Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
The Green Revolution, initiated in the 1960s, was a period of significant agricultural transformation in India, aimed at increasing food production through the introduction of high-yielding varieties (HYVs) of seeds, fertilizers, and irrigation. While lauded for averting famine and achieving self-sufficiency in food grains, the Green Revolution wasn’t merely a technological shift; it had profound political ramifications. These stemmed from the uneven geographical distribution of its benefits, the changing power dynamics between different social groups, and the emergence of new political movements advocating for farmers’ rights and equitable agricultural policies. This answer will explore the multifaceted political fallout of this pivotal period in Indian history.
Initial Political Context & Policy Framework
Prior to the Green Revolution, Indian agriculture was characterized by low productivity, dependence on monsoons, and widespread poverty. The political landscape was dominated by landowning elites, and the state’s role in agriculture was limited. The initial impetus for the Green Revolution came from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and was adopted by India in response to the food crisis of the 1960s. Key policies included the provision of subsidized inputs (seeds, fertilizers, irrigation), price supports for wheat and rice, and the establishment of the Food Corporation of India (FCI) in 1964 to procure and distribute food grains.
Political Fallouts: Regional Disparities & Power Shifts
The Green Revolution was not uniformly successful across India. Its benefits were largely concentrated in the states of Punjab, Haryana, and Western Uttar Pradesh – regions with existing irrigation infrastructure and fertile land. This led to:
- Regional Imbalances: The concentration of benefits in a few states exacerbated regional disparities, creating political tensions between ‘beneficiary’ and ‘non-beneficiary’ states. Demands for greater central investment in agriculture in lagging regions increased.
- Rise of Farmer Lobby: Farmers in these regions, particularly those with medium to large landholdings, became politically powerful due to their increased economic prosperity. They exerted significant influence on agricultural policies and demanded continued subsidies and price supports.
- Decline of Traditional Farming Systems: The focus on HYVs led to the neglect of traditional farming systems and crops, impacting small and marginal farmers who lacked the resources to adopt the new technologies. This created a sense of marginalization and resentment.
Emergence of Farmer Movements & Political Mobilization
The Green Revolution also fueled the rise of farmer movements advocating for their rights and demanding policy changes. Some prominent movements include:
- Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU): Founded in 1981 by Mahendra Singh Tikait, the BKU emerged as a powerful voice for farmers in Western Uttar Pradesh, demanding loan waivers, fair prices for agricultural produce, and reduced input costs.
- Shetkari Sanghatana (Maharashtra): Led by Sharad Joshi, this movement focused on securing remunerative prices for agricultural commodities and challenging the existing agricultural marketing system.
- Rythu Coolie Sangham (Andhra Pradesh): This movement addressed the issues of landless laborers and tenant farmers, advocating for land reforms and improved working conditions.
These movements often employed tactics such as protests, demonstrations, and road blockades to pressure the government to address their concerns. They also played a crucial role in raising awareness about the challenges faced by farmers and influencing agricultural policy debates.
State Intervention & Political Control
The Green Revolution necessitated increased state intervention in agriculture. The FCI’s role in procurement and distribution of food grains gave the central government significant control over the agricultural sector. This led to:
- Increased Bureaucratic Control: The implementation of Green Revolution policies required a large bureaucratic apparatus, leading to increased administrative control over agriculture.
- Political Patronage: The distribution of subsidies and other benefits often became subject to political patronage and corruption.
- Shift in Political Discourse: Agriculture became a central issue in Indian politics, with political parties competing to offer the most attractive agricultural policies.
Long-Term Political Consequences
The political fallout of the Green Revolution continues to shape Indian politics today. The legacy of regional disparities, farmer movements, and state intervention remains relevant. The ongoing farmers’ protests against the farm laws of 2020-21 are a direct consequence of the unresolved issues stemming from the Green Revolution era. The demand for Minimum Support Price (MSP) continues to be a major political issue.
Conclusion
The Green Revolution, while successful in achieving food security, had a complex and far-reaching political fallout. It led to regional imbalances, the rise of farmer lobbies, the emergence of powerful farmer movements, and increased state intervention in agriculture. These consequences continue to shape Indian politics, highlighting the need for a more equitable and sustainable agricultural policy framework that addresses the concerns of all farmers and promotes balanced regional development. The current agricultural policies need to address the issues of sustainability, diversification, and inclusivity to avoid repeating the mistakes of the past.
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.