Transfer and adaptation of western methods in agricultural processing

Abstract

Technology represents man's competence to use his knowledge of nature and its resources for the welfare of his society. Application of science by him made it possible to convert his tools into machines and simple conservation techniques into modern technology for the processing of agricultural produce. Thus, man has moved from being a victim of nature to one who can control and utilize it effectively. Developments in the eighteenth century made it possible for science and technology to interact and make phenomenal economic development possible in certain parts of Europe. Although it took Western Europe 150 years to convert art technology into science technology, the United States, USSR and Japan achieved this transformation over much shorter periods. There is no reason why the 71 per cent of mankind living in technologically less advanced countries cannot make use of the available knowledge, with modifications to suit their socio-economic needs, for bringing about even faster transformation. The large amount of scientific and technological knowledge available in the world makes it necessary to develop a proper institutional infrastructure for careful identification, selection, modification, further development and use of technology. This would help to avoid error and to optimize resources for development. The economies of developing countries are predominantly agricultural. Therefore, highest priority needs to be given to the transfer of technologies for the processing of agricultural produce. This would stimulate further agricultural development, sustain the green revolution and encourage development of industries for which agriculture is the main resource. This would make a very desirable impact on living standards and nutrition, especially in rural areas. Agro-industries require a number of other industrial raw materials. Thus opportunities would be created for the establishment of chemical industries for the supply of flexible packaging material, metallurgical industries for the supply of containers and engineering industries to supply processing plant and machinery. In selection and transfer of technologies from the donor countries to the users, international agencies have an important role because of their world-wide contacts.