Question

Discuss negative impact of Green Revolution.

Hint:

The Green Revolution improved food production but also caused environmental damage, social inequality, and over-dependence on chemical inputs.

Answer 1

The Green Revolution refers to a set of agricultural innovations introduced in the 1960s, aimed at increasing food production through high-yielding varieties of seeds, chemical fertilizers, and modern farming techniques. While it led to a significant increase in food production, the Green Revolution also had several negative impacts, particularly in developing countries like India.
Step 1: Environmental Impact

1. Soil Degradation: Intensive use of chemical fertilizers has led to the depletion of soil nutrients and increased soil erosion. Over time, this degrades soil quality, making it less fertile.
2. Water Scarcity: The Green Revolution promoted the use of irrigation, particularly in water-scarce areas, leading to the over-extraction of groundwater and depletion of natural water resources.
3. Pesticide Pollution: The extensive use of pesticides has resulted in the contamination of water bodies and soil, causing harm to local ecosystems and non-target species, including beneficial insects like bees.
Step 2: Social and Economic Consequences

1. Inequality in Rural Areas: The Green Revolution primarily benefited wealthier farmers who had access to technology, irrigation, and credit. Poorer farmers were often left behind, leading to greater economic inequality in rural areas.
2. Dependency on Chemical Inputs: Farmers became increasingly dependent on expensive chemical inputs like pesticides and fertilizers, making them vulnerable to price fluctuations and economic instability.
3. Decline in Traditional Farming: The focus on high-yield crops led to a decline in traditional farming practices and the erosion of indigenous agricultural knowledge and biodiversity.
Step 3: Conclusion
The Green Revolution, while boosting food production, also led to environmental damage, economic inequality, and social challenges, making it clear that sustainable farming practices are needed for long-term agricultural health.