Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
The Green Revolution, initiated in the 1960s by scientists like Norman Borlaug, was a period of significant increase in agricultural production in India, primarily through the introduction of high-yielding varieties (HYVs) of wheat and rice. While it successfully addressed food security concerns and averted widespread famine, the pursuit of this agricultural transformation came at a considerable cost. The intensive agricultural practices associated with the Green Revolution have resulted in a complex web of economic, social, and ecological consequences that continue to challenge India’s sustainable development trajectory. This answer will discuss these costs in detail.
Economic Costs
The Green Revolution, while boosting overall production, led to increased economic disparities.
- Increased Input Costs: HYVs required substantial investments in fertilizers, pesticides, and irrigation, pushing small and marginal farmers into debt.
- Regional Disparities: The benefits were largely concentrated in states like Punjab, Haryana, and Western Uttar Pradesh, creating regional imbalances in agricultural development. States lacking adequate irrigation infrastructure were left behind.
- Market Dependence: Farmers became increasingly reliant on market forces and intermediaries for inputs and outputs, reducing their bargaining power.
- Decline in Crop Diversity: Focus on a few crops (wheat and rice) led to a decline in the cultivation of other nutritious crops like millets and pulses, impacting dietary diversity.
Social Costs
The social fabric of rural India was also significantly impacted by the Green Revolution.
- Land Displacement: Mechanization and consolidation of landholdings led to displacement of landless laborers and small farmers.
- Farmer Distress: Debt burden, coupled with fluctuating market prices and climate change impacts, contributed to increasing farmer suicides, particularly in states like Maharashtra and Punjab. (Data as of 2023 shows over 1 lakh farmer suicides since 1995 - Source: National Crime Records Bureau)
- Social Inequality: The benefits accrued disproportionately to large landowners, exacerbating existing social inequalities.
- Health Impacts: Excessive use of pesticides and fertilizers led to health problems among farmers and consumers.
Ecological Costs
Perhaps the most significant costs of the Green Revolution are ecological.
- Soil Degradation: Intensive monoculture farming depleted soil nutrients, leading to soil erosion and reduced fertility.
- Water Depletion: Excessive groundwater extraction for irrigation led to a rapid decline in water tables, particularly in Punjab and Haryana. (Central Ground Water Board report, 2022, indicates critical groundwater depletion in 12 states)
- Water Pollution: Runoff from fertilizers and pesticides contaminated surface and groundwater sources, impacting aquatic ecosystems and human health.
- Loss of Biodiversity: The focus on a few HYVs led to the loss of traditional crop varieties and associated biodiversity.
- Pest Resistance: Continuous use of pesticides led to the development of pest resistance, requiring even stronger and more harmful chemicals.
| Cost Category | Specific Impact | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Economic | Increased Input Costs | Rising fertilizer prices impacting small farmers in Bihar |
| Social | Farmer Distress | High farmer suicide rates in Vidarbha region of Maharashtra |
| Ecological | Water Depletion | Falling groundwater levels in Punjab leading to irrigation challenges |
Conclusion
The Green Revolution was undeniably crucial in ensuring India’s food security, but its long-term costs are substantial and cannot be ignored. A shift towards sustainable agricultural practices, including promoting crop diversification, organic farming, water conservation techniques (like micro-irrigation), and investing in research for climate-resilient crops, is essential. Policies that support small and marginal farmers, address regional disparities, and prioritize ecological health are vital for ensuring a truly sustainable and equitable agricultural future for India. Moving forward, a ‘Evergreen Revolution’ focusing on ecological sustainability and farmer well-being is needed.
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.