question_answer

Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of Green Revolution.

Answer:

Advantages of Green Revolution:

1. Green revolution was a government programme of agricultural modernisation. It was largely funded by international agencies that was based on high yielding variety of seeds with good pesticides, fertilisers and other input to farmers.

2. Green revolution programme was started in areas that had assured irrigation facilities, as sufficient water was necessary for the new seeds and method of cultivation. It basically targeted rice and wheat growing areas.

3. Agriculture productivity increased sharply because of new technologies. Thereafter India became self-sufficient in food grain production.

Disadvantages of Green Revolution:

1. Since the seeds and cultivation technology was very expensive, the small and marginal farmers could not afford to spend on new technology.

2. Since the well-to-do farmers were able to afford the costly HYV seeds, fertilizers and pesticides, they began to take back their lands from tenants and cultivate it directly because new technology cultivation was becoming more profitable. This made rich farmer better off and worsened the condition of the landless and marginal holders. The ultimate outcome of Green Revolution was a process of "Differentiation" between Rich and poor farmers.

3. In most of green revolution areas, farmers have shifted from single crop per year to multi-crop regime, which allowed them to spread risk in case any crop fails.