks about agriculture and its resources, marketing, education to help the rural communities with the latest technologies and the developments in an agricultural field etc.
For centuries together, the Indian village has been a self-sufficient and self-contained economy. During the past forty years, rural reconstruction and development have been the major thrust of economic planning, which has caused a rapid transformation in the Indian rural economic structure.
These changes have taken place in spheres, such as land reforms, agriculture, animal husbandry, supplies and marketing, village industries, rural leadership, village administration, etc. With the help of the rural development programmes, a cultivator is able to take advantage of the modern technological facilities in his agricultural operations. These cultivators are now using modern agricultural implements and high-yielding varieties of seeds and fertilizers.
The book talks about the distress in the rural economy which is leading to an increased number of farmer suicides in the country. The mills and the other crop consumer companies do not provide with a sufficient amount of money to the farmers. They bully them to death and corruption plays the main role in the same! Farmers are bound to hop from one crop to another as a result of constant low returns. The hopping is something dangerous for the over-all development of the economy. There are no significant policies to govern the change of crop production. All this information is kind of disturbing, knowing about what's happening in the rural areas and how we don't bother about anything.
Overall, A Rural Manifesto is a book which depicts about the rural economy, and the author has skillfully illustrates giving the detail picture. This book is really useful if you want to know more about the Indian rural economy or anything related to the agriculture. The book may be huge, but once you start reading you get the feeling that you want to know more. I rate this book 3.5 out of 5 stars.
December 27, 2018
Before I begin my review, let me notify that this read is an 800+ pages book. Which at first, I thought I will leave this book in my #DNF list. However, as I started skimming through the pages, I was engrossed and hooked to finishing it. The book left me amused by the amount of research the author must have gone through. I am talking about the book- A Rural Manifesto: Realizing India’s Future Through Her Villages by Feroze Varun Gandhi.
Like I have mentioned, the author must have through an unabated amount of research before putting it into words. The book gives views on scheme and policies which are being pushed aggressively by the government centre. It speaks of the national conversation on rural distress, highlighting the potential solutions to putting the village economy on an even keel while exploring how the vast majority of India ekes out a living. The well-researched book covers facets of the Indian rural economy, with a focus on making the rural economy resilient.
On a personal level, I enjoyed reading the book, because, it is filled with facts, figures, and views on rural economy, which was intriguing to learn. The book is about searching the answer on why the rural economy remains in doldrums, 6 decades after independence? It also sparks a national conversation on rural distress, highlighting the potential solutions to putting the village economy on an even keel. It determines how the vast majority of India make out a living.
This book might be a little too heavy for people who don’t enjoy reading facts and figures or which is based on economy or political subjects, for that matter.
Know more about the book by grabbing a copy today, however, In the meantime, you can read my take on the book here https://bit.ly/2EQ1mJJ
Like I have mentioned, the author must have through an unabated amount of research before putting it into words. The book gives views on scheme and policies which are being pushed aggressively by the government centre. It speaks of the national conversation on rural distress, highlighting the potential solutions to putting the village economy on an even keel while exploring how the vast majority of India ekes out a living. The well-researched book covers facets of the Indian rural economy, with a focus on making the rural economy resilient.
On a personal level, I enjoyed reading the book, because, it is filled with facts, figures, and views on rural economy, which was intriguing to learn. The book is about searching the answer on why the rural economy remains in doldrums, 6 decades after independence? It also sparks a national conversation on rural distress, highlighting the potential solutions to putting the village economy on an even keel. It determines how the vast majority of India make out a living.
This book might be a little too heavy for people who don’t enjoy reading facts and figures or which is based on economy or political subjects, for that matter.
Know more about the book by grabbing a copy today, however, In the meantime, you can read my take on the book here https://bit.ly/2EQ1mJJ
December 23, 2018
Would you like to read a book about rural India? Then add this book in your TBR. This book talks about the rural India and the struggles faced by the rural India. Right from the selection of seed for agriculture to sending out a quality product, this book covers all.
The good thing about the book is, the author has valid resources for all the data he used in the chapters. So if you want to do background reading, you can refer those resources. And this makes the book purely academic.
The author has proposed many ways to overcome struggles faced by rural India. But I highly doubt that it will be impossible to implement all ideas. There are some spectacular ideas which can help in agriculture but I personally felt that some are purely bookish (it might be because I am inexperienced or my knowledge in the topic is limited but that is purely my personal view).
The only thing I didn't like about the book is the page count. It has whopping 848 pages. It would have been better if the book has been divided into volumes with less page count. But considering the fact that the author didn't dump the book with loads of unwanted informations, I give up that one.
