GREEN REVOLUTION

1. Context

Even as the legendary agricultural scientist and the Father of Green Revolution, Dr MS Swaminathan (98) who passed away , had no lineage or roots in Punjab, his love and concern for the farmers of the state was well reflected in his several conversations

2. Green Revolution

The Green Revolution refers to a series of agricultural advancements and initiatives that took place in the mid-20th century, primarily during the 1960s and 1970s.

These developments had a profound impact on global agriculture, particularly in developing countries, and were aimed at increasing food production to address issues of food scarcity and hunger

The Green Revolution had a significant impact on India, which was previously a food-deficient country.

The introduction of high-yielding varieties of wheat and rice led to a dramatic increase in agricultural production, helping to alleviate poverty and hunger. India also became self-sufficient in food production

3. Key Features of Green Revolution

Key features and components of the Green Revolution include:

Introduction of High-Yielding Varieties (HYVs): One of the central elements of the Green Revolution was the development and widespread adoption of high-yielding crop varieties, particularly for wheat and rice. These new varieties produced significantly higher yields per acre compared to traditional varieties.
Use of Modern Farming Techniques: Alongside HYVs, the Green Revolution promoted the use of modern agricultural practices, including the use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and irrigation. These technologies helped boost crop yields.
Expansion of Irrigation: Increasing access to irrigation was a critical component of the Green Revolution. Irrigation allowed for better water management and more consistent crop production.
Access to Credit and Infrastructure: The Green Revolution often included measures to provide farmers with access to credit, improved transportation, and marketing infrastructure to support their increased agricultural production.
Research and Education: Government and international organizations invested in agricultural research and extension services to disseminate knowledge about the new agricultural practices to farmers.
Public and Private Sector Collaboration: Collaboration between public sector institutions, such as research institutions and agricultural extension agencies, and the private sector, including seed companies, played a crucial role in the Green Revolution's success.
Increased Crop Production: As a result of these efforts, many countries experienced substantial increases in crop production, particularly in staple crops like rice, wheat, and maize. This helped alleviate hunger and food shortages in many regions

4. Impacts of the Green Revolution

The Green Revolution had a number of positive impacts on India, including:

The Green Revolution led to a significant increase in agricultural production in India. Wheat production increased by 170% between 1965 and 1980, while rice production increased by 270%. This increase in production helped to alleviate poverty and hunger in India.
The Green Revolution helped India to become self-sufficient in food production. This meant that India was no longer dependent on imported food to feed its population.
The Green Revolution contributed to India's economic growth. The increase in agricultural production led to an increase in incomes for farmers and rural communities. This increased spending power boosted the demand for goods and services, which helped to drive economic growth.

5. Challenges of the Green Revolution

However, the Green Revolution also had some negative impacts, including:

The Green Revolution led to an increase in the use of fertilizers and pesticides, which can have a negative impact on the environment.
The use of water also increased significantly during the Green Revolution, leading to water shortages in some areas
The Green Revolution benefited large farmers more than small farmers. Large farmers were able to invest in the new technologies, such as high-yielding varieties of seeds and fertilizers, which led to significant increases in their production.
Small farmers, on the other hand, often did not have the resources to invest in these new technologies, and their production did not increase as much
The Green Revolution led to an increase in rural indebtedness. Many farmers borrowed money to invest in the new technologies, but they were unable to repay their loans when agricultural prices fell. This led to a debt crisis in rural India

6. Way forward

It's important to note that the Green Revolution was not a one-size-fits-all solution, and its success varied from region to region. Additionally, there have been ongoing efforts to address the environmental and social challenges associated with its implementation, while still benefiting from its agricultural innovations

For Prelims: Bt Cotton, High Yielding Varieties (HYV), Green Revolution

For Mains: 1.The Green Revolution is often credited with increasing agricultural productivity in India. However, it has also faced criticism for its environmental and social repercussions. Analyze the positive and negative aspects of the Green Revolution and its long-term sustainability

2.Critically evaluate the impact of the Green Revolution on income distribution among farmers in India. Has it contributed to income inequality within the agricultural sector? Provide examples and data to support your analysis

Previous Year Questions

1.Which one of the following most appropriately describes the nature of Green Revolution of the late sixties of 20th century? (BPSC CCE 2015)

A.Intensive cultivation of green vegetable

B.Intensive agriculture district programme

C.High-yielding varieties programme

D.Seed-Fertilizer-Water technology

E.None of the above/More than one of the above

Answer (E)

Source: indianexpress

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GREEN REVOLUTION

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