Green Revolution in India: Impact, Benefits & Challenges

Introduction The Green Revolution was a transformative agricultural movement launched in the 1960s, which significantly increased food production through High-Yielding Variety (HYV) seeds, mechanization, and the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. This revolution played a pivotal role in securing India’s food self-sufficiency, reducing dependency on imports, and addressing food insecurity.

What is the Green Revolution?

The term "Green Revolution" was coined by William S. Gaud in 1968 to describe the widespread adoption of scientific agricultural practices. In India, the movement was pioneered by M.S. Swaminathan, known as the "Father of the Green Revolution," and was strongly supported by Chidambaram Subramaniam, the then Food and Agriculture Minister.

Need for the Green Revolution in India

• Food Insecurity: Post-independence, India faced severe food shortages and relied on imports under the PL-480 program from the U.S.

• Bengal Famine of 1943: The famine highlighted India's vulnerability to crop failures.

• Rising Population: A rapidly growing population demanded higher food production.

• Economic Stability: Reducing dependency on food imports was crucial for national security and economic sovereignty.

Impact of the Green Revolution on Indian Agriculture

1. Increase in Food Production:

   • Wheat output increased from 12 million tonnes (1965) to 110 million tonnes (2023).

   • Rice production grew from 35 million tonnes (1960) to 138 million tonnes (2023).

2. Introduction of HYV Seeds:

   • States like Punjab, Haryana, and Western Uttar Pradesh became major contributors to food grain production.

3. Expansion of Irrigation:

   • Large-scale irrigation projects, such as the Bhakra-Nangal Dam, enabled year-round farming.

4. Mechanization of Farming:

   • Increased use of tractors, harvesters, and tube wells improved efficiency and productivity.

5. Institutional Credit & MSP:

   • The establishment of NABARD and cooperative banks reduced farmer dependency on moneylenders.

   • The introduction of the Minimum Support Price (MSP) assured income security for farmers.

Unintended Consequences of the Green Revolution

1. Groundwater Depletion:

   • Excessive irrigation led to 80% of Punjab’s water units being overexploited (CGWB, 2023).

2. Soil Degradation:

   • Overuse of chemical fertilizers and pesticides reduced soil fertility and led to land degradation.

3. Regional Disparities:

   • The Green Revolution benefited irrigated states like Punjab and Haryana, while rain-fed regions (e.g., eastern India) lagged behind.

4. Farmer Debt & Suicides:

   • Small farmers faced high input costs, leading to financial distress and increased suicides.

5. Biodiversity Loss:

   • Monoculture of wheat and rice reduced genetic diversity, making agriculture more vulnerable to pests and climate change.

The Way Forward: Towards a Sustainable Green Revolution 2.0

1. Sustainable Farming Practices:

   • Promote zero-budget natural farming (ZBNF) and organic farming to reduce chemical dependency.

2. Efficient Water Management:

   • Encourage micro-irrigation, rainwater harvesting, and solar-powered irrigation to conserve groundwater.

3. Diversification of Crops:

   • Shift focus from wheat and rice to pulses, millets, and oilseeds for balanced agricultural growth.

4. Agroforestry & Renewable Energy Integration:

   • Implement agrivoltaics (solar panels in farmlands) and inland aquaculture to enhance farmer incomes.

5. Farmer Income Support & MSP Reforms:

   • Strengthen crop insurance (PMFBY) and expand direct income support schemes.

6. Climate-Resilient Agriculture:

   • Develop drought-resistant and flood-resistant crop varieties using advanced biotechnology.

Conclusion

The Green Revolution played a crucial role in making India self-sufficient in food production. However, it also led to environmental degradation and socio-economic inequalities. A balanced approach integrating sustainability, technological advancements, and farmer-centric policies is necessary for the future of Indian agriculture. A Second Green Revolution focusing on sustainable farming, resource efficiency, and climate resilience is essential to address present and future challenges.

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UPSC Prelims MCQs

1. Who is known as the ‘Father of the Green Revolution’ in India? a) Norman Borlaug
   b) M.S. Swaminathan
   c) Chidambaram Subramaniam
   d) William S. Gaud
   Answer: b) M.S. Swaminathan

2. Which of the following was NOT a key component of the Green Revolution? a) High-Yielding Variety (HYV) Seeds
   b) Organic Farming
   c) Increased Use of Fertilizers and Pesticides
   d) Mechanization of Agriculture
   Answer: b) Organic Farming

3. The Green Revolution primarily benefited which regions of India? a) Eastern India
   b) Deccan Plateau
   c) Punjab, Haryana, and Western Uttar Pradesh
   d) Northeast India
   Answer: c) Punjab, Haryana, and Western Uttar Pradesh

4. Which of the following was an unintended negative impact of the Green Revolution? a) Increased food production
   b) Rise in farmer incomes
   c) Groundwater depletion
   d) Higher agricultural exports
   Answer: c) Groundwater depletion

5. What was the primary aim of the Minimum Support Price (MSP) introduced during the Green Revolution? a) To increase land ownership among farmers
   b) To ensure fair prices for agricultural produce
   c) To replace traditional farming methods
   d) To encourage urban migration
   Answer: b) To ensure fair prices for agricultural produce

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UPSC Mains Question

Q. Explain various types of agricultural revolutions in India after independence. How have these revolutions contributed to poverty alleviation and food security in India? (UPSC-2017).

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