FW: Why India needs transgenic crops

[Michael Perelman]

Ulhas, you are describing why the rush to urbanization creates so much
difficulty.  In the countryside, people should be able to have access to land
[meaning that it is physically easier than in urban areas, not that the poor
would have access to a tiny plot], they would not need the infrastructure, such
as transportation which takes 3 hours.  I am not advocating that all the work be
pushed onto the women.

I was only answering your earlier question about whether organic farming could
feed everybody.

Ulhas Joglekar wrote:


> Michael Perelman wrote:
> > The web site you mentioned is that of John Jeavons.  I just heard from him
> > a week or so ago after 20 years.  He has a remarkable program to grow all
> > the food a person needs on a tiny plot with 20 minutes a day and no
> > pesticides.  Ulhas asked if organic farming could feed the world -- maybe
> > it was on pen-l.  The answer is yes.
>
> Even a middle class family can not afford to buy a small flat, since the
> land prices
> are prohibitive in big cities of India. Millons live in slums, pavements
> etc. Who can afford a tiny plot for farming?
>
> After 8-9 hours at plants, offices or shops (assuming they have jobs in the
> first place), people spend on average 3 hours in commuting. They don't get 5
> day week. They don't get long vacations that judges, lawyers and academics
> enjoys. After they reach home (if they have one), they have (particularly
> women have) daily chores like cooking, washing, looking children. Michael
> wants them to spend extra 20 minutes on tiny farms ! I am sure women will
> end up doing this thankless task. When do proles get a
> chance relax, watch a soap on the TV,  or meet their friends and relatives?
>
> Ulhas

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Michael Perelman
Economics Department
California State University
michael at ecst.csuchico.edu
Chico, CA 95929
530-898-5321
fax 530-898-5901