REACTING to my column last week regarding the presence of agricultural cartels whose operations have the effect of jacking up food prices, a former finance secretary gently advised that I should be more constructive in my analysis and offer recommendations on how to address the issue.

He asked: 'Would you consider suggesting both market and nonmarket forces, with practical plan, rigorous supervision, monitoring, among others, that would help reduce the influence of cartels in determining the prices of rice, and other food and agricultural products in the public markets, groceries and other outlets?'