Green Revolution is also known as Seed-Water-Fertilizers-Pesticides-Technology.

• In 1965 the
government of Mrs. Indra Gandhi decided to take a major step on Agriculture condition.• Thus
"Green Revolution" was applied to the period from 1967 to 1978 basically in parts of Punjab and
Haryana.• At this stage the Green Revolution was concern only with Wheat & Rice.• Dr. M S
Swaminathan from India led the Green Revolution as the Project.

J. G. Harrar, “The green revolution is the phrase generally used to describe the Spectacular
increase that took place during 19687-68 and is continuing in the production of food grains
in India”.

History of Green Revolution:• The beginnings of the Green Revolution are often attributed to
Norman Borlaug, an American scientist interested in agriculture. In the 1940s, he began conducting
research in Mexico and developed new disease resistance high-yield varieties of wheat.• Due to the
success of the Green Revolution in Mexico, its technologies spread worldwide in the 1950s and
1960s.• The introduction of high-yielding varieties of seeds after 1965 and the increased use of
fertilizers and irrigation provided the increase in production which improved agriculture in India

Methods Used in Green Revolution: Double/ Multiple Cropping system Seeds with superior
genetics Proper irrigation system High Yielding Variety (HYV) of seeds Use of pesticides and
fertilizers Use of modern machinery (Tractor, Harvester, Thrasher) Expansion of farming areas

Basic Elements in Green Revolution:• Continued expansion of farming areas: Green Revolution
continued with quantitative expansion of farmlands.• Double-cropping existing farmland: Instead of
one crop season per year, the decision was made to have two crop seasons per year. There had to
be two "monsoons" per year. One would be the natural „monsoon‟ and the other an artificial
„monsoon‟.• Using seeds with superior genetics: This was the scientific aspect of the Green
Revolution to use High Yielding Variety (HVY) of seeds.

Causes of Green Revolution: High Yielding Varieties of Seed Chemical Fertilizers Irrigation
Multiple Cropping Modern Agricultural Machinery Credit Facilities Agricultural Research Plant
Protection Rural Electrification Soil Testing and Soil Conservation

Effects of Green Revolution: Increase in Production Capitalistic Farming Effect on Rural

Employment Reduction in Imports of food grains Development of Industries Effect on Prices
Base for Economic Growth Effect on consumers Effect on Planning Increase in Trade Change in
Thinking of Farmers

Result/Evaluation of Green Revolution:

Economic Result:• The increase in irrigation created need of new dams to harness monsoon water.•
It boosted industrial growth, created jobs and improved the quality of life of the people.• India paid
back all loans taken from the World Bank for the purpose of the Green Revolution.3. Sociological
Results:• The Green Revolution created plenty of jobs not only for agricultural workers but also
industrial workers by the creation of lateral facilities such as factories and hydro-electric power
stations help to uplift the social as well as the economic condition.

Other Results:• India transformed itself from a starving nation to an exporter of food. Green
Revolution was one factor that made Mrs. Indra Gandhi (1917-84) and her party, a very powerful
political force in India.• Poorer farmers cannot achieve yields as high as those with better access to
water, fertilizer and land.• More people own land, but it is being divided into smaller and smaller
plots. This is because of population growth and land redistribution schemes.

Advantages of Green Revolution:1. Yields increased three times.2. Multiple cropping.3. Other crops
grown which varied the diet.4. Surplus to sell in cities creating a profit improving the standard of
living.5. Allows purchase of fertilizers, machinery etc.6. India becomes self sufficient in food grains.

Limitations of Green Revolution:1. The Green Revolution, howsoever impressive, but NOT a 100%
success.2. Only Punjab and Haryana states showed best results of Green Revolution.3. The new
farming techniques, has given birth to the serious pollution of drinking water causing cancer and
other diseases.4. A recent Punjabi University study found a high rate of genetic damage among
farmers, which was attributed to pesticide use.5. The new organic fertilizer, pesticides and chemicals
are ruining the soil.6. Lead to unemployment and Rural-Urban Immigration.

Need for Second Green Revolution: The time is now ripe for Second Green Revolution. India has
tremendous export potential in agriculture in present era of globalization. In Second Green
Revolution emphasis should be laid on:1. Non food grains2. Improving global market opportunities3.
Improving rural infrastructure4. Improving irrigation, rural roads and rural electrification.

Conclusion:• As a technological innovation, the Green Revolution replaced “one way of life in
another in short span of two decades”.• The lesson learned from this green revolution should enable
policy makers to reduce the adverse effects of the coming Biorevolution based on genetic
engineering.