Paddy Crop Transition after 31 Years of Green Revolution: Restudy on Farmersʹ Communities in Northern Peninsular Malaysia

Abstract

This paper, based on a restudy of De Koninckʹs (1992) research, discusses the impact of transition on two farmersʹ communities after 31 years of Green Revolution. In addition to geographical diversification, this study examines the impact of transition on employment diversity and mobility, paddy production and yield and land use patterns and charts changes in paddy production and yield in two communities based on data from1975, 1986 and 2006. This study is based on interviews conducted with 58 respondents in Kampung Matang Pinang and Kampung Paya Keladi. When considered along with research from 1975 and 1986, the data from 2006 show that implementation of the Green Revolution has driven increases in the socio‐economic status of the farmers, as reflected in indicators such as job diversification and expansion of infrastructures and facilities. While paddy crops retain heritage value and continue to represent a major economic resource for both communities, the impact of environmental development, the increase of paddy production and the drops of employment in paddy field are more evident in the case of Kampung Paya Keladi as compared to Kampung Matang Pinang.