Green Revolution in India, Objectives, Significance, History

Green Revolution in India: The Green Revolution marks a crucial period in agriculture, characterized by the adoption of modern tools and techniques to boost production. It transformed farming into an industrial system through the introduction of methods like using high-yielding variety seeds, tractors, irrigation systems, pesticides, and fertilizers.

Before 1967, the focus was mainly on expanding farmland. However, with the population growing faster than food production, urgent measures were needed to increase yields, leading to the emergence of the Green Revolution.

The Green Revolution started in the 1960s, led by Norman Borlaug, who is known as its “Father” and won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1970. M.S. Swaminathan is also called the Father of the Indian Green Revolution. This revolution boosted food production, especially wheat and rice, by introducing new, high-yielding seeds. It made a big difference in countries like Mexico and India.

Green Revolution in India

The Green Revolution, called the Third Agricultural Revolution, was a time when new farming methods made crops grow better. It started in the early 1900s in rich countries and then spread all over the world until the late 1980s. These changes helped farmers grow more food from their fields.

The Green Revolution, which began in the 1960s, transformed Indian agriculture into a modern industrial system by introducing technologies such as:

• High-yielding varieties (HYV) seeds.
• Mechanized farm tools
• Improved irrigation facilities.
• Use of pesticides and fertilizers.

Norman Borlaug, known as the ‘Father of the Green Revolution’ worldwide, initiated this movement and won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1970 for developing High Yielding Varieties (HYVs) of wheat, credited with saving millions from starvation. In India, M.S. Swaminathan, hailed as the ‘Father of the Green Revolution,’ spearheaded the adoption of high-yield varieties of wheat and rice seedlings, especially among poor farmers.

The Green Revolution in India began in 1966, significantly boosting food grain production, notably in states like Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh.

Green Revolution in India Objectives

The Green Revolution had several key goals:

1. Initially, it aimed to tackle India’s hunger issues during the second Five Year Plan by boosting food production.
2. Its long-term objective was to upgrade farming methods in rural areas, leading to overall modernization in sectors like rural and industrial development, infrastructure, and raw materials.
3. It also aimed to create job opportunities for both agricultural and industrial workers.
4. Another goal was to develop robust plant varieties capable of thriving in harsh climates and resisting diseases.

Components of the Green Revolution in India

The Green Revolution had several important parts:

1. High-Yielding Seeds (HYV): These seeds grow faster than traditional ones, allowing farmers to grow crops more often. They also need more workers, which creates more jobs.

2. Irrigation: Watering crops regularly is crucial. Depending only on rain isn’t reliable, so farmers use irrigation to ensure their crops get enough water. Proper irrigation can increase crop yield by up to 80%.

3. Chemical Fertilizers: Soil fertility decreases over time, and high-yield seeds need lots of nutrients to grow well. Farmers use chemical fertilizers to give their crops the nutrients they need.

4. Land Consolidation: Before the Green Revolution, land ownership was a big problem for farmers. Afterward, this issue got sorted out.

5. Land Reforms: In the past, farmers were often mistreated by landlords. The Green Revolution helped change this by introducing new laws that protected farmers from exploitation.

Green Revolution in India Features

• Introduction of High Yielding Variety (HYV) seeds revolutionized Indian agriculture.
• Initially focused on regions with good irrigation like Tamil Nadu and Punjab, especially for wheat cultivation.
• Later expanded to other states and included crops beyond wheat during the second phase.
• Proper irrigation was crucial for the success of HYV seeds due to their high water requirements.
• Emphasized growing food grains such as wheat and rice rather than cash crops.
• Increased use of fertilizers, weedicides, and pesticides to enhance crop productivity and reduce losses.
• Promotion of commercial farming through the introduction of machinery and technology like tractors and harvesters.

Postive Impact of Green Revolution in India 

• Green Revolution increased agricultural production, especially in food grains like wheat.
• Wheat production surged to 55 million tonnes early on in the plan.
• Per hectare yield for wheat rose from 850 kg to 2281 kg.
• India became self-sufficient in food production, reducing dependence on imports.
• The country even started exporting agricultural produce.
• Contrary to fears, Green Revolution led to increased rural employment.
• Tertiary industries like transportation, food processing, etc., created job opportunities.
• Farmers’ incomes rose significantly, allowing a shift from sustenance to commercial farming.

Negative Impact of Green Revolution in India

• Agricultural growth slowed due to issues like inadequate irrigation, shrinking farm sizes, and insufficient adoption of new technologies.
• Regional disparities emerged as benefits of the Green Revolution were concentrated in areas where new technology was used, mainly benefiting wheat-growing regions.
• Inequalities between large and small-scale farmers widened. The high investment required for new technologies favored larger farmers, leading to greater income gains for them and land acquisition from smaller farmers.

Success of the Green Revolution

The Green Revolution in India unfolded in two phases:

1. Phase 1 (Mid-1960s to Mid-1970s): Initially, High Yielding Variety (HYV) seeds were mainly used in wealthier states like Punjab, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh. Primarily, the benefits of HYV seeds were seen in regions focused on wheat cultivation.
2. Phase 2 (Mid-1970s to Mid-1980s): In this phase, HYV technology became more widespread, reaching numerous states and benefiting a wider range of crops.

Second Green Revolution in India

The Green Revolution began to tackle food shortages in India. Now, the focus is on the Second Green Revolution, which aims to make agriculture sustainable. It uses scientific and organic farming methods to address challenges like:

• Improving irrigation
• Developing better seeds
• Increasing crop productivity
• Managing food prices
• Reducing environmental risks
• Improving agricultural marketing

To succeed in upcoming exams, candidates should consider exploring PW SSC Books We provide high-quality content at an affordable price, including sample papers, mock tests, guidance sessions, and more to ensure aspirants secure their selection. Also, enroll today on SSC Online Coaching to turn your dreams into reality.