Food is more than a commodity and agriculture is more than an economic activity but humanity subordinated food to trade, laments Mr John Madeley, author, journalist and broadcaster, specialising in economic and social development issues, while discussing agriculture in the context of globalisation. It appears India too is tracing that path, more so when the discussion turns to the oft-touted Second Green Revolution (SGR); small and marginal farmers may get impacted if we bet on expensive technologies and agri-business. The current mainstream thinking believes in leveraging information and communication technology, bio-technology, expanding rural infrastructure, agri-extension, and inexpensive farm credit to usher in the SGR. It is highlighted that technology, managerial skills and financial strength are required to transform agriculture into a prosperous agri-business.
Second green revolution demands strategic re-think
by Pammi Suryakumar, The Hindu, 07 July, 2006