Green Revolution

Definition

The Green Revolution refers to a period of significant agricultural transformation that began in the 1940s and continued into the 1960s, marked by the introduction of high-yielding varieties of crops, chemical fertilizers, and advanced irrigation techniques. This revolution aimed to increase food production to combat hunger and famine, particularly in developing countries, and played a crucial role in reshaping agricultural practices and food systems worldwide.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Green Revolution began in Mexico with the work of agronomist Norman Borlaug, who developed disease-resistant wheat varieties that significantly increased yields.
2. By the 1970s, the Green Revolution had spread to countries like India and Pakistan, leading to dramatic increases in cereal production and helping to prevent widespread famine.
3. Despite its success in boosting food production, the Green Revolution also led to negative environmental impacts, such as soil degradation, water shortages, and increased pesticide use.
4. The Green Revolution's reliance on mono-cropping practices diminished agricultural biodiversity, making crops more susceptible to pests and diseases.
5. Critics argue that while the Green Revolution improved food security for many, it also widened socio-economic disparities by favoring wealthier farmers who could afford new technologies.

Review Questions

• How did the introduction of high-yielding varieties contribute to agricultural changes during the Green Revolution?
  • The introduction of high-yielding varieties (HYVs) was a cornerstone of the Green Revolution that significantly boosted agricultural productivity. These genetically enhanced crops were designed to produce more grain per plant compared to traditional varieties. By adopting HYVs alongside modern agricultural techniques like chemical fertilizers and irrigation methods, farmers could achieve higher yields and improve food security in many regions, particularly in developing countries.
• What are some environmental consequences associated with the practices implemented during the Green Revolution?
  • The practices introduced during the Green Revolution led to several environmental issues. Increased use of agrochemicals resulted in soil degradation and water pollution. Moreover, intensive irrigation contributed to water shortages and depletion of aquifers. The shift towards mono-cropping reduced biodiversity, making agricultural systems more vulnerable to pests and diseases. These environmental impacts raised concerns about sustainability in modern agriculture.
• Evaluate the social implications of the Green Revolution on rural communities and how it affected wealth distribution among farmers.
  • The social implications of the Green Revolution were profound and often contentious. While it improved food security and economic stability for some rural communities, it also exacerbated wealth disparities. Wealthier farmers who could afford new technologies and inputs benefitted disproportionately, leading to greater economic inequality within rural populations. Additionally, smaller farmers who could not compete with larger operations faced significant challenges, leading some to abandon farming altogether or migrate to urban areas in search of work.

Related terms

High-Yielding Varieties (HYVs): These are genetically enhanced crops developed during the Green Revolution that produce significantly more grain than traditional varieties, aiming to boost overall food production.

Agrochemicals: Substances like fertilizers and pesticides used in agriculture to enhance crop yield and protect plants from pests and diseases, widely adopted during the Green Revolution.

Irrigation Techniques: Methods of supplying water to crops through various systems, which improved during the Green Revolution to support increased agricultural productivity in areas prone to drought.