This hardcover book, written by Keith B. Griffin, discusses the political economy of agrarian change, specifically focusing on the Green Revolution. It explores the impact of industrialization on agriculture and analyzes the environmental and social consequences of the revolution. The book also delves into the industries of agribusiness and public policy related to agriculture and food, making it a must-read for anyone interested in these topics. With 279 pages, the book promises to offer valuable insights to readers.
This book is about technical change in the agricultural sector of underdeveloped countries. It is concerned specifically with the economic, social and political implications of introducing new, high yielding varieties of rice and wheat in the rural areas of Asia and, less prominently, of Latin America. Thus it is an essay on what is widely known as the "green revolution"
What, briefly, has been the contribution so far of high yielding varieties of food grain to development? It is not possible to claim that the new seeds and the accompanying technology have increased agricultural production per head or reduced malnutrition. The direct, quantitative effects of the new technology have, therefore, been rather modest at the aggregate level.
The indirect and qualitative effects, however, have sometimes been significant.... The new technology has led to changes in crop pattern and in methods of production. It has accelerated the development of a market oriented, capitalist agriculture. It has hastened the demise of subsistence oriented, peasant farming. It has encouraged the growth of wage labor, and thereby helped to create or augment a class of agricultural laborers. It has increased the power of landowners, especially the larger ones, and this in turn has been associated with a greater polarization of classes and intensified conflict.
In summary, an old system of agriculture, slowly or swiftly, is in the process of being destroyed by the advance of contemporary technology. This technology contains a positive potential for economic and social development. But if used unwisely, it can aggravate tendencies already discernible and contribute to further inequality and poverty. It is not inevitable that it will do so; nor is it inevitable that it will not.
From the Introduction of
THE POLITICAL ECONOMY OF AGRARIAN CHANGE
Using advanced tools of economic analysis and data only recently available, Mr. Griffin defines the "green revolution" as a process of introducing new seeds and technology to underdeveloped countries and analyzes the results. He concentrates on the direct impact of the "green revolution" on nations and then places the revolution in a larger framework of agrarian change. After a searching examination he comes to some disturbing conclusions. The "green revolution" has not resulted in greater agricultural production per capita or reduced malnutrition. In fact, direct quantitative effects have been meager. Rather, the indirect and measureable effects have been more significant-the market oriented crop system, the growth of agricultural labor, the increased power of landowners, the declining share of wages.
The "green revolution" has been associated with economic inequality and has polarized classes. Landlords have allied with urban groups and have protected the political status quo. These findings and others make this an invaluable and model study for economists, sociologists, and political scientists.
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