Ecological Agrarian Crisis Versus Organic Farming: A Geographical Study of Punjab and West Bengal, India
摘要
After World War II India faced the problem of food shortages which were accomplished by high rice and wheat production, particularly in North Western Indo-Gangetic plains. The agriculture-based new technology has led to monocropping, agricultural intensification, and rapid growth of food-grain production in Punjab. Hence, it has resulted into multifaceted crisis in agro-ecosystem of Punjab in the post-Green Revolution period, like land degradation, surface and groundwater pollution, and depletion of waters in ground water reservoirs. But on the other hand, the state of West Bengal is actively participating in organic farming, though some technological advancements have also affected the state. An attempt has been made to explore inter-State variations in agriculture and farming crisis in Punjab versus organic farming in West Bengal by taking various aspects into consideration. This study is based on the secondary data collected from diverse sources. The data is computed with the help of statistical methods to bring accuracy. An endeavour is made here to show trends of production and yield of major crops, extent of irrigation, use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides as well as organic practices in two agro-climatically different states of India. The study also provides alternatives and solutions to alleviate the adverse implications of Green Revolution technology that are rooted in sound ecological principles. The findings show that crop yields have been increased, area cultivated along with area irrigated did expand, and use of chemicals has multiplied, especially since the introduction of new agricultural technology. Furthermore, some organizations, like Kheti Virasat Mission, try to bring ‘natural farming’ as a solution to these agrarian crises to some extent. Such type of study represents real situation of agricultural patterns and helps planners and agricultural scientists to bring about sustainable agriculture.