Globalization and Its Effects on the Farmers of Kerala”
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GLOBALIZATION AND ITS EFFECTS ON THE FARMERS OF KERALA A STUDY IN IDUKKI DISTRICT THESIS SUBMITTED TO BHARATHIDASAN UNIVERSITY FOR THE AWARD OF THE DEGREE OF DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY JOSEPH JOB UNDER THE GUIDANCE OF PROF.DR.M.THAVAMANI DEPARTMENT OF SOCIOLOGY BHARATHIDASAN UNIVERSITY, PALKALAIPERUR THIRUCHIRAPPALLY 620 024 TAMILNADU - INDIA AUG – 2012 1 Dedicated to MY FATHER WHO WAS A POOR CARPENTER WITH SEVEN CHILDTREN AND GOT ONLY FIVE RUPEES PER WEEK IN 1950s 2 THIRUKKURAL Agriculturists are the inch-pin of the world For they support all other workers who cannot till the soil They alone live who live by agriculture All others are dependants If the farmers’ hands are slackened Even the ascetic state will fall. 3 “I make a request; let not the praise that the scholars shower on Kerala for its achievements divert attention from the intense economic crisis that we face. We are behind other states of India in respect of economic growth, and the solution to this crisis brooks no delay. We can ignore our backwardness in respect of employment and production only at our own peril.” E M S Namboothiripad, former Chief Minister of Kerala. 4 DECLARATION I hereby declare that the work embodied in this Thesis has been originally carried out by me, entitled “Globalization and its Effects on the Farmers of Kerala”. The thesis is an original work done by me and submitted for the award of Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the Department of Sociology, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli. The Thesis has not been previously formed the basis for the award of any Degree, Diploma, Associateship, Fellowship or any other similar title and the Thesis represents entirely and independent work of the candidate. JOSEPH JOB DEPARTMENT OF SOCIOLOGY TRICHY BHARATHIDASAN UNIVERSITY, 31 AUG 2012 TIRUCHIRAPPALLI 5 CERTIFICATE This is to certify that the thesis entitled “Globalization and its Effects on the Farmers of Kerala” submitted by JOSEPH JOB, is a genuine and bonafide research work carried out under my guidance. The Thesis or part there of was not submitted to any University or institute for the award of any Degree or diploma. I recommend the same for submission for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Sociology in Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappally. Tiruchirappalli Prof. Dr. M.THAVAMANI 31 Aug 2012 RESEARCH SUPERVISOR 6 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT In conducting the present research study I have received immense help and guidance from many persons. First of I thank almighty God for leading me to Trichy for my M.Phil and Ph.D studies. I got immense blessings from this land in the form of knowledge. I do not know how to express my gratitude in words. Thank you is inadequate to Prof.Dr.Thavamani who graciously opened the door to research was a role model for me as a teacher, and as a man. I am deeply indebted to him because he was a source of inspiration for me from the very beginning of my studies. I was sinking many a times and like a committed captain he rushed for my assistance and lifted me up from the wreck. He was theoretical as well as practical. I learned much from his examples. As a research student I will be leaving him but as a ‘guru’ I will be after him in my life. In fact I have no words to express my gratitude. His family always welcomed me. Even on holidays and in the nights I have disturbed them. I will never forget Achu and Akash for their smiling welcome. I thank Dr.Sankar for his valuable support for me. Whenever I approached him for his help he gave it with a smiling face. I thank him for his assistance. I thank Prof. Leslie Pallath, Principal of St. Alberts College, Ernakulam for his valuable advice, help and encouragements. Dr. Jothivenkateshan was a friend and philosopher to me. In the Department, in the Administrative Office in the Library and everywhere I enjoyed his presence and help. I will never forget his smiling face and what he had been to me. I extend my heart felt thanks to the 7 librarian and staff of the Central Library. I have received much help from the Research Hostel. All were helping me directly to complete help. To my surprise I got excellent support from the farmers of Idukki District. The Collectorate in Kuyilimala gave me all possible assistance to me. Mr.Viswanathan from Trivandrum was a source of help to me in various ways. He did my statistical work with