Over all, it's a great book and if you're a person who likes to read non fiction which involves facts and figures, you'll enjoy this a lot!
Would I recommend this book?
Definitely but not for everyone! This book is suitable for UPSC aspirants, history buffs and those who enjoy books with facts and figures. This book is a knowledge hub.
My Rating - 4/5
The good thing about the book is, the author has valid resources for all the data he used in the chapters. So if you want to do background reading, you can refer those resources. And this makes the book purely academic.
The author has proposed many ways to overcome struggles faced by rural India. But I highly doubt that it will be impossible to implement all ideas. There are some spectacular ideas which can help in agriculture but I personally felt that some are purely bookish (it might be because I am inexperienced or my knowledge in the topic is limited but that is purely my personal view).
The only thing I didn't like about the book is the page count. It has whopping 848 pages. It would have been better if the book has been divided into volumes with less page count. But considering the fact that the author didn't dump the book with loads of unwanted informations, I give up that one.
Over all, it's a great book and if you're a person who likes to read non fiction which involves facts and figures, you'll enjoy this a lot!
Would I recommend this book?
Definitely but not for everyone! This book is suitable for UPSC aspirants, history buffs and those who enjoy books with facts and figures. This book is a knowledge hub.
My Rating - 4/5
December 23, 2018
Away from the political slugfest, BJP MP Varun Gandhi has penned a massive 870-page book exploring reasons of rural indebtedness, deepening distress, slowing down of agriculture growth and income, failure of ‘Mandi system’, decrease in land-holdings, rising suicides by farmers even as he seeks to find out why rural economy is in shambles even after over six-decades of independence and ‘dives deep’ to look at the root causes” and solutions.
It focuses on the impact of rising prices of agricultural inputs, availability of water, soil suitability and pest management, highlighting the narrow window of economic benefit for the marginal farmer.
Varun Gandhi’s book explores the idea of the Indian village as an independent socio-economic entity, inspired from his travels and experiences as a Member of Parliament.
The well-researched book that goes back and forth into the historical incidents of farmers movements, including that led by Mahatma Gandhi in Champaran, Bihar, explores what it means to be a marginal farmer in present days, while providing solutions to improving the economic viability of marginal farming and highlighting the role non-farm income plays in supplementing oneself below the poverty line.
This massive case study is all the more relevant today with farmers protesting for days now at Jantar Mantar and the trumpet of the Lok Sabha elections which has already been blown.
It focuses on the impact of rising prices of agricultural inputs, availability of water, soil suitability and pest management, highlighting the narrow window of economic benefit for the marginal farmer.
Varun Gandhi’s book explores the idea of the Indian village as an independent socio-economic entity, inspired from his travels and experiences as a Member of Parliament.
The well-researched book that goes back and forth into the historical incidents of farmers movements, including that led by Mahatma Gandhi in Champaran, Bihar, explores what it means to be a marginal farmer in present days, while providing solutions to improving the economic viability of marginal farming and highlighting the role non-farm income plays in supplementing oneself below the poverty line.
This massive case study is all the more relevant today with farmers protesting for days now at Jantar Mantar and the trumpet of the Lok Sabha elections which has already been blown.
January 29, 2019
Rating: 4.5 stars
2015 - 12,602 farmers committed suicide; 2% higher than 2014
States affected - Maharshtra, Karnataka, Telangana, Chattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh
In the last 20 years, over 3 lakh farmers have lost their lives. Agriculture is the principal occupation of India as she has an abundance of fertile, cultivable land. It is true that India is progressing towards becoming a global economy with the initiatives such as Make In India, Digital India and industrial operations. But, can we ignore the contribution of farmers who are helping us fulfill our basic needs. Isn't it our responsibility to ensure that the agriculture sector prospers along with the others? The author has conducted a deep study of the issues that are faced by the farmers and has portrayed the challenges faced by the rural sector as a whole. Unless and until, we empower the Rural India, we will not achieve the status of being a developed economy.
The language is simple and comprehensible. Especially, I liked the way the author has supported his arguments with relevant facts and figures. If you truly believe in the development of the country, please read this book to get the true picture of Rural India and do not blindly believe the statistics that are announced during Elections and other national events. Help India become self-reliant and prosperous.
2015 - 12,602 farmers committed suicide; 2% higher than 2014
States affected - Maharshtra, Karnataka, Telangana, Chattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh
In the last 20 years, over 3 lakh farmers have lost their lives. Agriculture is the principal occupation of India as she has an abundance of fertile, cultivable land. It is true that India is progressing towards becoming a global economy with the initiatives such as Make In India, Digital India and industrial operations. But, can we ignore the contribution of farmers who are helping us fulfill our basic needs. Isn't it our responsibility to ensure that the agriculture sector prospers along with the others? The author has conducted a deep study of the issues that are faced by the farmers and has portrayed the challenges faced by the rural sector as a whole. Unless and until, we empower the Rural India, we will not achieve the status of being a developed economy.
