The threat of economic gains being swallowed up by the population growth is something each government has to take into serious account. Since each country depends highly on agriculture, this will play a key role in avoiding famine and encouraging long-term growth. India's rise in agricultural output was the result of the "green revolution". The country normally has sufficient stock in hand to meet drought and famine conditions. However, the signs are that the green revolution has largely spent itself. (170) One of the reasons is that the improved wheat and rice need adequate fertilizers and irrigation. .
China's rise in agriculture has been greater because of the abandonment or communal farming. Reforms were put in the place of the collective system. These allowed families to farm as they wished and sell their food surplus in the open market. Restrictions on land labor were lifted and prices paid for agricultural goods were raised. All seemed well until grains stopped meeting official targets and the country began to depend on grain imports. The government's goal is to increase grain output in order to stop dependence on foreign markets. This however seems impossible since there is little land available for crops and the government has no money to spend on farm equipment, fertilizers, seeds, and improved processing. In order for agricultural stability to take place the country must first match its crop output with its population growth.
A way of reducing population growth would be through industrialization. This would move the Chinese and Indian economies into manufacturing and services. Therefore urbanizing their population and undergoing a demographic transition. The creation of industrialism in these two countries is central to them preparing for the twenty-first century. This would strengthen the countries defense base, reduce dependence on foreign markets, and enhance the country's national income.