patience and listened to me for hours and with me in my difficult times. He is a man of love and integrity. I thank Mr.Antony Vineesh, for assisting me in my field work.There are many others who helped me in my studies like Carmel Tresa, Preethi, Amrutha, Nisha, Anju, Divya, Seethal,Greeshma, Enoshya, Amal, Alna, Altriya, Heera, Sharon, Minu, Teema, Teena, Rency, Shima, Aleena, Jithin, Anand……… I am deeply indebted to Ms.Elizabeth Honey, Principal, HSS of Jesus, for her immense help and support. Godwin Joseph, Agnes Shency, and there are many others who supported me in my endeavor. I thank them all with a prayerful heart. Behind every successful man there is a lady. My wife Dr.Merly Joseph was with me to make this study a success. I am only standing in the front there are hundreds who are behind the stage supporting me. Without them this work would have been an unsuccessful attempt. With heartfelt thanks JOSEPH JOB 8 CONTENTS Page No. CHAPTER I 1.1 Introduction 1 1.2 Agriculture in India 2 1.3 Agriculture in Kerala 4 1.4 Agrarian Transformation in Kerala 6 1.5 Agriculture and Present Problems 7 1.6 Impact of International Institutions 9 1.7 Colonization in the Past 10 1.8 Neo Colonialism 10 1.9 Economic side of Globalization 12 1.10 Social Aspects of Globalization 12 1.11 Study Area 14 1.12 Nature of Respondents 15 1.13 Type of Sample 15 1.14 Objectives 16 1.15 Statement of the problem 16 9 CHAPTER II REVIEW OF LITERATURE 2.1 Introduction 17 2.2 International Scene 17 2.3 National Level 21 2.4 Kerala 24 2.5 Globalization 25 2.6 Liberalization 30 2.7 Privatization 32 2.8 World Trade Organization 36 2.9 Multinational Corporations 40 2.10 World Bank 43 2.11 Poverty 45 2.12 Agriculture 47 2. 13 Women 51 2.14 Culture 55 2.15 Suicide 58 2.16 Conclusion 61 10 CHAPTER III PROFILE OF THE STUDY AREA KERALA 3.1 Introduction 62 3.2 History 62 3.3 Features of Kerala Agriculture 66 3.4 Current Problems 67 3.5 Low Profitability 67 3.6 Shortage of Farm Labourers 68 3.7 Abnormal Increase in Land Prices 68 3.8 Conversion of Agricultural Land for Non-Agricultural purposes 69 3.9 Recent Agricultural Developments in Kerala 70 IDUKKI DISTRICT 76 3.10 History 76 3.11 Administrative Divisions 77 3.12 Topography and Climatic Features 78 3.13 Demography 79 3.14 Annals of Migration to Idukki from other parts of Kerala 81 3.15 Transport and Communication 82 11 3.16 Electricity and Power 83 3.17 Cropping pattern in Idukki compared to Kerala 84 3.18 Area Cultivated in Idukki District 85 3.19 Land Holding Pattern in Idukki District 85 3.20 Rice 87 3.21 Pepper 87 3.22 Cardamom 87 3.23 Ginger 87 3.24 Fruits 88 3.25 Floriculture 88 3.26 Vegetables 88 3.27 Medicinal Plants 88 CHAPTER IV METHODOLOGY 4.1 Scope of the Study 90 4.2 Location of the Study 91 4.3 Data Base 91 4.4 Unit of Study 92 4.5 Method Adopted for Data Collection 92 12 4.6 Period of Study 93 4.7 Concepts used in this Research 94 MNC 96 New Agricultural Policy 96 New Economic Policy 97 Poverty 97 Privatisation 97 Structural Adjustment Programme 98 Spices 98 World Bank 98 World Trade Organization 99 Ponzi schemes 99 Limitations 100 CHAPTER V ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION 5.1 Globalization Policies and Its Effects on the Farmers 101 5.2Socio Economic Aspects 106 5.3 Land Cultivated by farmers 108 5.4 Land Leased in 110 5.5 Land Leased out 110 13 5.6 Net Area Cultivated by Farmers 113 5.7 Employment Pattern 118 5.8 Income from Farm Work 120 5.9 Income from Live Stock 121 5.10 Indebtedness 124 5.11 Enjoyments and Leisure time activities 127 5.12 Cultural Impact of Globalization 130 5.13 Agricultural Offices (Krishi Bhavan) 133 5.14 Attitude towards Farming 133 5.15 Analysis of Suicide 139 5.16 Fed up with Life 143 5.17 Chronic Disease 146 5.18 Mental Illness 151 5.19 Solutions to Farmers Suicide 157 5.20 Present Problems 162 5.21 Latest Developments 164 CHAPTER VI Findings and Conclusion 166 Summary 180 Suggestions 183 Policy Implications 187 14 APPENDICES Bibliography 189 News Paper Reports about suicides 202 Interview Schedule about the person who committed suicide 211 Socio Economic Data about the Household 213 15 CHAPTER I INTRODUCTION Agriculture matters. Because it produces the food that feeds people and provides income on which the world’s most vulnerable people depend. Small scale agriculture matters because it plays a key role in overcoming poverty. Since agriculture provides food and shelter for 70 percent of its people it needs no introduction in India. The major input in agriculture is farm and farmer. Farm is affected by blind unconscious forces of nature.