The violence of the green revolution : Third World agriculture, ecology, and politics

As the agricultural systems of many countries are poised, as a result of the recent advances in biotechnology for what may soon come to be called the Second Green Revolution, this book is particularly appropriate. Vandana Shiva examines the impact of the first Green Revolution on the breadbasket of India. In a cogent empirical argument, she shows how the 'quick fix' promise of large gains in output pushed aside serious pursuit of an alternative agricultural strategy grounded in respect for the environmental wisdom of peasant systems and building an egalitarian, needs-prientated agriculture consistent with the village-based, endogenous political traditions of Gandhism. Dr Shiva documents the destruction of genetic diversity and soil fertility that resulted and in highly original fashion shows how the Green Revolution also contributed to the acute social and political conflicts now tearing the Punjab apart. Set in the context of a sophisticated critique of the privileged epistemological position achieved by modern science, whereby it both aspires to provide technological solutions for social and political problems while at the same time disclaiming responsibility for the new problems which it creates in its wake, the author looks to the future in an analysis of a new project to apply the latest Gene Revolution technology to India and warns of the further environmental and social damage which will ensue. The Green Revolution Is Often Touted As Being One Of Independent India's Most Outstanding Achievements. But Behind The Widely Broadcast Images Of Full Granaries And An Explorable Gain Surplus Lies A Grim Tale Of Environmental And Social Carnage. In This Book, Already A Classic, Vandana Shiva, Examines The Impact Of The Green Revolution In The State Of Punjab. She Documents The Destruction Of Genetic Diversity And Soil Fertility That Resulted From The Green Revolution In The State, And Also Shows How The Acute Social And Political Conflicts That Eventually Emerged Tore Punjab Apart And Continue To Simmer. As India Gets Hopelessly Mired In The Brave New World Of Modern Agriculture With Its Interactable Problems, This Book Constitutes A Warning About The Horrors That Lie Ahead. It Should Spur The Thoughtful And The Concerned Towards Greater Efforts In Developing A Workable, Humane Alternative. IN 1970, Norman Borlaug was awarded the Novel Peace Prize for 'a new world situation with regard to nutrition...'.