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The Rationalization of Agriculture in Kerala: Implications for the Natural Environment, Agro-ecosystems and Livelihoods

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  • P.K. Viswanathan

    (P.K. Viswanathan is Associate Professor, Gujarat Institute of Development Research, Ahmedabad, India. Email: pkviswam@gmail.com)

Abstract

This article addresses an older debate which held that the agricultural transformation in the regional economy of Kerala has been mainly driven by ‘peasant rationality’. It is argued in this article that the agrarian transformation driven by peasant rationality has created a dichotomous agrarian society in the state, with a genre of rich farmers who have significantly benefited by the ‘rational’ switch over to commercial agriculture and another segment of subsistence farmers who have been marginalized by the agricultural development process. The article argues that the agricultural development process driven by ‘peasant rationality’ has several ramifications for the sustainable future of Kerala’s agricultural economy. To substantiate this, the article critically examines the agricultural development experience of the state over the past six decades and brings out the impasse affecting the agricultural sector in the emerging context of growing market uncertainties and other challenges confronting the agro-ecosystems and natural environments.

Suggested Citation

  • P.K. Viswanathan, 2014. "The Rationalization of Agriculture in Kerala: Implications for the Natural Environment, Agro-ecosystems and Livelihoods," Agrarian South: Journal of Political Economy, Centre for Agrarian Research and Education for South, vol. 3(1), pages 63-107, April.
  • Handle: RePEc:sae:agspub:v:3:y:2014:i:1:p:63-107
    DOI: 10.1177/2277976014530232
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Jeromi, P.D., 2007. "Impact of Agricultural Trade Liberalisation: Farmers’ Indebtedness and Suicides in Kerala," Indian Journal of Agricultural Economics, Indian Society of Agricultural Economics, vol. 62(2), pages 1-17.
    2. Viswanathan P K & Amita Shah, 2012. "Gender Impact of Trade Reforms in Indian Plantation Sector: An Exploratory Ananlysis," Working Papers id:5135, eSocialSciences.
    3. Lekshmi, S. & George, K. Tharian, 2003. "Expansion of Natural Rubber Cultivation in Kerala: An Exploratory Analysis," Indian Journal of Agricultural Economics, Indian Society of Agricultural Economics, vol. 58(2), June.
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    Cited by:

    1. Terah Sportel & René Véron, 2016. "Coconut Crisis in Kerala? Mainstream Narrative and Alternative Perspectives," Development and Change, International Institute of Social Studies, vol. 47(5), pages 1051-1077, September.
    2. Agnes Gold & Stefan Gold, 2019. "Drivers of Farm Efficiency and Their Potential for Development in a Changing Agricultural Setting in Kerala, India," The European Journal of Development Research, Palgrave Macmillan;European Association of Development Research and Training Institutes (EADI), vol. 31(4), pages 855-880, September.

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