Question

Write two positive and two negative consequences of Green Revolution.

Hint:

When answering questions about the Green Revolution, a balanced approach is key. Acknowledge its undeniable success in food production while also critically examining its long-term social and environmental impacts.

Answer 1

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The Green Revolution refers to a period in the mid-20th century when agricultural productivity increased dramatically due to the introduction of new technologies, including high-yield variety (HYV) seeds, chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and modern irrigation methods.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Two Positive Consequences:
1. Increased Food Production (Food Security): The most significant achievement was the substantial increase in crop yields, particularly for wheat and rice. This helped countries like India and Mexico, which were once facing famine, to become self-sufficient in food grains. It saved millions of lives from starvation and improved overall food security.
2. Economic Growth: Higher agricultural output boosted the rural economy. Farmers' incomes increased, and the surplus food could be sold in markets. This also led to lower food prices for the general population and created demand for industrial goods like tractors and pumps, stimulating industrial growth.
Two Negative Consequences:
1. Environmental Degradation: The intensive farming practices had severe environmental costs. The heavy use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides polluted soil and water bodies. The reliance on HYV seeds, which require significant water, led to the over-extraction of groundwater, causing a drastic fall in water tables in many regions.
2. Increased Socio-Economic Inequality: The benefits of the Green Revolution were not shared equally. Only wealthier farmers could afford the expensive HYV seeds, fertilizers, and machinery. This widened the gap between rich and poor farmers. It also led to regional disparities, as the revolution was largely confined to areas with good irrigation, like Punjab, Haryana, and Western Uttar Pradesh.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The Green Revolution successfully averted famine by drastically increasing food supply and boosting economies, but it came at the cost of significant environmental damage and exacerbated inequalities between rich and poor farmers.