Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
The Green Revolution, initiated in the 1960s, dramatically increased food production in India, averting widespread famine and establishing the country as a food-secure nation. However, this success came at a cost – environmental degradation, regional disparities, and a focus on only a few crops. Despite these negative consequences, the persistent challenges of a growing population, climate change, and the need for nutritional security have fueled calls for a ‘New Green Revolution’. This isn’t a replication of the past, but a reimagining of agricultural practices to ensure sustainable and equitable food systems for the future.
The Legacy of the First Green Revolution
The first Green Revolution, spearheaded by scientists like Norman Borlaug, focused on developing high-yielding varieties (HYVs) of wheat and rice. Key features included:
- HYV Seeds: Introduction of dwarf varieties responsive to fertilizers.
- Irrigation: Expansion of irrigation infrastructure, particularly in Punjab, Haryana, and Western Uttar Pradesh.
- Fertilizers & Pesticides: Increased use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
- Credit & Subsidies: Government support through subsidized inputs and credit facilities.
While successful in boosting production, it led to:
- Environmental Degradation: Overuse of water, soil erosion, and groundwater depletion.
- Regional Disparities: Benefits largely concentrated in well-irrigated areas, exacerbating inequalities.
- Loss of Biodiversity: Focus on a few crops led to the decline of traditional varieties.
- Health Concerns: Excessive pesticide use posed health risks.
The Need for a ‘New Green Revolution’
Several factors necessitate a new approach to agriculture:
- Climate Change: Erratic rainfall, increased frequency of droughts and floods, and rising temperatures threaten crop yields.
- Resource Depletion: Declining groundwater levels, soil degradation, and loss of arable land. According to the NITI Aayog, groundwater levels are declining at a rate of 0.3 meters per year (as of 2018).
- Nutritional Security: A shift towards more nutritious and diverse diets is needed to address malnutrition and hidden hunger. The Global Hunger Index 2023 ranked India at 111 out of 125 countries.
- Smallholder Farmers: The majority of Indian farmers are small and marginal, facing challenges like access to credit, technology, and markets.
- Changing Consumption Patterns: Increasing demand for processed foods and animal products requires a more diversified agricultural system.
Features of the ‘New Green Revolution’
The ‘New Green Revolution’ should focus on the following principles:
- Sustainable Agriculture: Promoting practices like organic farming, natural farming, zero-budget natural farming (ZBNF), and integrated nutrient management.
- Climate-Resilient Crops: Developing crop varieties that are tolerant to drought, floods, and heat stress.
- Precision Farming: Utilizing technologies like remote sensing, GIS, and drones for efficient resource management.
- Diversification: Encouraging crop diversification, including pulses, oilseeds, fruits, and vegetables.
- Digital Agriculture: Leveraging digital platforms for market access, information dissemination, and financial inclusion.
- Strengthening Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs): Empowering farmers through collective action and improved bargaining power.
- Focus on Millets: Promoting millets (nutri-cereals) as a climate-smart and nutritious food source. 2023 was declared the International Year of Millets by the United Nations.
Government Initiatives
The Indian government has launched several initiatives aligned with the ‘New Green Revolution’:
- Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY): Promotes organic farming.
- Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY): Focuses on irrigation efficiency and water conservation.
- National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA): Promotes sustainable agricultural practices.
- e-NAM (Electronic National Agriculture Market): A pan-India electronic trading portal for agricultural commodities.
- Agricultural Infrastructure Fund (AIF): Provides financial assistance for post-harvest infrastructure.
Challenges and Concerns
Implementing a ‘New Green Revolution’ faces challenges:
- Investment: Requires significant investment in research, infrastructure, and extension services.
- Awareness & Adoption: Farmers need to be educated about sustainable practices and provided with incentives to adopt them.
- Market Linkages: Developing efficient market linkages for diverse agricultural products.
- Policy Support: Consistent and supportive government policies are crucial.
- Land Ownership: Issues related to land ownership and tenancy can hinder adoption of long-term sustainable practices.
Conclusion
The call for a ‘New Green Revolution’ is not a rejection of the past, but a recognition that the challenges facing Indian agriculture have evolved. A sustainable, climate-resilient, and inclusive approach is essential to ensure food security, improve farmer livelihoods, and protect the environment. This requires a holistic strategy encompassing technological innovation, policy reforms, and farmer empowerment. Successfully navigating these challenges will be crucial for building a resilient and prosperous agricultural sector in 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.