Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
The Green Revolution, initiated in the 1960s by scientists like Norman Borlaug, marked a significant turning point in India’s agricultural history. It involved the development and adoption of High Yielding Varieties (HYVs) of wheat and rice, coupled with increased use of fertilizers, pesticides, and irrigation. While initially credited with averting widespread famine and achieving self-sufficiency in food grains, the question of whether this productivity increase was merely short-term remains a subject of debate. This answer will analyze the initial gains of the Green Revolution and assess the factors contributing to its limited long-term sustainability.
Initial Gains of the Green Revolution
The Green Revolution undeniably led to a substantial increase in agricultural productivity, particularly in wheat and rice. Between 1966-67 and 2011-12, food grain production increased from 75.62 million tonnes to 244.78 million tonnes (Economic Survey, 2012-13 – knowledge cutoff). This was largely due to:
- HYVs: These varieties were genetically engineered to respond positively to inputs like fertilizers and irrigation.
- Increased Irrigation: Expansion of irrigation facilities, especially in states like Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, enabled the cultivation of HYVs.
- Chemical Inputs: The use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides boosted yields significantly.
- Government Support: Policies like subsidized fertilizers, assured procurement prices, and credit facilities encouraged farmers to adopt new technologies.
Factors Leading to Diminishing Returns
However, the initial gains of the Green Revolution began to plateau, and several factors contributed to its short-term nature:
- Regional Disparities: The benefits were largely concentrated in the well-irrigated areas of Punjab, Haryana, and Western Uttar Pradesh. Rain-fed areas and eastern India remained largely unaffected, leading to regional inequalities.
- Soil Degradation: Intensive cultivation and excessive use of chemical fertilizers led to soil degradation, nutrient depletion, and reduced soil fertility.
- Water Scarcity: Over-extraction of groundwater for irrigation resulted in declining water tables, particularly in Punjab and Haryana.
- Pest Resistance: Continuous use of pesticides led to the development of pest resistance, requiring higher doses and more potent chemicals.
- Loss of Biodiversity: The focus on a few HYVs led to the loss of traditional crop varieties and reduced genetic diversity.
- Climate Change: Increasingly erratic rainfall patterns and extreme weather events are impacting agricultural productivity, negating some of the gains made during the Green Revolution.
The Case of Punjab
Punjab, often considered the ‘granary of India’, exemplifies the limitations of the Green Revolution. While it initially benefited immensely, it now faces severe environmental challenges:
| Issue | Impact |
|---|---|
| Declining Groundwater Levels | Water scarcity, increased cost of irrigation |
| Soil Salinity | Reduced agricultural productivity |
| Pesticide Residues | Health hazards, environmental pollution |
The Need for a Second Green Revolution
Recognizing the limitations of the first Green Revolution, there is a growing call for a ‘Second Green Revolution’ focused on sustainable agriculture. This involves:
- Promoting organic farming and natural farming techniques.
- Investing in water conservation and efficient irrigation technologies like micro-irrigation.
- Developing climate-resilient crop varieties.
- Diversifying cropping patterns.
- Strengthening agricultural research and extension services.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while the Green Revolution was instrumental in achieving food security in India, its productivity gains were largely short-term due to its unsustainable practices and regional limitations. The environmental consequences and the emergence of new challenges like climate change necessitate a paradigm shift towards sustainable and resilient agricultural practices. A second Green Revolution, focused on ecological balance and equitable distribution, is crucial for ensuring long-term food security and agricultural prosperity 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.