'Green Revolution' and Economic Development

"Green Revolution" technologies have transformed the countryside of many less developed countries. This book examines the processes involved in the adoption of these new technologies and their socio-economic impacts. It provides an integrated view of the effects of "Green Revolution" technologies on economic growth and returns, distribution of income and resources, stability of agricultural production and returns and their sustainability in Bangladesh. Bangladeshi experiences are compared with those elsewhere, especially in India. Sources of increased agricultural growth in Bangladesh are identified, patterns and determinants of adoption of high yielding varieties of cereals at both the farm and regional level are identified and the consequences of the new agricultural technology for diets and for the welfare of Bangladeshi consumers are discussed. Implications for rural poverty, income and resource distribution and security of income of the "Green Revolution" in Bangladesh are given attention as is the impact of the "Green Revolution" on fluctuations in cereal yields. Long term sustainability problems are raised - high yielding varieties of crops are driving out traditional varieties thereby reducing genetic diversity. Bangladesh is becoming more dependent on imported food, foreign technology and import of inputs required for modern agriculture.