🌾 The Green Revolution in India
Technical Reforms in Agriculture in India (1950-1990)
What Was the Green Revolution? 🤔
📖 Definition
The Green Revolution refers to the large increase in production of food grains due to the use of High Yielding Variety (HYV) seeds, also called "miracle seeds". It primarily focused on wheat and rice production.
🏆 Pioneers of Green Revolution
Dr. M.S. Swaminathan
Father of Green Revolution in India
Dr. Norman Borlaug
Father of Global Green Revolution
C. Subramaniam
Agriculture Minister who promoted HYV
🔧 Four Essential Elements of HYV Technology
HYV Seeds
High Yielding Variety seeds that could produce much more grain
Irrigation
Reliable water supply systems - HYV seeds need deep irrigation
Chemical Fertilizers
Heavy doses (4-10 times more than ordinary seeds) for maximum production
Pesticides
Chemical protection against pests and insects
Journey Through Time 📅
1960s - The Beginning
India started the New Agricultural Strategy during the Third Five Year Plan. The goal was simple: grow more food to feed our growing population!
Mid-1960s to Mid-1970s - Phase 1
The revolution began in wealthy states like Punjab, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu. Wheat farming got the biggest boost during this time.
Mid-1970s to Mid-1980s - Phase 2
The technology spread to more states and helped grow different types of crops, not just wheat and rice!
The Two Phases Explained 📊
🥇 First Phase (1960s-1970s)
- Started in rich states: Punjab, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu
- Mainly helped wheat farmers
- Only wealthy farmers could afford the new technology
- Limited to areas with good water supply
🥈 Second Phase (1970s-1980s)
- Spread to many more states across India
- Helped grow rice, wheat, and other crops
- More farmers could access the technology
- Government provided support through agricultural loans
- Credit facilities made technology affordable for more farmers
Benefits vs Challenges ⚖️
✅ Amazing Benefits
- Food Security: India became self-sufficient in food
- Spurt in Crop Productivity: Dramatic increase in yield per acre
- Rise in Area Under Cultivation: Less need for fallowing land increased cultivated area
- Lower Food Prices: Food became cheaper for everyone
- Change in Farmers' Outlook: Shift from subsistence farming to commercial farming
- Double Cropping: Two harvests per year became possible
- Marketable Surplus: Farmers could sell more produce in markets
- Buffer Stock: Extra food stored for emergencies in the country
⚠️ Challenges Faced/Limitations
- Limited Crop Coverage: Only wheat and rice benefited most, not pulses or commercial crops
- Uneven Spread: Some states like Bihar, Eastern UP, Odisha were left behind
- Expensive Inputs: Poor farmers couldn't afford costly HYV technology
- Pest Problems: HYV crops were more vulnerable to pest attacks
- Income Inequality: Rich farmers benefited more than small landholders
- Regional Disparities: Technology mainly reached affluent states initially
Test Your Knowledge 🧠
Test your understanding of the Green Revolution with this quiz!
