Rapid development sees new buildings constantly springing up

BBC Radio 4's Crossing Continents was broadcast on Thursday, 2 December, 2004 at 1100 GMT.

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The ancient Indian city of Hyderabad in the South Indian state of Andhra Pradesh teems with highly-educated entrepreneurs and IT professionals.

Thanks to the forces of globalisation, they are taking full advantage of the country's new-found success in providing the world with computer and call centre services.

INDIA'S EXTREMES How new city wealth exists alongside extreme poverty in Andhra Pradesh, India In pictures

Yet just a few miles away, many rural farmers and their families are struggling to survive amidst continuing shortages of water and electricity.

Nigel Cassidy examines the impact that runaway economic growth is having on people's lives, not just in the city, but also deep in the Andhra Pradesh countryside, where around 70 million people still live on the land.

Presenter: Nigel Cassidy
Producer: Neil Koenig
Editor: Maria Balinska