Indian Agricultural: Growth, Generation, Policy & Problem Indian Agricultural | Page 22

Pg.no. 21
Owner-cultivation is more efficient than share-cropping.
Arguments against land reforms
Many of the arguments in support of land reform speak to its potentially positive social and economic
outcomes. Yet, as mentioned previously, land reform is an intensely political process. Thus, many of
those opposed to land reform are nervous as to the underlying motivations of those initiating the
reform. For example, some may fear that they will be disadvantaged or victimized as a result of the
reforms. Others may fear that they will lose out in the economic and political power struggles that
underlie many land reforms.
Other groups and individuals express concerns about land reforms focused on formalization of
property rights. While the economic and social benefits of formalized land rights are often touted,
some research suggests that such reforms are either ineffective or may cause further hardship or
conflict.
Additional arguments against land reform focus on concerns over equity issues and potential elite
capture of land, particularly in regards to reforms focused on greater land formalization. If improperly
or inadequately implemented, critics worry that such reforms may further disadvantage
marginalization groups such as indigenous communities or women. These concerns also lead to
questions about the institutional capacity of governments to implement land reforms as they are
designed. Even if a country does have this capacity, critics worry that corruption and patrimonialism
will lead to further elite capture.
In looking at more radical reforms, such as large-scale land redistribution, arguments against reform
include concerns that redistributed land will not be used productively and that owners of expropriated
land will not be compensated adequately or compensated at all. Zimbabwe, again, is a commonly
cited example of the perils of such large-scale reforms, whereby land redistribution contributed to
economic decline and increased food insecurity in the country. In cases where land reform has been
enacted as part of socialist collectivization, many of the arguments against collectivization more
generally apply.
Ramesh Kumar P