The language is simple and comprehensible. Especially, I liked the way the author has supported his arguments with relevant facts and figures. If you truly believe in the development of the country, please read this book to get the true picture of Rural India and do not blindly believe the statistics that are announced during Elections and other national events. Help India become self-reliant and prosperous.
January 11, 2019
🔷️🇮🇳 BOOK REVIEW 🇮🇳🔷️
Title : A Rural Manifesto
Author: Feroze Varun Gandhi
Pages: 870
Genre : Non- fiction
Price : 700/-
Rating : 🌟🌟🌟🌟(4.0/5)
--
Talking about A RURAL MANIFESTO : REALIZING INDIA'S FUTURE THROUGH HER VILLAGES , it has been divides into 11 beautifully written chapters . The author has tried to draw attention upon the pros and cons of agricultural activities and their importance in our country . The book has various topics including handicraft work etc .
The book is written in a familiar way and a person who has seen such activities can easily relate to the book and that is what makes it interesting for the readers.
The best part about the book are the graphical representations , reports , statistics about the ongoing topic and I learnt a great deal about this ! The author has beautifully portrayed her knowledge in th book and has done a very well research on the same ! --
I would recommend this book to every indian who is interested in learning about agriculture and other works .
Thank you @reader_viddh for providing me an Ebook for the review and waiting patiently while I read this huge book . It has been my first 800+ pages read and it was totally worth it ( even tho it too a lot of time )
Title : A Rural Manifesto
Author: Feroze Varun Gandhi
Pages: 870
Genre : Non- fiction
Price : 700/-
Rating : 🌟🌟🌟🌟(4.0/5)
--
Talking about A RURAL MANIFESTO : REALIZING INDIA'S FUTURE THROUGH HER VILLAGES , it has been divides into 11 beautifully written chapters . The author has tried to draw attention upon the pros and cons of agricultural activities and their importance in our country . The book has various topics including handicraft work etc .
The book is written in a familiar way and a person who has seen such activities can easily relate to the book and that is what makes it interesting for the readers.
The best part about the book are the graphical representations , reports , statistics about the ongoing topic and I learnt a great deal about this ! The author has beautifully portrayed her knowledge in th book and has done a very well research on the same ! --
I would recommend this book to every indian who is interested in learning about agriculture and other works .
Thank you @reader_viddh for providing me an Ebook for the review and waiting patiently while I read this huge book . It has been my first 800+ pages read and it was totally worth it ( even tho it too a lot of time )
January 14, 2020
A big book on a big idea - The farmer is very much the back bone on which our nation is built, and while we run towards digitisation and industrialisation, we cannot ignore our land on which we stand and the natural resources upon which our nation is built!
This book is a deep read which explores the dimensions of Agriculture, water and energy and the way forward in a pragmatic and progressive manner.
The Author, the distinguished Faroze Varun Gandhi has also touched upon Welfare of the (rural) people and the important of education, healthcare, income and has shared ideas which very much take into consideration the modern world and our nations' and peoples' needs.
For those of us who prefer facts and numbers to back up ideas - The book is complete with data analytis and charts which make the practical aspects of the ideas and their viability clear.
The writing style is easy to understand, and I like that the author has talked about the past initiatives and their outcomes, and has ideas galore on how to build and take it forward to make better uses of the resources and create prosperity (and incomes) for the rural segment.
Overall, a read which is a deep dive and give you an insight into what is and what can be possible for our nation.
This book is a deep read which explores the dimensions of Agriculture, water and energy and the way forward in a pragmatic and progressive manner.
The Author, the distinguished Faroze Varun Gandhi has also touched upon Welfare of the (rural) people and the important of education, healthcare, income and has shared ideas which very much take into consideration the modern world and our nations' and peoples' needs.
For those of us who prefer facts and numbers to back up ideas - The book is complete with data analytis and charts which make the practical aspects of the ideas and their viability clear.
The writing style is easy to understand, and I like that the author has talked about the past initiatives and their outcomes, and has ideas galore on how to build and take it forward to make better uses of the resources and create prosperity (and incomes) for the rural segment.
Overall, a read which is a deep dive and give you an insight into what is and what can be possible for our nation.
