Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
The Green Revolution, initiated in the 1960s by scientists like Norman Borlaug, dramatically increased India’s food grain production, averting widespread famine and establishing food security. This involved the introduction of High Yielding Varieties (HYVs) of wheat and rice, coupled with increased irrigation, fertilizers, and pesticides. However, over the decades, the growth rate of agricultural productivity has slowed, and the Green Revolution has lost its initial momentum. This necessitates a re-evaluation of our agricultural strategies, prompting discussions about the need for a ‘Second Green Revolution’ or, more appropriately, an ‘Evergreen Revolution’ – a pathway towards sustainable and inclusive agricultural growth.
Reasons for the Loss of Steam of the Green Revolution
Several factors contributed to the decline in the effectiveness of the Green Revolution:
- Regional Imbalance: The benefits were largely concentrated in Punjab, Haryana, and Western Uttar Pradesh, leaving many regions, particularly the eastern states, largely untouched.
- Declining Factor Productivity: The incremental output from additional inputs (fertilizers, water) has been decreasing over time, indicating diminishing returns.
- Water Scarcity: Over-reliance on groundwater irrigation in key Green Revolution states led to depletion of aquifers, creating a severe water crisis. Punjab, for example, is facing a critical groundwater situation.
- Soil Degradation: Intensive farming practices, coupled with excessive use of chemical fertilizers, resulted in soil nutrient depletion, loss of organic matter, and increased salinity.
- Climate Change Impacts: Increasingly erratic rainfall patterns, rising temperatures, and extreme weather events are negatively impacting crop yields.
- Lack of Diversification: The focus remained heavily on rice and wheat, neglecting other crops like pulses, oilseeds, and coarse grains, leading to nutritional imbalances and market vulnerabilities.
- Small Landholdings: The majority of Indian farmers have marginal and small landholdings, making it difficult for them to adopt modern technologies and achieve economies of scale.
The Need for Another Green Revolution/Evergreen Revolution
India faces a growing population, increasing demand for food, and the challenges of climate change. Sustaining food security requires a renewed agricultural strategy. While a ‘Second Green Revolution’ focused solely on yield increases might offer short-term gains, it risks exacerbating existing environmental problems. Therefore, an ‘Evergreen Revolution’ is more appropriate, emphasizing sustainability and resilience.
- Food Security: India needs to produce enough food to feed its growing population, projected to reach 1.6 billion by 2050 (UN projections, knowledge cutoff 2023).
- Climate Resilience: Agriculture is highly vulnerable to climate change. Developing climate-resilient crops and farming practices is crucial.
- Sustainable Agriculture: Reducing the environmental footprint of agriculture is essential for long-term sustainability.
- Farmer Income: Increasing farmer incomes is vital for rural prosperity and reducing agrarian distress.
- Nutritional Security: Diversifying crops can improve nutritional outcomes and address micronutrient deficiencies.
Features of the Evergreen Revolution
The Evergreen Revolution, as envisioned by M.S. Swaminathan, focuses on the following key principles:
- Ecologically Sustainable: Promoting organic farming, integrated nutrient management, and water conservation techniques.
- Economically Viable: Ensuring profitability for farmers through value addition, market linkages, and diversification.
- Socially Equitable: Empowering small and marginal farmers, promoting gender equality, and ensuring access to resources.
- Technologically Sound: Utilizing biotechnology, precision farming, and digital technologies to enhance productivity and efficiency.
- Crop Diversification: Shifting towards a more diverse cropping system, including pulses, oilseeds, horticulture, and livestock.
- Rainfed Agriculture: Focusing on improving rainfed agriculture, which accounts for over 60% of India’s cultivated area.
- Integrated Farming Systems: Combining agriculture with allied activities like animal husbandry, fisheries, and forestry.
Government Initiatives: Several government schemes support the Evergreen Revolution, including the Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) promoting organic farming, the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) focusing on irrigation efficiency, and the National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) promoting sustainable farming practices.
| Green Revolution | Evergreen Revolution |
|---|---|
| Focus on HYVs of rice and wheat | Focus on diverse crops and sustainable practices |
| Heavy reliance on chemical fertilizers and pesticides | Emphasis on organic farming and integrated nutrient management |
| Intensive irrigation, leading to water depletion | Water conservation and efficient irrigation techniques |
| Regional imbalance in benefits | Inclusive growth and equitable distribution of benefits |
Conclusion
The Green Revolution was a crucial step in ensuring India’s food security, but its limitations are now evident. A continuation of the same model is unsustainable. The Evergreen Revolution offers a holistic and forward-looking approach, integrating ecological sustainability, economic viability, and social equity. Investing in research and development, promoting farmer education, strengthening market linkages, and implementing supportive policies are essential for realizing the full potential of this new agricultural paradigm and ensuring a food-secure and prosperous future for India.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.