Adoption of modern varieties and rice varietal diversity on household farms in Bangladesh


Book Description

This paper investigates the relationship between adoption of modern rice varieties and rice varietal diversity on household farms in Bangladesh. As shown in previous studies, adoption of modern varieties depends on agroecological- and input-related factors, including the availability and use of irrigation facilities, such as tubewells. Having irrigation affects the diversity index significantly and positively, which could be due to the diffusion of more modern varieties (MVs) in areas where irrigation is available and accessible.










Rice Productivity and Food Security in India


Book Description

This book contributes to the adoption of agricultural technology in general and to literature on the System of Rice Intensification (SRI) in particular by identifying the factors that influence the decision to adopt SRI and examining SRI’s impact on household income and yield. The study also discusses the importance of SRI in achieving higher rice productivity and food security. Conducted on behalf of the Government of India’s Ministry of Agriculture from October 2014 to March 2016, the study collected detailed and extensive household-level data. As the second largest producer and consumer, India plays an important role in the global rice economy. Food security in India has been traditionally defined as having a sufficient supply of rice at an affordable price. However, in recent years rice cultivation in India has suffered from several interrelated problems. Increased yields achieved during the green revolution period and with the help of input-intensive methods involving high water and fertiliser use are now showing signs of stagnation and concomitant environmental problems due to salinisation and waterlogging of fields. Water resources are also limited; as such, water for irrigation must contend with increasing industrial and urban needs. As a result of all these factors, rice farmers have experienced a downturn in productivity growth. Since increasing the area of rice cultivation is not feasible, the additional production has to be achieved using less land, less water and fewer additional inputs. The new intensification methods for rice cultivation known as the System of Rice Intensification (SRI), which originated in Madagascar, offer a promising systemic approach to enhancing rice production at affordable costs by simultaneously reducing input requirements and causing less harm to the environment. The SRI approach is expected to enhance yield and substantially reduce water and other input requirements by altering plant, soil, water and nutrient management practices. With SRI taking firm root in India, the book examines and analyses the adoption and the economic impact of SRI in three major rice producing States of India: Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh and Orissa.




Managing Global Genetic Resources


Book Description

This anchor volume to the series Managing Global Genetic Resources examines the structure that underlies efforts to preserve genetic material, including the worldwide network of genetic collections; the role of biotechnology; and a host of issues that surround management and use. Among the topics explored are in situ versus ex situ conservation, management of very large collections of genetic material, problems of quarantine, the controversy over ownership or copyright of genetic material, and more.




Agroecosystem Diversity


Book Description

Agro-Ecosystem Diversity: Impact on Food Security and Environmental Quality presents cutting-edge exploration of developing novel farming systems and introduces landscape ecology to agronomy. It encompasses the broad range of links between agricultural development and ecological impact and how to limit the potential negative results. Presented in seven sections, each focusing on a specific challenge to sustaining diversity, the book provides insights toward the argument that by re-introducing diversity, it should be possible to maintain a high level of productivity of agro-ecosystems while also maintaining and/or restoring a satisfactory level of environment quality and biodiversity. - Demonstrates that diversified agro-ecosystems can be intensified with environmental quality preserved, restored and enhanced - Includes analysis of economic constraints leading to specialization of farms and regions and the social locking forces resisting to diversification of agro-ecosystems - Presents a global vision of world agriculture and the tradeoff between a necessary increase in food production and restoring environment quality




New Seeds and Poor People


Book Description

First published in 1989, this book deals with the impact of cereal production upon the Third World, specifically ‘Modern Varieties’ (MVs). Using evidence from plant breeding, economics and nutrition science, the authors seek to pinpoint what has been achieved, what has gone wrong and what needs to be done in future. Although the technical innovations of MVs mean more employment, cheaper food and less risk for small farmers, the reduction in crop diversity increases the risk of danger from pests and though MVs enlarge cereal stocks, many are too poor to afford them. The book concludes that technical breakthroughs alone won’t solve deep-rooted social problems and that only new policies and research priorities will increase the choices, assets and power of the rural poor.




Nature and Impact of the Green Revolution in Bangladesh


Book Description

Technological progress and growth of crop production - a macro picture; Nature of alternative rice technologies; Productivity and efficiency of resource use; Farm size, tenancy, and adoption of modern technology; Labor market and employment effects of modern technology; Linkage effects of agricultural growth; Effect on income distribution and poverty.




Rice in the Tropics


Book Description

The importance of rive as a world crops, and its principal characteristics. The modern rice plant and the new technology: Greater potentials for rice production in the tropics. Problems of postharvest technology. Rice marketing. Some successful rice production programs. Promising rice research. Elements of a successful accelerated rice production program. A national rice program: putting the ingredients together.




Farming Systems and Poverty


Book Description

A joint FAO and World Bank study which shows how the farming systems approach can be used to identify priorities for the reduction of hunger and poverty in the main farming systems of the six major developing regions of the world.