December 30, 2018
A Rural Manifesto: Realizing India’s Future through Her Villages
By Feroze Varun Gandhi
At A Glance
Genre: Non-Fiction
Format: eBook
rating: 3.5 Stars. (Liked)
Score Sheet
All out of ten
Cover: 7
Flow: 7
Writing: 6
Total: 6
Quote:
A farmer cannot work without applying his mind. He must be able to test the nature of his soil, must watch changes of weather, must know how to manipulate his plow skillfully and be generally familiar with the movements of the stars, the sun, and the moon. The farmer knows enough of astronomy, geography, and geology to serve his needs. Physically, it goes without saying, he is always sturdy. He is his own physician, when ill. Thus, we can see, he does have an educated mind.’ — Mahatma Gandhi.
Short Review:
Good book, great content. This book was good, important and very insightful. As my grandfather was a farmer so this book wasn’t difficult for me to understand as it has many jargons. The Author draws our attention to the rural world.
I love these books because of numerical reports, Graphical representations, statistics etc.
It’s worth reading for everyone in India
By Feroze Varun Gandhi
At A Glance
Genre: Non-Fiction
Format: eBook
rating: 3.5 Stars. (Liked)
Score Sheet
All out of ten
Cover: 7
Flow: 7
Writing: 6
Total: 6
Quote:
A farmer cannot work without applying his mind. He must be able to test the nature of his soil, must watch changes of weather, must know how to manipulate his plow skillfully and be generally familiar with the movements of the stars, the sun, and the moon. The farmer knows enough of astronomy, geography, and geology to serve his needs. Physically, it goes without saying, he is always sturdy. He is his own physician, when ill. Thus, we can see, he does have an educated mind.’ — Mahatma Gandhi.
Short Review:
Good book, great content. This book was good, important and very insightful. As my grandfather was a farmer so this book wasn’t difficult for me to understand as it has many jargons. The Author draws our attention to the rural world.
I love these books because of numerical reports, Graphical representations, statistics etc.
It’s worth reading for everyone in India
August 29, 2019
Book - A Rural Manifesto: Realizing India's Future Through Her Villages
Author - Feroze Varun Gandhi
Publishers - Rupa Publications
Review - A Rural Manifesto by Feroze Varun Gandhi presents the stark reality of the condition of Indian agricultal ssociety that has worsened since the past century. In our country where farmers are referred to as 'Annadata' , they can't even meet two square meals for them and their families. Despite a lot of govt initiatives the situation more or less remains the same.
The book is a compelling and detailed account of the problems faced by them and the hardships they live under.The author seems to have done a lot of study and deep research before writing this masterpiece. Simple yet potent language has been used throughout its writing. The facts and forecasts presented here are crisp and to the point. Statistical data and various reports of agricultural surveys have also been included to make the readers better understand the ground reality. It also encourages the readers to contribute their bid towards the welfare of the farmers community.
Author - Feroze Varun Gandhi
Publishers - Rupa Publications
Review - A Rural Manifesto by Feroze Varun Gandhi presents the stark reality of the condition of Indian agricultal ssociety that has worsened since the past century. In our country where farmers are referred to as 'Annadata' , they can't even meet two square meals for them and their families. Despite a lot of govt initiatives the situation more or less remains the same.
The book is a compelling and detailed account of the problems faced by them and the hardships they live under.The author seems to have done a lot of study and deep research before writing this masterpiece. Simple yet potent language has been used throughout its writing. The facts and forecasts presented here are crisp and to the point. Statistical data and various reports of agricultural surveys have also been included to make the readers better understand the ground reality. It also encourages the readers to contribute their bid towards the welfare of the farmers community.
December 22, 2018
A Rural Manifesto
Author-FEROZE VARUN GANDHI
Genre- nonfiction
Format- ebook
A farmer works hard, batting through a lot of factors to provide us with food, raw materials, cattle, poultry, clothing and abundant numbers of useful things.
The author has done a phenomenal job at explaining everything in detail yet not making it too long and unreasonable. This book is extremely rich in knowledge and content.
Every aspect of a rural life is so well explained and displayed starting from decision making to selling out of the produce. The hardships and instability due to nature and how a farmer either flourishes or succumbs is scary just to consider in it’s own.
The realization and the conclusion that it is difficult to progress without the progress of out rural farmers and the rural area in general. It is only when the progress and development reaches the grassroots that the country can truely be developed.
This is an excellent coffee table keep or a must have for a nonfiction enthusiast, also anyone can read it easily.
Author-FEROZE VARUN GANDHI
Genre- nonfiction
Format- ebook
A farmer works hard, batting through a lot of factors to provide us with food, raw materials, cattle, poultry, clothing and abundant numbers of useful things.
