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, aimed at increasing agricultural production worldwide, particularly in developing countries. It introduced high-yielding varieties (HYVs) of staple crops, improved irrigation practices, and the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, significantly transforming agricultural practices and economic systems in many regions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The green revolution began in Mexico in the 1940s with the work of agricultural scientist Norman Borlaug, who developed disease-resistant wheat varieties.
2. By the 1970s, the green revolution had expanded to countries like India and the Philippines, leading to dramatic increases in crop yields and reducing famine risk.
3. Despite its successes, the green revolution has faced criticism for contributing to environmental degradation through excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides.
4. The reliance on a narrow range of crops led to decreased biodiversity in agricultural systems, making them more vulnerable to pests and climate change.
5. Economic disparities were exacerbated in some regions as wealthier farmers benefited more from the green revolution's technologies than smallholder farmers.

Review Questions

• How did the introduction of high-yielding varieties impact agricultural productivity during the green revolution?
  • The introduction of high-yielding varieties (HYVs) significantly boosted agricultural productivity by allowing farmers to produce much greater quantities of staple crops like wheat and rice. These HYVs were designed to be disease-resistant and responded well to fertilizers and irrigation. As a result, regions that adopted these new technologies experienced substantial increases in food production, which helped alleviate hunger and improve food security for millions.
• Evaluate the environmental consequences associated with the practices introduced during the green revolution.
  • The green revolution led to several environmental consequences, primarily due to increased chemical inputs like fertilizers and pesticides. While these practices enhanced crop yields, they also contributed to soil degradation, water pollution, and loss of biodiversity. Excessive use of water for irrigation caused depletion of groundwater resources in some areas. The reliance on monoculture farming diminished the resilience of ecosystems against pests and diseases, raising concerns about long-term sustainability.
• Assess how the socioeconomic impacts of the green revolution varied between wealthy and smallholder farmers.
  • The socioeconomic impacts of the green revolution varied significantly between wealthy farmers and smallholder farmers. Wealthier farmers were often able to invest in modern technologies, such as irrigation systems and fertilizers, allowing them to increase their yields substantially. In contrast, many smallholder farmers lacked access to credit and resources necessary to adopt these innovations, leading to increased economic disparities within rural communities. As a result, while the green revolution helped some regions achieve food security, it also widened the gap between rich and poor farmers.

Related terms

high-yielding varieties (HYVs): Crop varieties that have been genetically improved to produce more grain or fruit than traditional varieties, playing a key role in increasing food production during the green revolution.

agricultural mechanization: The process of using machinery and technology to increase agricultural productivity and efficiency, which became prevalent during the green revolution.

food security: The state when all people have physical, social, and economic access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food to meet their dietary needs for an active and healthy life, which was a significant focus of the green revolution.