The Green Revolution, a period of significant agricultural advancements, fundamentally altered India’s food security landscape. Initiated in the 1960s, it marked a transition from traditional farming practices to modern, high-yielding varieties (HYVs) of seeds, coupled with increased use of fertilizers, irrigation, and pesticides. This was largely a response to the severe food shortages experienced by India in the post-independence era, particularly the famines of the 1960s. The term was first used by William Gaud in 1968, but the practical implementation in India began with the efforts of scientists like M.S. Swaminathan. The Genesis and Phases of the Green Revolution The Green Revolution wasn’t a single event but unfolded in phases. The initial phase (mid-1960s to mid-1970s) focused on regions with assured irrigation – Punjab, Haryana, and Western Uttar Pradesh – and concentrated on wheat. This was followed by a second phase (1970s to 1980s) which extended to rice cultivation and spread to more regions, including coastal areas. A third phase, starting in the 1980s, aimed at diversifying crops and extending the benefits to eastern and northeastern India, though with limited success. Key Components of the Green Revolution High-Yielding Varieties (HYVs): Introduction of dwarf varieties of wheat (like ‘Lerma Rojo 64A’ and ‘Sonora 64’) and rice (like ‘IR-8’) that were responsive to fertilizers. Irrigation: Expansion of irrigation infrastructure through canals, dams, and tubewells. Fertilizers: Increased use of chemical fertilizers, particularly nitrogenous and phosphatic fertilizers. Pesticides & Herbicides: Application of pesticides and herbicides to protect crops from pests and weeds. Credit & Subsidies: Government provision of credit facilities and subsidies on inputs like fertilizers and seeds. Land Reforms: Though not directly part of the Green Revolution, land reforms in some states facilitated its implementation. Impacts of the Green Revolution The Green Revolution had profound impacts, both positive and negative. Positive Impacts Increased Food Production: Dramatic increase in the production of wheat and rice, transforming India from a food-deficit to a food-surplus nation. Wheat production increased from 11 million tonnes in 1960 to 75 million tonnes in 2000. Reduced Dependence on Imports: Decreased reliance on food imports, saving valuable foreign exchange. Employment Generation: Creation of employment opportunities in agriculture and related industries. Improved Rural Income: Increased income for farmers, particularly in the Green Revolution regions. Negative Impacts Regional Disparities: Benefits were largely confined to a few regions (Punjab, Haryana, Western Uttar Pradesh), exacerbating regional inequalities. Environmental Degradation: Overuse of fertilizers and pesticides led to soil degradation, water pollution, and loss of biodiversity. Water Depletion: Excessive groundwater extraction for irrigation led to declining water tables in many areas. Increased Income Inequality: Larger farmers benefited more than small and marginal farmers, increasing income inequality. Loss of Traditional Varieties: Displacement of traditional crop varieties by HYVs, leading to a loss of genetic diversity. The Second Green Revolution & Current Status Recognizing the limitations of the first Green Revolution, there have been calls for a “Second Green Revolution” focusing on sustainable agriculture, diversification of crops, and extending the benefits to marginalized regions. This includes promoting organic farming, precision agriculture, and climate-resilient crops. The focus is now shifting towards Eastern India, with initiatives like the Bringing Green Revolution to Eastern India (BGREI) scheme launched in 2011. First Green Revolution Second Green Revolution (Proposed) Focus on wheat & rice Diversification of crops (pulses, oilseeds, horticulture) Limited geographical area Expansion to Eastern & North-Eastern India Heavy reliance on chemical inputs Sustainable agriculture & organic farming Primarily benefitted large farmers Inclusive growth benefitting small & marginal farmers The Green Revolution was a pivotal moment in India’s agricultural history, averting widespread famine and establishing food security. However, its unintended consequences necessitate a more sustainable and equitable approach to agricultural development. The Second Green Revolution, with its emphasis on diversification, sustainability, and inclusivity, holds the key to ensuring long-term food security and rural prosperity in India. Addressing the environmental concerns and regional disparities remains crucial for a truly transformative agricultural revolution.

Green Revolution: Impact & Issues | UPSC Mains SOCIOLOGY-PAPER-II 2013

Green Revolution.

How to Approach

The question asks for notes on the Green Revolution. A good answer will define the Green Revolution, detail its key features and impacts (positive and negative), and briefly discuss its evolution and current relevance. Structure the answer chronologically, starting with the context leading to the Green Revolution, then detailing its phases, impacts, and finally, its limitations and the need for a second Green Revolution. Focus on the Indian context, as that is the primary expectation in the UPSC exam.

