|
PGP-ABM III Term/2002 - 2003 One Unit |
|
MANAGEMENT OF TECHNOLOGY FOR SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE
Anil K Gupta Indian agriculture has made spectacular gains since mid sixties, thanks to the green revolution. However, the growth achieved earlier is becoming difficult to sustain. The declining productivity of various inputs. has become a major constraint. One has to use more water, fertilizer, pesticides, energy, and other inputs to get the same amount of output. The crisis in agriculture sector has become even more serious in the post GATT phase of increased global competitiveness and reduced ability of state to subsidize various inputs. The nature is also finding difficult to continue to bear with all the negative externalities. And yet biotechnology and other newer technologies in the field of precision agriculture are opening new avenues of possible growth. In some cases, these technologies also raise ethical dilemma, which we need to confront and deal with adequately.
It is often argued that since the average level of consumption of chemical inputs in developing country is much lower than in developed countries, there was no cause of concern. It is also assumed that decline in productivity was inevitable as a ’normal’ natural resource function. These assumptions are questioned in this course. Although the growth processes in agricultural sector have been affected by several factors, including declining public and private investment, and supply of credit, in this course we have focused only on the technological and ecological factors. What are the challenges before research planners and corporate leaders engaged in technological change in making a transition to sustainable agriculture? This course provides to the participants, an understanding and appreciation of not only difficulties lying ahead but also concrete alternatives that are emerging from alternative agriculture movement with in India and abroad ( particularly the Honey bee experience). The course also tries to highlight the potential that exists for organic and non-chemical agriculture in European as well as domestic markets. Experience with regard to linkage between consumers and producers of alternative agriculture in various countries will also be shared. Case studies based on innovations by farmers as well as ecopreneurs will particularly be highlighted to understand the emerging technological frontiers. The role of the low external input technologies in making Indian agriculture globally competitive will be discussed in the light of post GATT and CBD (Convention on Biological Diversity) agreements. The role of Intellectual Property Rights, Farmers’ Rights (under FAO Undertaking on Plant Genetic Resources) and other provisions of WTO dealing with non-actionable subsidies for making transition to sustainable agriculture, will also be discussed. The implications of discussions on trade and environment in Committee on Trade and Environment under WTO will be reviewed with specific reference to IPRs, Biotechnology and environmental standards. The issues related to biosafety protocol, precautionary principle, risk in transgenic crops for environment and human safety will also be dealt with. Pedagogy and evaluation:The course participants will evolve initiatives that corporate leaders and research managers can take in making the transition through project work. In addition, students will be encouraged to make class presentation on at least one topic aided by the faculty. Each session will be of two hours duration unless otherwise specified. Evaluation will be based on following outputs: OUTPUTS WEIGHTAGE Class presentation 25 per cent Quizzes 15 Project Report 35 Final Test 25 |
