The method of usury and accumulation in backward agriculture: A methodological discussion of Bhaduri's thesis

Amit Bhaduri, The Economic Structure of Backward Agriculture, London: Academic Press, 1983. Pp. xi+151. £19.50.

Certain methodological issues relating to the central propositions and the form of explanation implicit in Amit Bhaduri's book, The Economic Structure of Backward Agriculture are identified and discussed. Bharduri's emphasis upon the relations of production relative to the forces of production in describing the economic structure of backward agriculture is seen to be illuminating. But his arguments concerning (a) the ‘barrier to innovation’ inherent in existing relations of production, and (b) primitive accumulation through land alienation in backward agriculture are seen to be problematic. Some of the relevant problems are examined.