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Chapter 12: Problem 2

What is the Green Revolution? What have been its limitations and its gains?

Short Answer

Expert verified
The Green Revolution refers to agricultural technological advancements made primarily between the 1930s and late 1960s, leading to increased food production, improved crop diversity and created employment opportunities. However, it also had limitations, including environmental damage through overuse of fertilizers and pesticides, increased energy costs, income disparity favoring wealthier farmers, and decreased biodiversity due to monoculture cultivation.

Step by step solution

01

Defining the Green Revolution

The Green Revolution refers to a set of technological changes implemented in agriculture primarily between the 1930s and the late 1960s. These include the development of high-yielding varieties of cereal grains, expansion of irrigation infrastructure, modernization of management techniques, distribution of hybridized seeds, synthetic fertilizers, and pesticides to farmers.
02

Identifying the Gains of the Green Revolution

The Green Revolution has brought numerous gains. Primarily, it resulted in a substantially increased production of food, thereby preventing the occurrence of famines and malnutrition. Areas that were previously unproductive became highly beneficial, and crop diversity was improved through hybrid varieties. It led to increased employment opportunities in new fields connected to agricultural advancements.
03

Discussing the Limitations of the Green Revolution

Despite its successes, the Green Revolution didn't come without its drawbacks. Criticisms include the overuse of fertilizers and pesticides, which have contributed to the loss of fertility in lands and pollution of water bodies. There is also the issue of increased energy costs due to the larger need for water pumps and machinery. Additionally, income disparity was observed as wealthier farmers could afford to upgrade their methods, while small scale farmers were left behind. Lastly, biodiversity was compromised due to the focus on monoculture cultivation.

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