Name: Yuvraj Mishra

Enrollment no: 23/6F/HD/027

Center: CISLS
Course code: CL405
Course name: Indian Economic Development: Selected issues
Topic: Green Revolution
Submitted To: Minaketan Behera
Introduction:
Thomas Robert Malthus, as laid out in his 1798 writings, An Essay on the
Principle of Population, gave his most famous theory on population growth.
This theory is popularly known as Malthusianism. According to this theory,
while the growth of food supply or other resources is linear or arithmetic
fashion, the population grows in a geometrical fashion. Keeping in line with
this theory, after an estimated 2.5 billion people in 1950, the world's population
increased to 8.0 billion in mid-November 2022, with an additional 1 billion
since 2010 and 2 billion since 1998. In the next 30 years, the world's population
is predicted to grow by almost 2 billion people, from the present 8 billion to 9.7
billion in 2050, with a potential peak of roughly 10.4 billion in the middle of the
1980s.
While on the other hand as per, Food and Agriculture Organization of the
United Nations (FAO), global food production has increased by about 150%
since 1961. The world population doubled between 1950 and 1990, and food
supplies have more than doubled in the last 40 years. This implies that although
the world's food production has increased significantly it has failed to keep pace
with the population. Thus reducing this mismatch between food production and
population explosion gave birth to the green revolution.
Defining Green Revolution:
The term "Green Revolution" describes a set of programs and developments in
farming techniques that mostly took place in the 1940s and 1970s with the goal
of greatly boosting agricultural productivity globally, especially in developing
countries. The term "Green Revolution" was coined by William Gaud, a former
director of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID),
in 1968. High-yielding varieties (HYVs) of basic crops including wheat, rice,
and maize were widely adopted during this time, while chemical fertilizers,
insecticides, and contemporary irrigation methods were the main components of
promoting green revolution.
This agricultural transformation was largely spearheaded by scientists such as
Norman Borlaug, whose work in developing high-yielding wheat varieties
earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 1970. The Green Revolution led to
dramatic increases in crop yields, helping to alleviate food shortages and famine
in many parts of the world. It also played a crucial role in supporting population
growth by ensuring an adequate food supply.
Genesis of Green Revolution:
The Green Revolution originated as a response to the challenges of food
scarcity and insecurity in the mid-20th century. Its roots can be traced back to
the work of scientists and agricultural researchers who sought to address the
pressing issue of global hunger, particularly in developing countries.
American agronomist Norman Borlaug's study in Mexico in the 1940s and
1950s was one of the initial impetuses for the Green Revolution. High-yielding
wheat varieties (HYVs) that responded well to fertilizers and were resistant to
pests and illnesses were the main goals of Borlaug and his colleagues. When
compared to conventional wheat types, these new varieties yielded far higher
yields.
Borlaug's success in Mexico laid the foundation for similar efforts in other parts
of the world, particularly in Asia and Latin America, where agricultural
productivity was lagging behind population growth. In the 1960s, the
introduction of high-yielding rice varieties in countries like India and the
Philippines further accelerated the Green Revolution.
Thus, the Green Revolution emerged from a combination of scientific
innovation, technological advancements, and international development efforts
aimed at addressing the urgent need to improve food security and alleviate
hunger on a global scale.
India and Green Revolution:
The Green Revolution in India was first introduced in Punjab in late 1966-67 as
part of a development program issued by international donor agencies and the
Government of India. During the British Raj, India's grain economy hinged on a
unilateral relation of exploitation.[16] Consequently, when India gained
independence, the weakened country quickly became vulnerable to frequent
famines, financial instabilities, and low productivity. These factors formed a
rationale for the implementation of the Green Revolution as a development
strategy in India.
1. Frequent famines:
In 1964–65 and 1965–66, India experienced two severe droughts which
led to food shortages and famines among the country's growing
population. Modern agricultural technologies appeared to offer strategies
to counter the frequency of famines. There is debate regarding India's
famines prior to independence, with some arguing they were intensified
by British taxation and agrarian policies in the 19th and 20th centuries,
and others downplaying such impact of colonial rule.
