Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
received a lot of support. Therefore, the bifurcation of Kerala's organic
farming countermovement is far from a natural outcome representing in-
nate interests of communities like Syrian Christians; it is, rather, a reflec-
tion of Kerala's multifaceted society and complicated political economic
history. These complexities of Kerala's agrarian and environmental pol-
itics render it difficult to find answers to several fundamental questions:
For whom should Indian farmers produce? Moreover, who should decide,
and how? And what should be taken into account in this decision? His-
torical trade with foreign countries? Contemporary free trade agreements
that may depress this trade?
As organic agriculture becomes increasingly tied to biodiversity con-
servation around the world, important questions arise for environmen-
talists as well: W hat forms of organic agriculture are best for biodiversity,
and who decides? Are all cash crops created equal, like organic shade-
grown coffee versus organic natural rubber? Should agrobiodiversity and
how communities interact with the land be allowed to evolve, given that
ecological systems are naturally and always in a state of flux? W hile the
exact effects of organic agriculture on biodiversity are debated within the
field of ecology, it is clear that the agrarian practices of different cultural
groups may foster agrobiodiversity in unexpected ways.55
There are several other practical questions bearing down on Kerala's
organic farming movement: W hat is the best way for Kerala to move
ahead with verifying the authenticity of its organic foodstuffs? Through
ICS or PGS schemes? Or different forms of government intervention?
Should the organic farming policy make overtures to certified organic
agriculture for export? How should each side of Kerala's organic farming
movement address claims of corruption? And more broadly, what does
it mean for alternative agriculture movements in general if sustainable
farming practices affect cultural groups differently?
How Kerala's Communist and other parties ought to tackle these en-
vironmental and political challenges going forward—such as by promot-
ing sustainable agriculture—is further complicated by the state's place
in a larger nation that is grappling with free trade policies and corruption
scandals related to the increasing commercialization of Indian society. In
an era of ongoing economic liberalization and privatization, where com-
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