Agrarian Structure and Productivity in Bangladesh and West Bengal: A Study in Comparative Perspective

This book develops an integrated approach of comparative analysis of agrarian change in Bangladesh and West Bengal. The main hypothesis examined in the study is that the prevailing agrarian structure in these areas may act as an impediment to the dissemination of new technologies resulting in endemic low growth potential, if not stagnation of agriculture. The author argues for understanding the influence of agrarian structure on technology adoption and productivity that lead to certain type of surplus utilization with their continual regeneration on progressively higher levels. The book analyses the effects of the interaction between agrarian structure and technology adoption for determining production, productivity and growth performance in Bangladesh and West Bengal. The study demonstrates striking differences in the level of capitalist relations prevailing in the two poor agrarian economies.