Green revolution

Definition

The green revolution refers to a significant period of agricultural transformation that began in the 1940s and continued into the late 1960s, marked by the introduction of high-yielding varieties of crops, the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, and advancements in irrigation techniques. This movement aimed to increase food production and alleviate hunger in developing countries, ultimately having a profound impact on global food security and agricultural practices.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The green revolution played a crucial role in increasing global food production, particularly in countries like India and Mexico, which faced severe food shortages in the mid-20th century.
2. Key figures such as Norman Borlaug are credited with pioneering research and breeding programs that led to the development of high-yielding varieties of staple crops.
3. While the green revolution significantly improved food availability, it also raised concerns about environmental sustainability due to increased use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
4. The movement contributed to social changes as well, impacting rural economies and leading to both benefits and challenges for smallholder farmers who had varying levels of access to new technologies.
5. The legacy of the green revolution continues today as agricultural practices evolve, focusing on balancing food production with sustainable farming methods.

Review Questions

• How did the introduction of high-yielding varieties during the green revolution impact food production in developing countries?
  • The introduction of high-yielding varieties (HYVs) during the green revolution significantly boosted food production in developing countries by allowing farmers to cultivate crops that produced more grain per plant. This increase was especially notable in staple crops such as wheat and rice. As a result, countries like India were able to transform their agricultural landscape, moving from food scarcity to self-sufficiency and even surplus.
• Discuss the environmental implications of the green revolution's reliance on chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
  • The green revolution's reliance on chemical fertilizers and pesticides led to increased crop yields but also raised significant environmental concerns. The excessive use of these chemicals contributed to soil degradation, water pollution, and loss of biodiversity. Additionally, dependence on synthetic inputs often caused long-term ecological damage, highlighting the need for more sustainable agricultural practices that balance productivity with environmental health.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of the green revolution on rural economies and social structures in developing nations.
  • The long-term effects of the green revolution on rural economies and social structures have been mixed. While it led to increased food production and economic growth in many areas, it also created disparities among farmers. Those with access to resources were able to benefit from new technologies, while smallholders struggled to compete. This dynamic contributed to social changes, including migration patterns as individuals sought better opportunities elsewhere, ultimately reshaping rural communities across developing nations.

Related terms

high-yielding varieties (HYVs): Genetically improved plant varieties developed to produce more food per plant compared to traditional strains, particularly important for staple crops like wheat and rice.

agricultural technology: Innovations and tools designed to enhance farming efficiency and productivity, including machinery, irrigation systems, and biotechnological advances.

food security: The state when all people have physical, social, and economic access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food to meet their dietary needs for an active and healthy life.