Factors in the adoption of new farm technology in a less developed country with special reference to Guyana

References

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• The HYV's were known as Bluebelle, Starbonnet and the Hybrids B, N, and S (see Table 1).
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• These include the new techniques for sowing and harvesting, the use of fertilizer and the application of chemicals to demolish pests, weeds, insects and herbs.
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• Recently, these subsidies were discontinued and the output (paddy) price increased.
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• Ryan , Bruce and Gross , Neil C. 1943 . “The Diffusion of Hybrid Seed Corn in Two Iowan Communities” . Rural Sociology , 18 March : 15 – 24 . Trials seem to be a very integral part of this type of technological transformation. See for example,
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• Everett, M. Rogers, p. 155. Bolivian farmers readily adopted after observing the auspicious results of a new variety of corn. Rogers, p. 23.
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• Farmers also held discussions in local bars. The Rice Action Committee, a farmer association, also provided a means for interaction among farmers.
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• Havens , Eugene and Rogers , E. M. 1961 . “Adoption of Hybrid Corn: Profitability and the Interaction Effect” . Rural Sociology , 26 December : 409 – 414 . Some rural sociologists argue that interaction is the most important explanatory variable of adoption. See
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• See Mandle, op. cit., pp. 42 and 78.
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• Historically, colonial policy had always neglected rice and promoted the interests of sugar. It was this neglect which led to the deplorable state of water control. This neglect was designed to prevent an increase of the number of full time rice farmers thereby preventing a reduction in the supply of labour to the sugar plantation. (Henry, pp. 40–42). Poor drainage and irrigation facilities were always diagnosed among the principle problems of the rice industry. But despite the many reports and call for improvements, (Mandle, p. 78) the policies implemented continued
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• Farley , Rawle . 1954 . “The Rise of the Peasantry in British Guiana” . Social and Economic Studies , 2 June : 88 cont. to maintain the dominance of sugar, and the secondary position of rice (Henry, pp. 51–52). Shortly after emancipation, this attitude of colonialists towards rice was even more reprehensible. At that time they destroyed the farmers’ crops. Also see
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• Falcon, op. cit., p. 699.
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• Kennard , Charles P. 1975 . “Pests and Diseases of Rice in British Guiana and Their Control” . FAQ Plant Protection Bulletin , 13 August : 2 – 8 . FAO
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• See Kennard, ibid.
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• See Hayami ard Ruttan, op. cit., pp. 56, 60–61, 294, 306.
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