Green Revolution

Green revolution, great increase in production of food grains (especially wheat and rice) that resulted in large part from the introduction into developing countries of new, high-yielding varieties, beginning in the mid-20th century. Its early dramatic successes were in Mexico and the Indian subcontinent.


part of a larger initiative by Norman Borlaug, Green Revolution in India was founded by M S Swaminathan. The aim was to increase agricultural productivity in the developing world with use of technology and agricultural research.

The Green Revolution was initiated in the 1960’s to address the issue of malnutrition in the developing world. The technology of the Green Revolution involved bio-engineered seeds that worked in conjunction with chemical fertilizers and heavy irrigation to increase crop yields.

The amount of greenhouse gas emissions will help to reduce this. It allows us to create more food than conventional methods of growing. In uncooperative conditions, it offers us with predictable yields. It allows a decline in food costs for the world economy.

it was beneficial because it helped produce more food and prevented the starvation of many people. It also resulted in lower production costs and sale prices of produce. Although it had several benefits, the Green Revolution also had some negative effects on the environment and society.

The Green Revolution was a significant period of agricultural innovation and development that began in the mid-20th century, aiming to increase agricultural productivity worldwide, particularly in developing countries.

Key elements of the Green Revolution included:

  1. High-Yielding Varieties (HYVs): Scientists developed new varieties of seeds, particularly for staple crops like wheat, rice, and maize, which had higher yields and were more resistant to diseases and pests.

  2. Intensive Use of Chemical Fertilizers and Pesticides: To support the growth of these high-yielding crops, farmers began using synthetic fertilizers and pesticides on a larger scale.

  3. Irrigation Techniques: Implementation of improved irrigation systems, like drip irrigation, helped provide water to crops more efficiently.

  4. Mechanization: Introduction of machinery and technologies into agriculture, such as tractors and combine harvesters, to streamline farming processes.

The Green Revolution had several positive impacts:

  • Increased Agricultural Productivity: Crop yields soared, leading to more food being produced on existing farmland.
  • Food Security: It helped alleviate hunger in many parts of the world by increasing food availability.
  • Economic Growth: Improved agricultural productivity contributed to economic growth in many developing countries.

However, there were also concerns and criticisms associated with the Green Revolution:

  • Environmental Impact: Excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides led to soil degradation, water pollution, and loss of biodiversity.
  • Social Disparities: The benefits of the Green Revolution were not equally distributed, leading to socioeconomic disparities between wealthy and poor farmers.
  • Sustainability Concerns: Reliance on high inputs of water, chemicals, and specific seed varieties raised concerns about the long-term sustainability of this agricultural model.

Efforts have been made to address these issues through sustainable agricultural practices, emphasizing environmentally friendly approaches and technologies while aiming for increased productivity and food security without compromising the environment or social equity.

Wonderful Experience to meet Father of Green Revolution: Prof M S Swaminathan Sir

Prof. Mankombu Sambasivan Swaminathan, popularly known as M.S. Swaminathan, (born 7 August 1925) is a great personality not only in India but across the world as he has shown the path how a country can be self-sufficient in food-grains after experiencing severe food shortage because of drought. And for his enormous contributions in the field of agriculture, he was awarded with many national and international awards. The recent one is the first World Agriculture Prize in 2017. There is not an iota of doubt that because of Prof M.S. Swaminathan sir’s contribution today India is self-sufficient in food grains and 130 crores people are getting food. In the backdrop, we all know severity of the food problem in 1943, the Bengal famine and later on in 1965 because of monsoon failure India seriously suffered from food crisis. Now all are in history as Swaminathan sir has shown the path to both Indian Government and our farmers, how one can be self-sufficient which all know as ‘Green Revolution’. His vision is to get rid of the world from hunger and poverty and he is great believer of sustainable development, especially using environmentally sustainable agriculture and preservation of biodiversity, which he calls an “evergreen revolution.” He successfully completed various coveted positions and inter alia of which are – Director General of Indian Council of Agricultural Research from 1972 to 1979, after that Principal Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India from 1979 to 1980. He served as prestigious post of Director General of the International Rice Research Institute (1982–88) and selected as the President of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources. For his excellent contributions, in 1999 the prestigious Time Magazine placed him in the ‘Time 200’ list of most influential Asian people of the 20th century.

Another praiseworthy contribution of Swaminathan Sir to the world in general and India in particular is setting up of the MS Swaminathan Research Foundation, popularly known as MSSRF in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. MSSRF (established in 1988) is a non-profit organisation.

The MSSRF aims to accelerate use of modern science for sustainable agricultural and rural development. It focuses specifically on tribal and rural communities with a pro-poor, pro-women and pro-nature approach. The Foundation applies appropriate science and technology options to address practical problems faced by rural populations in agriculture, food and nutrition.

MSSRF is carrying out research and development in the following major areas:

I had the opportunity to meet Prof Swaminathan sir on 18 December 2019 at MSSRF in Chennai and took his blessing as I feel he is ‘Annadata’ (food provider) to all of us. Interaction was although few minutes but I was greatly enlightened.  I was charmed to see such a simple and wonderful human being although endowed with ‘ocean of knowledge’, awards etc.; he is ‘down to earth’ person. Immediately the Sanskrit proverb, which I read in school days, came to my mind ‘Vidya Dadati Vinayam’ (simple meaning Knowledge makes a man perfect).

 

Dr. Shankar Chatterjee

Former Professor& Head (CPME)

NIRD &PR (Govt. of India), 

Hyderabad-500 030

Telangana, India 

Email <shankarjagu@gmail.com>