2. Lack of finance:
Marginal farmers found it very difficult to get finance and credit at
economical rates from the government and banks and hence, fell as easy
prey to the money lenders. They took loans from landlords, who charged
high rates of interest and also exploited the farmers, later on, to work in their
fields to repay the loans (farm laborers). Proper financing was not given
during the Green Revolution period, which created a lot of problems and
suffering for the farmers of India. The government also helped those under
loans.
3. Low productivity:
In the context of India's rapidly growing population, the country's traditional
agricultural practices yielded insufficient food production. By the 1960s, this
low productivity led India to experience food grain shortages that were more
severe than those of other developing countries. Agricultural technological
advancements offered opportunities to increase productivity.
4. Contemporary Situation:
In 1965, India faced a food shortage due to the Indo-Pakistan war and the
1965 monsoon, which led to the worst drought of the century. National grain
production dropped from 89.4 million tonnes in 1964–1965 to 72.3 in 1965–
1966, a 19% drop. The rise in food grain prices caused migration and
starvation, but the public distribution system, relief measures by the
government, and voluntary organizations limited the impact.
The United States supplied wheat to India under Public Law 480, also
known as the ``Food for Peace'' program. In 1965, Prime Minister Lal
Bahadur Shastri asked Indians to skip a meal on Mondays, and the US
allotted 15 million tonnes of food grain to India. The Green Revolution,
which involved providing price incentives to farmers and applying science
and technology, also helped India overcome the food emergency.
So, in this backdrop of war, famine, low productivity, etc., under the
premiership of Congress leaders Lal Bahadur Shastri and Indira Gandhi, the
Green Revolution within India commenced in 1968, leading to an increase in
food grain production, especially in Punjab, Haryana, and Western Uttar
Pradesh. Major milestones in this undertaking were the development of high-
yielding varieties of wheat and rust-resistant strains of wheat. A number of
people have been recognized for their efforts during India's Green
Revolution.
A number of people have been recognized for their efforts during India's
Green Revolution. First and most important was M. S. Swaminathan, the
main architect or the Father of the Green Revolution in India. Chidambaram
Subramaniam, the food and agriculture minister at the time, a Bharat Ratna,
has been called the Political Father of the Green Revolution. Dilbagh Singh
Athwal is called the Father of the Wheat Revolution. Scientists such as
Atmaram Bhairav Joshi Institutions such as the Indian Agricultural Research
Institute (IARI).
Thus, to encourage farmers to adopt new HYV seeds, use intensive
irrigation, fertilizers, etc. government introduced minimum support price,
established the Food Corporation of India for the procurement of agri
produce, formed the CACP or Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices,
recommends the MSP based on various factors.
Impact of Green Revolution:
Increase in Production and Productivity:
Only five harvests were available to HYVP: maize, rice, wheat, jowar, and
bajra. Non-food grains were thus excluded from the new system's purview.
Over the long haul, wheat has remained the foundation of the Green
Revolution. The novel seeds are responsible for the enormous increase in the
number of extra lots of grain harvested annually.
In 1978–79, the Green Revolution produced a record-breaking 131 million
tons of grain. This demonstrated India's status as one of the world's top
agricultural producers. India's yield per unit of worked farmland increased
by more than 30% between 1947, the year it gained political autonomy, and
1979. During the Green Revolution, the harvest region under high-yielding
varieties of rice and wheat developed impressively. By creating connected
offices like plants and hydroelectric power stations, the Green Revolution
also created many jobs for modern laborers and farming professionals.
Food self-sufficiency and net food exporter:
After India adopted the green revolution, till 1980, India's food production
increased steadily. In the decade of 1990s, India opened itself to the world
economy with the imp; implementation of LPG reforms. The adoption of the
green revolution made India not only self-sufficient in terms of food security
but India also became net food exporter to the world. As per FAO, India is
the second-largest producer of rice, wheat, sugarcane, groundnuts, fruits,
vegetables, and cotton. It is also the biggest producer of jute, beans, and milk
in the world. India is the second-biggest producer of various dry fruits,
agriculturally derived textile raw materials, fish, eggs, coconut, sugarcane,
roots, tuber crops, pulses, and a wide variety of vegetables in the globe. All
this was the result of the green revolution. For example, India is exporting
grains like rice, wheat, etc. to countries like Afghanistan, the USA, the EU,
etc.
