Green Revolution

GS Paper 3-Agriculture

 

Context:

The term ‘Green Revolution’, introduced 57 years ago, marked a transformative phase in global agriculture, leading to India’s self-sufficiency in food production.

Understanding the Green Revolution:

The Green Revolution refers to a scientific and policy-driven initiative launched in the 1960s to enhance agricultural productivity using high-yielding variety (HYV) seeds, mechanization, and chemical fertilizers.

• Origin of the Term: Coined by William S. Gaud in 1968.
• Pioneer in India: Led by M.S. Swaminathan, recognized as the Father of the Green Revolution in India.
• Government Support: Strongly backed by Chidambaram Subramaniam, who served as the Food and Agriculture Minister.

Why India Needed the Green Revolution:

1. Food Shortages: After independence, India faced severe food scarcity and depended on PL-480 wheat imports from the U.S.
2. Impact of Bengal Famine (1943): Exposed the nation’s vulnerability to crop failures and food crises.
3. Population Growth: Rapid population increase led to higher demand for food.
4. Economic & National Security: Reducing reliance on imports was essential for economic sovereignty and stability.

Impact of the Green Revolution on Indian Agriculture:

Boost in Food Production:

• Wheat output surged from 12 million tonnes (1965) to 110 million tonnes (2023).
• Rice production increased from 35 million tonnes (1960) to 138 million tonnes.

Introduction of HYV Seeds:

• Enhanced wheat and rice yields, particularly in Punjab, Haryana, and western Uttar Pradesh.

Expansion of Irrigation:

• Major projects like the Bhakra-Nangal Dam ensured year-round farming.

Mechanization of Agriculture:

• Increased adoption of tractors, harvesters, and tube wells led to improved efficiency.

Minimum Support Price (MSP):

• Provided income security to farmers and stabilized market prices.

Institutional Credit Access:

• Establishment of NABARD and cooperative banks reduced farmers’ dependence on moneylenders.

Challenges and Unintended Consequences:

Groundwater Depletion:

• Excessive irrigation caused 80% of Punjab’s water resources to be overused (CGWB, 2023).

Soil Degradation:

• Overuse of chemical fertilizers and pesticides led to declining soil fertility.

Uneven Benefits:

• The revolution favored well-irrigated states like Punjab and Haryana, while rain-fed regions remained underdeveloped.

Farmer Indebtedness & Suicides:

• Rising costs of farming led to financial distress among small farmers.

Loss of Biodiversity:

• The focus on monoculture (wheat and rice) reduced crop diversity and increased agricultural vulnerability.

Future Roadmap: Towards a Sustainable Green Revolution 2.0

Eco-friendly Agriculture:

• Promote sustainable farming practices, crop diversification, and climate-resilient agriculture.

Water Conservation Techniques:

• Encourage micro-irrigation, rainwater harvesting, and solar-powered irrigation.

Organic & Natural Farming:

• Promote Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) to reduce reliance on chemical inputs.

Farmer Income Protection:

• Strengthen crop insurance (PMFBY), MSP reforms, and direct income support programs.

Integration of Renewable Energy & Agroforestry:

• Explore agrovoltaics (using solar panels on farms) and inland aquaculture to enhance farmer incomes.

Conclusion:

While the Green Revolution significantly improved food security, it also brought environmental and social challenges. A balanced strategy integrating sustainability, technological advancements, and farmer welfare is essential to ensure India’s long-term agricultural prosperity while safeguarding natural resources.