The author has done a phenomenal job at explaining everything in detail yet not making it too long and unreasonable. This book is extremely rich in knowledge and content.
Every aspect of a rural life is so well explained and displayed starting from decision making to selling out of the produce. The hardships and instability due to nature and how a farmer either flourishes or succumbs is scary just to consider in it’s own.
The realization and the conclusion that it is difficult to progress without the progress of out rural farmers and the rural area in general. It is only when the progress and development reaches the grassroots that the country can truely be developed.
This is an excellent coffee table keep or a must have for a nonfiction enthusiast, also anyone can read it easily.
January 7, 2019
I received a copy of this book through the BOOK GENIE REVIEW PROGRAM
"THE RURAL MANIFESTO"
This Varun Gandhi’s book explores the idea of the Indian village as an independent socio-economic entity, inspired from his travels and experiences as a Member of Parliament.
Book is basically divided into eleven chapters. First is on agriculture inputs. Further Manifesto, by the dictionary meaning of it means a written statement that states the policies, opinions and goals of a person or group. And this book, true to its title, is a statement which highlights the issues which the rural India is grappling with day in and day out.
This is basically non fiction work, so you have to put effort to understand the facts, but still very interesting.
To write such type of non fiction book, the author has to study hard the subjects and the data and information has to be perfect, and it is almost perfect. So I must say author has thorough with his knowledge of rural India but At times I felt the narration failed to create an emotional connect with the audience.
"THE RURAL MANIFESTO"
This Varun Gandhi’s book explores the idea of the Indian village as an independent socio-economic entity, inspired from his travels and experiences as a Member of Parliament.
Book is basically divided into eleven chapters. First is on agriculture inputs. Further Manifesto, by the dictionary meaning of it means a written statement that states the policies, opinions and goals of a person or group. And this book, true to its title, is a statement which highlights the issues which the rural India is grappling with day in and day out.
This is basically non fiction work, so you have to put effort to understand the facts, but still very interesting.
To write such type of non fiction book, the author has to study hard the subjects and the data and information has to be perfect, and it is almost perfect. So I must say author has thorough with his knowledge of rural India but At times I felt the narration failed to create an emotional connect with the audience.
August 6, 2019
The Rural Manifesto : Realizing India's future through her villages.
By FEROZE VARUN GANDHI
This 848 pages long book is very descriptive with statistics . This book has 11 chapters with various subtopics for each chapters covering all the arenas of agriculture in rural areas. It talks about the farmers of different region across the country. For example, Champaran, Majuli, etc. The book also has details about the Sivaraman Committee, which laid the foundation for the fertilizer sector regulations, encompassing production, promotion, distribution and consumption of fertilizers. It talks about fertilizer pricing.
I would also like to share a quote which I liked very much. 'Today our villages are half-dead. If we imagine we can just/continue to live, that would be a mistake. The dying can pull/the living only towards death.’
—Rabindranath Tagore (The Neglected Villages, 1934)
It also talks about the Rural Healthcare, utilizing MNREGA and skill development skills , Rural credit, education.
It overall briefs the readers about the Indian Agriculture
By FEROZE VARUN GANDHI
This 848 pages long book is very descriptive with statistics . This book has 11 chapters with various subtopics for each chapters covering all the arenas of agriculture in rural areas. It talks about the farmers of different region across the country. For example, Champaran, Majuli, etc. The book also has details about the Sivaraman Committee, which laid the foundation for the fertilizer sector regulations, encompassing production, promotion, distribution and consumption of fertilizers. It talks about fertilizer pricing.
I would also like to share a quote which I liked very much. 'Today our villages are half-dead. If we imagine we can just/continue to live, that would be a mistake. The dying can pull/the living only towards death.’
—Rabindranath Tagore (The Neglected Villages, 1934)
It also talks about the Rural Healthcare, utilizing MNREGA and skill development skills , Rural credit, education.
It overall briefs the readers about the Indian Agriculture
August 26, 2019
I liked the title itself 'Realizing India's Future through Her Village', because it's so accurate, as our country has been flourishing and will continue to flourish because of the rural agriculture and resources it has to offer. Our country is identified by our villages. And, yet villages are ignored. Their development is yet slow and considered less important than Development of urban cities. Marginal farmers are still suffering resulting into more sucidies every year. And why is this happening? It's apparent that something is going wrong and more things needs to be done. This core point is brought out brilliantly by the author in this book. It's simple language also makes easy for us to understanda and analyse. Thorough research is evident from the accurate facts it includes. And it contains not only, preachings about what is done and what is not done, he has also highlighted solutions to every issue. We as citizens of the country must read the book and act upon it, contributing to the development of villages, which stand as the backbone of India.
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