Final answer:
Agricultural practices in the USA focus on large-scale mechanization and productivity, while India has improved yields through the Green Revolution but faces challenges of farmer indebtedness and loss of subsistence farming. Vandana Shiva argues for the importance of subsistence farming for food security and sustainability, while sustainable practices like crop rotation can improve agricultural outcomes.
Step-by-step explanation:
Comparing the agricultural practices of the USA and India involves considering various factors, including technology, resource availability, scale of operations, and cultural practices. The United States has more arable land and makes extensive use of mechanization, advanced technology, and economies of scale to drive productivity. However, this often involves capital- and energy-intensive methods that can lead to environmental concerns and disconnection from farming processes among the general populace.
In contrast, India has made significant improvements in crop yields, for example, through the adoption of Borlaug's improved wheat varieties and practices linked with the Green Revolution. These practices include the use of irrigation, fertilizers, and machinery which have helped turn India into a net exporter of wheat, saving vast areas of land from being converted into farmland. Yet, these approaches have also led to social issues such as farmer indebtedness and the loss of subsistence farming practices. Despite this, small-scale, highly efficient, and adapted farming techniques such as slash-and-burn and wet rice farming are noted by agricultural economists to be highly productive per acre or per unit of energy.
Ultimately, effective agricultural practice varies based on the regional context and goals - whether to maximize efficiency, inclusivity, sustainability, or to maintain cultural traditions. Some believe that supporting smaller-scale, subsistence farming is crucial to feeding the world's population and safeguarding ecosystems, as argued by activists like Vandana Shiva. Moreover, sustainable agricultural methods like crop rotation can improve soil fertility, diversify crops, and reduce pesticide costs, promoting environmental and economic health.