Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
The Green Revolution, initiated in the 1960s, marked a pivotal moment in India’s agricultural history, transforming the nation from a food-deficit to a food-surplus country. This transformation wasn’t merely about policy changes; it was fundamentally driven by technological advancements. The introduction of High Yielding Variety (HYV) seeds, coupled with improved irrigation, fertilizers, and pesticides, dramatically increased agricultural productivity. This period witnessed a paradigm shift in farming practices, moving away from traditional methods towards a more scientific and intensive approach. Understanding the specific technological factors is crucial to appreciating the success – and the challenges – of this revolution.
Technological Foundations of the Green Revolution
The Green Revolution in India was not a single event but a series of technological advancements implemented over several decades. These can be broadly categorized as follows:
1. High Yielding Variety (HYV) Seeds
- Development & Introduction: The cornerstone of the Green Revolution was the development and introduction of HYV seeds, particularly for wheat and rice. These seeds were developed by scientists like Norman Borlaug (wheat) and were initially tested in Mexico and the Philippines before being introduced to India in the mid-1960s.
- Genetic Characteristics: HYV seeds were genetically engineered to be responsive to fertilizers and irrigation, resulting in significantly higher yields compared to traditional varieties. They had shorter stalks to prevent lodging (falling over) under the weight of the grain.
- Key Varieties: Important wheat varieties included ‘Lerma Rojo 64A’ and ‘Sonora 64’. Rice varieties like ‘IR-8’ (developed at the International Rice Research Institute - IRRI) were also crucial.
2. Chemical Fertilizers
- Increased Nutrient Availability: HYV seeds required substantial amounts of nutrients to realize their yield potential. Chemical fertilizers, particularly nitrogenous and phosphatic fertilizers, provided these nutrients in concentrated form.
- Production & Distribution: The government played a significant role in establishing fertilizer production plants and ensuring their availability to farmers through subsidies and a robust distribution network. The Fertilizer Corporation of India (FCI) was instrumental in this regard.
- Impact: Fertilizer consumption increased dramatically, from 0.07 million tonnes in 1950-51 to 11.51 million tonnes in 2000-01 (Source: Fertilizer Association of India, as of knowledge cutoff 2023).
3. Pesticides & Herbicides
- Crop Protection: Intensive agriculture and monoculture cropping systems increased the vulnerability of crops to pests and diseases. Pesticides and herbicides were used to protect crops from these threats.
- Types Used: Organochlorine pesticides (like DDT) were initially used, but concerns about their environmental impact led to the adoption of organophosphates and carbamates.
- Challenges: Overuse of pesticides led to the development of pest resistance and environmental pollution.
4. Irrigation Infrastructure
- Water Availability: HYV seeds required controlled water supply. Expansion of irrigation infrastructure was therefore critical.
- Major Projects: Large-scale irrigation projects like the Bhakra-Nangal Project, the Hirakud Dam, and the Nagarjuna Sagar Dam were expanded and new projects were initiated.
- Groundwater Exploitation: The introduction of tube wells and pumpsets facilitated groundwater irrigation, particularly in regions like Punjab and Haryana.
5. Mechanization of Agriculture
- Increased Efficiency: The use of tractors, harvesters, threshers, and other farm machinery increased efficiency and reduced labor requirements.
- Government Support: Subsidies were provided to encourage farmers to adopt farm machinery.
- Regional Variations: Mechanization was more prevalent in regions with larger landholdings and favorable economic conditions.
6. Research and Development
- Role of ICAR: The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) played a crucial role in coordinating agricultural research and development efforts.
- Agricultural Universities: The establishment of agricultural universities across the country fostered research and training in agricultural sciences.
- International Collaboration: Collaboration with international research institutions like IRRI and CIMMYT (International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center) facilitated the transfer of technology and knowledge.
Conclusion
The technological factors underpinning the Green Revolution were instrumental in transforming India’s agricultural landscape. The introduction of HYV seeds, coupled with increased use of fertilizers, pesticides, and irrigation, led to a significant increase in food production. However, it’s important to acknowledge that these technologies also had unintended consequences, such as environmental degradation and regional disparities. Sustainable agricultural practices and a focus on climate-resilient technologies are now crucial for ensuring long-term food security and environmental sustainability 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.