The Genesis and Phases of the Green Revolution

The Green Revolution wasn’t a single event but unfolded in phases. The initial phase (mid-1960s to mid-1970s) focused on regions with assured irrigation – Punjab, Haryana, and Western Uttar Pradesh – and concentrated on wheat. This was followed by a second phase (1970s to 1980s) which extended to rice cultivation and spread to more regions, including coastal areas. A third phase, starting in the 1980s, aimed at diversifying crops and extending the benefits to eastern and northeastern India, though with limited success.

Key Components of the Green Revolution

High-Yielding Varieties (HYVs): Introduction of dwarf varieties of wheat (like ‘Lerma Rojo 64A’ and ‘Sonora 64’) and rice (like ‘IR-8’) that were responsive to fertilizers.
Irrigation: Expansion of irrigation infrastructure through canals, dams, and tubewells.
Fertilizers: Increased use of chemical fertilizers, particularly nitrogenous and phosphatic fertilizers.
Pesticides & Herbicides: Application of pesticides and herbicides to protect crops from pests and weeds.
Credit & Subsidies: Government provision of credit facilities and subsidies on inputs like fertilizers and seeds.
Land Reforms: Though not directly part of the Green Revolution, land reforms in some states facilitated its implementation.

Impacts of the Green Revolution

The Green Revolution had profound impacts, both positive and negative.

Positive Impacts

Increased Food Production: Dramatic increase in the production of wheat and rice, transforming India from a food-deficit to a food-surplus nation. Wheat production increased from 11 million tonnes in 1960 to 75 million tonnes in 2000.
Reduced Dependence on Imports: Decreased reliance on food imports, saving valuable foreign exchange.
Employment Generation: Creation of employment opportunities in agriculture and related industries.
Improved Rural Income: Increased income for farmers, particularly in the Green Revolution regions.

Negative Impacts

Regional Disparities: Benefits were largely confined to a few regions (Punjab, Haryana, Western Uttar Pradesh), exacerbating regional inequalities.
Environmental Degradation: Overuse of fertilizers and pesticides led to soil degradation, water pollution, and loss of biodiversity.
Water Depletion: Excessive groundwater extraction for irrigation led to declining water tables in many areas.
Increased Income Inequality: Larger farmers benefited more than small and marginal farmers, increasing income inequality.
Loss of Traditional Varieties: Displacement of traditional crop varieties by HYVs, leading to a loss of genetic diversity.

The Second Green Revolution & Current Status

Recognizing the limitations of the first Green Revolution, there have been calls for a “Second Green Revolution” focusing on sustainable agriculture, diversification of crops, and extending the benefits to marginalized regions. This includes promoting organic farming, precision agriculture, and climate-resilient crops. The focus is now shifting towards Eastern India, with initiatives like the Bringing Green Revolution to Eastern India (BGREI) scheme launched in 2011.

First Green Revolution	Second Green Revolution (Proposed)
Focus on wheat & rice	Diversification of crops (pulses, oilseeds, horticulture)
Limited geographical area	Expansion to Eastern & North-Eastern India
Heavy reliance on chemical inputs	Sustainable agriculture & organic farming
Primarily benefitted large farmers	Inclusive growth benefitting small & marginal farmers

Additional Resources

Key Definitions

HYV

High-Yielding Varieties are seeds designed to produce more grains per plant than traditional varieties, responding well to fertilizers and irrigation.

BGREI

Bringing Green Revolution to Eastern India (BGREI) is a scheme launched by the Government of India to replicate the success of the Green Revolution in the eastern states of India.

Key Statistics

Food grain production in India increased from 75.06 million tonnes in 1950-51 to 283.37 million tonnes in 2018-19.

Source: Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India (as of knowledge cutoff 2024)

Nitrogen use efficiency in Indian agriculture is estimated to be around 30-40%, significantly lower than the global average of 50-60%.

Source: National Centre for Agricultural Economics and Policy Research (NCAP), 2019 (as of knowledge cutoff 2024)

Examples

Punjab's Agricultural Transformation

Punjab became the "Granary of India" due to the successful implementation of the Green Revolution, witnessing a significant increase in wheat and rice production.

Frequently Asked Questions

▶Was the Green Revolution entirely successful?

While the Green Revolution achieved its primary goal of increasing food production, it also had negative consequences like regional disparities, environmental degradation, and increased income inequality. Therefore, its success is nuanced and requires a critical assessment.