The Globalization of Wheat: A Critical History of the Green Revolution

Marci R. Baranski examines Norman Borlaug's complicated legacy as the godfather of the Green Revolution, highlighting his high-yielding dwarf wheat varieties that doubled and tripled crop yields but required expensive chemical fertilizers and irrigation, privileging wealthier farmers.

Format: Hardback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 28 November 2022
Publisher: University of Pittsburgh Press

Marci R. Baranski delves into the intricate and multifaceted legacy of Norman Borlaug, widely recognized as the godfather of the Green Revolution. Hailed as a Nobel Peace Prize laureate in 1970 for his significant contributions to combating global hunger, Borlaug, an American agricultural scientist and plant breeder affiliated with the Rockefeller Foundation, left behind a legacy that continues to spark diverse opinions even today. His groundbreaking high-yielding dwarf wheat varieties, famously known as miracle seeds, achieved remarkable feats by effectively doubling and tripling crop yields across a vast geographical spectrum, spanning from Kenya to India, Argentina, and Mexico. These miracle seeds' remarkable adaptability played a pivotal role in their widespread success. However, it is important to note that the adoption of these modern seeds came with significant economic implications. They required the use of expensive chemical fertilizers and irrigation, which were largely accessible only to wealthier farmers. Baranski argues that Borlaug's innovative technologies ultimately favored wealthier farmers, despite assurances given to politicians that these new crops would thrive across diverse geographies and bring benefits to all farmers. As large-scale monocultures replaced traditional farming practices, these changes were entrenched in the Indian wheat research system, thereby limiting attention to traditional practices and marginalized environments.

In the shadow of this legacy, and in the face of the escalating challenges posed by climate change, Baranski sheds new light on Borlaug's role in a contentious concept within agricultural science. Her book serves as a valuable contribution to our understanding of the complex interplay between technology, agriculture, and social equity, offering insights into the historical and ongoing implications of Borlaug's innovations.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780822947349