Learning and Sustaining Agricultural Practices: The Dialectics of Cultivating Cultivation in Rural India

This book is a participatory case study of a small family farm in Maharashtra, India, that explores the process of paddy cultivation and its dynamic nature. It compares this process to the process of doing science and formal education and provides evidence that paddy cultivation has always been varying and evolving through chance and necessity, experimentation, and economic contingencies. It critiques current attempts to sustain agriculture and provides an understanding of the ongoing agricultural crisis.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 313 pages
Publication date: 29 March 2022
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This captivating book delves into a participatory case study of a small family farm nestled in the picturesque landscapes of Maharashtra, India. It unfolds as a dialectical exploration of the intricate process of cultivating cultivation, shedding light on the acquisition and transmission of paddy farming practices and the underlying reasons behind their unique nature. Initially, the family's agricultural endeavors may appear to align with traditional approaches, but as the authors immerse themselves in their daily routines and collaborate closely with the family, they discover a dynamic and transformative process at play.

Similar to the scientific method, the authors compare this participatory learning journey to the acquisition of knowledge in formal education. They highlight the fact that paddy cultivation has undergone a continuous and evolving process driven by chance, necessity, experimentation, and economic contingencies. Through the lens of a single farm, the book offers a critical appraisal of current efforts to sustain agriculture and provides valuable insights into the ongoing agricultural crisis.

The authors meticulously document the diverse practices and techniques employed by the family, showcasing their deep connection to the land and their commitment to sustainable farming. They explore the interplay between tradition and innovation, highlighting the ways in which the family has adapted and evolved their farming methods to meet the changing demands of the market and the environment.

Furthermore, the book raises important questions about the broader implications of paddy cultivation and its role in the larger agricultural landscape. It explores the historical and cultural significance of rice farming in India, as well as the challenges and opportunities it faces in the modern world. The authors draw upon a wealth of research and literature to provide a comprehensive analysis of the complex factors contributing to the agricultural crisis, including globalization, climate change, and government policies.

Through its engaging narrative and insightful analysis, this book offers a valuable contribution to the field of agriculture and rural development. It provides a deeper understanding of the complexities involved in cultivating cultivation and highlights the importance of participatory approaches and collaborative efforts in addressing the challenges facing the agricultural sector. Whether you are an agricultural professional, a student of agriculture, or simply someone interested in the world of food and sustainability, this book will captivate your imagination and inspire you to think critically about the future of agriculture.

Weight: 534g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030640675
Edition number: 1st ed. 2021