Technological Possibilities of Indian Agriculture By Asok Basu

Book Description

Technological Change in Indian Agriculture by Asok Basu is a comprehensive analysis of the dynamics surrounding agricultural technology in India. This work explores the multifaceted nature of technological change, assessing the conditions necessary for its advancement and the constraints that hinder progress across various commodities and regions.

Foreword

The foreword emphasizes Basu's exploration of technological change within the complex framework of India's agricultural landscape, characterized by millions of small farms with limited resources. It underscores that, despite these challenges, opportunities for technological improvement and increased productivity exist. Basu outlines essential conditions for fostering this change, including effective communication of technology to farmers, supportive tenure systems, access to capital, and favorable input supply dynamics. His conclusion that there remains significant potential for technological advancement within small-scale farming is well-supported by data and extensive literature review.

Preface

In the preface, Basu articulates the growing interest in technological change in Indian agriculture and acknowledges the existing literature, noting that previous studies have often focused on individual aspects rather than a comprehensive analysis. This book aims to fill that gap by examining both mechanical and biological technologies, such as high-yield variety seeds and chemical fertilizers. The study begins with an overview of the current state of technological change in Indian agriculture, followed by an analysis of the prerequisites for such advancements, the nature of production functions, and their implications for resource allocation. Additionally, it addresses the employment landscape in agriculture and the impact of technological change on rural jobs. Basu supports his observations with relevant data and makes international comparisons to highlight India's position relative to both developing and advanced nations, particularly the U.S. and Japan.

Overall, Technological Change in Indian Agriculture serves as an important resource for understanding the complexities of agricultural innovation in India and its potential for enhancing productivity and rural livelihoods.