Green Revolution

Definition

The Green Revolution refers to a series of research, development, and technology transfer initiatives that occurred between the 1940s and the late 1960s, which significantly increased agricultural production worldwide, particularly in developing countries. This movement involved the use of high-yielding variety (HYV) seeds, chemical fertilizers, and advanced irrigation techniques, aiming to alleviate hunger and boost food security while having a profound impact on farming practices and agricultural economies.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Green Revolution is credited with saving over a billion people from starvation by increasing global food production during the mid-20th century.
2. It was most notably spearheaded by scientists like Norman Borlaug, often referred to as the 'father of the Green Revolution', who developed disease-resistant wheat varieties.
3. The introduction of chemical fertilizers and pesticides led to increased crop yields but also raised concerns about environmental sustainability and health impacts.
4. Countries like India and Mexico experienced significant increases in wheat and rice production due to the implementation of Green Revolution technologies.
5. While it increased food production, the Green Revolution also contributed to social changes, including rural migration and income inequality among farmers.

Review Questions

• How did the introduction of High-Yielding Varieties (HYVs) during the Green Revolution change agricultural practices?
  • The introduction of High-Yielding Varieties (HYVs) during the Green Revolution transformed agricultural practices by encouraging farmers to shift from traditional crops to these specially engineered varieties that promised greater outputs. This change required new farming techniques, including increased use of fertilizers and pesticides, as well as improved irrigation systems. As a result, farmers became more reliant on modern agricultural inputs and technologies, leading to a shift from subsistence farming towards more commercial agricultural operations.
• Discuss the environmental impacts associated with the Green Revolution, particularly regarding chemical fertilizers and irrigation.
  • The Green Revolution led to significant environmental impacts primarily through the widespread use of chemical fertilizers and extensive irrigation practices. While these advancements increased crop yields and food production, they also contributed to soil degradation, water scarcity, and pollution. Chemical runoff from farms entered waterways, causing eutrophication and harming aquatic ecosystems. Additionally, over-extraction of water for irrigation led to depletion of groundwater resources in many regions, highlighting a need for sustainable agricultural practices moving forward.
• Evaluate how the Green Revolution influenced social structures within agricultural communities, especially in developing countries.
  • The Green Revolution significantly influenced social structures within agricultural communities by creating disparities between those who could afford modern inputs like HYVs, fertilizers, and machinery, and those who could not. Wealthier farmers benefited disproportionately from increased productivity and income, while poorer farmers often fell behind or were forced out of farming altogether. This shift resulted in rural migration as many sought work in urban areas. The social fabric of these communities was altered as economic inequalities widened, changing traditional relationships and dynamics among farmers.

Related terms

High-Yielding Varieties (HYVs): Specialized strains of crops that are engineered to produce greater amounts of food per plant, contributing to increased agricultural productivity.

Irrigation: The artificial application of water to soil or land to assist in growing crops, which became increasingly essential during the Green Revolution to support higher yields.

Chemical Fertilizers: Synthetic compounds used to enhance soil fertility and promote plant growth, playing a critical role in the productivity gains seen during the Green Revolution.