UPSC 2015EconomyModerate

The substitution of steel for wooden ploughs in agricultural production is an example of

A
labour-augmenting technological progress
B
capital-augmenting technological progress
Correct Answer
C
capital-reducing technological progress
D
None of the above

Explanation

The substitution of steel for wooden ploughs is an example of capital-augmenting technological progress because it involves a qualitative improvement in the capital tool, thereby increasing the efficiency and output potential of the capital input. It is not labour-augmenting progress, as that term specifically refers to advancements like education or specialized training that increase the inherent productivity of the workforce itself. The core concept being tested is the classification of technological change based on which factor of production’s productivity is enhanced within a production function.

Economic Growth & DevelopmentTechnological ProgressSteel ploughswooden ploughsagricultural productiontechnological progresscapital-augmentinglabour-augmentingcapital-reducing

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