Social Impact of Green Revolution:
The introduction of the Green Revolution resulted in significant social
change. The green revolution has increased the farmer's income which
resulted in an improved standard of living of the rural population. The green
revolution has also resulted in rural-to-urban migration in search of new
employment opportunities. This migration has resulted in the feminization of
agriculture and ultimately in the empowerment of women.
Technological advancement:
Significant technological advancement in Indian agriculture was sparked by
the Green Revolution. As a result, new crop types were created, farming
methods were enhanced, and contemporary agricultural gear and equipment
were implemented. This technical development improved India's agricultural
sustainability, decreased production costs, and increased efficiency.
EX: Establishment of Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Seed bank, ICAR, development
of hybrid seeds, food processing industries, etc.
Extension of Irrigation Infrastructure:
The Green Revolution made it easier for India to extend its irrigation
infrastructure in addition to encouraging the use of HYVs. Building of
canals, dams, and tube wells made it easier to obtain water for agriculture,
especially in drought-prone areas. Farmers were able to grow high-yielding
crops all year round with increased irrigation coverage, which decreased
their reliance on rainfall and increased agricultural productivity.
EX: Chambal irrigation project for Rajasthan, M.P., Gujrat, etc.
Infrastructure and Rural Development:
In India, the Green Revolution helped to enhance rural infrastructure and
promote rural development. Modern agricultural practices and better living
circumstances in rural areas were facilitated by government investments in
agricultural research, extension services, and rural electrification. In addition
to improving market access, the construction of roads, marketplaces, and
storage facilities assisted in tying rural farmers to urban markets.
EX: Setting up of AMPC market, PM sadak Yojana, Grading centers, cold
storages, etc.
Benefits to the Environment:
Although the Green Revolution has drawn criticism for its negative effects
on the environment, including soil erosion and groundwater depletion, it has
also had some positive effects. The Green Revolution contributed to the
preservation of biodiversity by limiting the spread of agricultural land into
forests and other natural areas by raising agricultural productivity on
already-existing land. Furthermore, implementing contemporary farming
methods and technologies may eventually result in better soil health and a
decrease in the usage of chemical inputs.
Empowerment of Smallholder Farmers:
By giving Indian smallholder farmers access to better fertilizers, seeds, and
agricultural expertise, the Green Revolution empowered them. In rural
communities, small farmers were able to improve their economic and social
standing by increasing agricultural yields and revenues. In addition, the
Green Revolution supported farmer-led projects like self-help organizations
and farmer cooperatives, which gave smallholders access to markets and
resources as a group.
EX: The green revolution has resulted in the setting up of APMC mandies
which resulted in the elimination of the middle man. Now farmers can sell
their produce directly to the government without any leakages.

Global Influence:
India's success with the Green Revolution had a significant impact on global
agriculture and food security. The country's experience served as a model for
other developing countries facing similar challenges, inspiring the adoption
of modern agricultural technologies and practices worldwide. Indian
scientists and agricultural experts played a leading role in sharing knowledge
and expertise with other countries, contributing to the global spread of the
Green Revolution and its positive impacts.
Just like every coin has two sides, similarly, the Green Revolution also has
its own downside. One of the major downsides of the green revolution is
environmental degradation, and others include regional disparities, dwarfism
of the Indian agricultural market, etc. In the upcoming section, we will look
into some of the limitations and negative consequences of the Green
Revolution.
Negative consequences of the Green Revolution:
Environmental Degradation:
The Green Revolution's role in environmental degradation is one of the main
charges leveled against it. The extensive application of chemical pesticides,
herbicides, and fertilizers has resulted in soil erosion, fertility depletion,
water contamination, and biodiversity loss. Chemical inputs pose dangers to
human health and the environment because they can damage pollinators and
beneficial insects, disturb natural ecosystems, and taint water sources.
Water Depletion and Irrigation Problems:
To sustain crop types with high yields, the Green Revolution encouraged the
development of irrigation infrastructure. Unfortunately, this has resulted in
the overuse of groundwater supplies and the depletion of aquifers in
numerous areas. Conflicts over water resources and water scarcity have been
made worse by inefficient irrigation and water management techniques.
Furthermore, overwatering can cause salinization of soils, waterlogging, and
deterioration of water quality, all of which undermine the sustainability of
agriculture.
Ex: Areas of Punjab, Haryana, and western UP are facing the problem of
water scarcity.
