Technology or Ideology?

It is the age of robotics, artificial intelligence, nanotechnology and genetic engineering, all for the benefit of humankind. All these technologies are revolutionising without much government regulation and ideology or activism. But unfortunately, widespread misconceptions, misinformation and ideologies hinder the use of appropriate technologies, whether it is genetically modified (GM) crops or traditional (natural) farming and, more recently, choice of more profitable crops for the Punjab farmers. Ideology-based public discourse dominates most of the policy environment in agricultural sector without proper evidence.

Decisions about any technology, be it traditional or modern, should be based on well-reasoned evidence in terms of its contribution to farmers’ welfare and incomes rather than pure ideologies and beliefs. In recent times, we are seeing many popular voices romanticising indigenous varieties versus GM crops and natural farming versus modern farming, purely based on ideology rather than reason.