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Question 7. What is Green Revolution? Why was it implemented and how did it benefit the farmers? Explain in brief.
Answer
Green Revolution refers to the large increase in agricultural production, especially of wheat and rice, due to the use of High Yielding Variety (HYV) seeds along with assured irrigation, fertilisers and pesticides in India from the mid-1960s onwards.
Why was the Green Revolution implemented?
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Agricultural productivity was very low at the time of independence
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India depended on food imports, especially from the USA
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Frequent droughts and monsoon failures caused food shortages
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To achieve self-sufficiency in food grains and ensure food security
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To modernise agriculture using scientific methods
How did it benefit the farmers?
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Increased crop yield and farm output
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Raised farm incomes, especially in irrigated regions
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Created higher marketable surplus for sale
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Reduced the risk of famine and hunger
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Enabled the government to build buffer stocks of food grains
Dr. M. S. Swaminathan is regarded as the chief architect and proponent of the Green Revolution in India for his role in introducing High Yielding Variety (HYV) seeds and modern agricultural practices, especially in wheat and rice production.
Conclusion
The Green Revolution transformed Indian agriculture by increasing productivity and making India self-sufficient in food grains, though its benefits were initially limited to certain regions and crops