Loss of Agro-Biodiversity:
Agro-biodiversity has been lost as a result of the concentration on a few
number of high-yielding crop varieties, namely maize, rice, and wheat. There
is less genetic diversity among crop species as a result of the marginalization
of traditional crop varieties and native farming methods. Agriculture
becomes less robust over time due to its increased susceptibility to diseases,
pests, and shifting environmental circumstances brought on by the loss of
agro-biodiversity.
Ex: Pratice of monoculture of cultivating rice, and wheat because of their
high MSP.
Marginalization of Small-Scale Farmers:
The Green Revolution often favored large-scale commercial agriculture and
agribusiness interests over small-scale farmers. High-yielding crop varieties
require significant investments in inputs such as seeds, fertilizers, and
machinery, which small-scale farmers may not afford. Moreover, the
emphasis on monoculture and uniformity in cropping systems can
marginalize traditional farming communities and exacerbate inequalities in
access to resources and markets.
Ex: The impact of the green revolution in India has been limited to few areas
of Punjab, Haryana, etc. And most of this benefit goes to large farmers and
small farmers were left out.
Dependency on External Inputs:
The Green Revolution encouraged the use of mechanization, chemical
pesticides, fertilizers, and other high-input agriculture technology. Although
these inputs have helped boost productivity temporarily, they have also made
farmers more dependent on outside inputs and raised their production costs.
Furthermore, depending too much on chemical inputs can result in long-term
productivity reductions, soil deterioration, and insect resistance, all of which
need ongoing expenditure on expensive inputs to maintain yields.
Ex: India only produces urea as fertilizer and all the demand for MOP and
DAP for agricultural use is dependent on the import from USA and EU.
Social and Economic imbalances:
The Green Revolution has not produced equitable benefits distribution,
which has resulted in growing social and economic imbalances. The
introduction of modern agricultural technologies has often benefited large
landowners and agribusinesses more than small-scale farmers, tenant
farmers, and landless agricultural laborers, who have been marginalized and
experienced economic insecurity. Furthermore, the intensification of
agriculture has increased social unrest and the demands of urbanization by
causing rural outmigration and the loss of livelihoods in rural areas.
Health Risks:
The intensive use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides in Green
Revolution agriculture poses health risks to farmers, farmworkers, and
consumers. Prolonged exposure to agrochemicals can lead to acute and
chronic health problems, including respiratory illnesses, skin disorders,
reproductive issues, and certain types of cancer. Moreover, pesticide residues
in food products can pose risks to human health, especially among
vulnerable populations such as children and pregnant women.
Ex: Punjab to West Bengal belt is known as the cancer belt of India due to
excessive use of fertilizer.
Climate Vulnerability:
Agriculture's susceptibility to climate change has grown as a result of the
Green Revolution's emphasis on intensive, high-input farming methods.
Reliance on irrigation, monoculture cropping patterns, and resource
depletion render agricultural systems less resistant to extreme weather events
including heat waves, floods, and droughts. It is anticipated that climate
change will make these problems worse, putting global food security and
lives in serious danger.
Ex: Soil erosion, loss of soil fertility, eutrophication, water pollution, etc.
Apart from above mention limitation of the green revolution in India, in
recent times we have seen increasing cases of farmer suicide, farmer protests
regarding the legalization of MSP, erratic weather conditions resulting in
unstable food prices, etc.
Conclusion:
Despite having the above limitations, the green revolution has helped the
world fight hunger, removing poverty, and making farmers financially
independent. But to make green revolution we need to shift our focus from
the classical sense of green revolution to the new and advanced meaning of
green revolution. This new meaning includes organic farming, ZBNF, focus
on drought-resistant crops like millets which require less water and fulfill the
need for our daily nutrition.
In the Indian case, there is a need to find new market avenues for farmers,
build cold storage infrastructure, encourage industry-academia collaboration,
etc. to make agriculture more sustainable and environment friendly. There is
a need to explore the domain of paramparagat or the traditional way of
farming to make India vishwaguru in agriculture.
References:
1.https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-008044910-4.00099-7
2. Eliazer Nelson, A.R.L., Ravichandran, K. & Antony, U. The impact of
the Green Revolution on indigenous crops of India. J. Ethn. Food 6, 8
(2019). https://doi.org/10.1186/s42779-019-0011-9
3. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Green_Revolution