Agribusiness, GMOs, and their Role in Development: Crash Course Geography

The video discusses the global rise in protests, focusing on the agrarian crisis in India, where economic policies and the introduction of genetically modified seeds have led to significant challenges for farmers. It explores the impact of globalization on agriculture, highlighting the role of agribusiness and the bio revolution. The video also examines the complex relationship between development, economic policies, and agriculture, emphasizing the uneven effects on different communities and the ongoing protests as a sign of significant change.

What was the main reason for the massive civil protest in India in 2020?

• Changes in agricultural policies

• Healthcare reforms

• Environmental concerns

• Political corruption

What economic shift did Indian farmers experience in the 1990s?

• From organic farming to industrial farming

• From food crops to cash crops

• From cash crops to food crops

• From local markets to global markets

What was a significant consequence of the shift to cash crops in India?

• Massive farmer debt

• Higher cotton prices

• Improved soil quality

• Increased food security

What is BT cotton?

• A genetically modified cotton

• A type of organic cotton

• A traditional Indian cotton variety

• A cotton variety resistant to drought

How did multinational corporations impact Indian agriculture?

• By increasing local employment

• By reducing the cost of seeds

• By promoting traditional farming methods

• By dominating the cotton industry

What is one of the main arguments in favor of GMOs?

• They are cheaper to produce

• They reduce the need for pesticides

• They increase biodiversity

• They are more resistant to climate change

What is a potential benefit of using biotechnology in agriculture?

• Increased use of chemical fertilizers

• Reduced need for farmland expansion

• Higher water consumption

• Decreased crop yields

What is a major concern regarding the impact of GMOs on traditional farming?

• They increase the cost of farming

• They reduce genetic diversity

• They require more labor

• They are less nutritious

What legal change has affected the ownership of seeds?

• Farmers can freely exchange patented seeds

• Multinational companies can patent seeds

• Only governments can own seeds

• Seeds can no longer be patented

What is a criticism of international seed laws?

• They promote biodiversity

• They restrict corporate rights

• They advance corporate rights over farmers

• They are too lenient on farmers