Science > Biology > Improvement in Crop variety > The Green Revolution
At the time of independence, India was partitioned into two countries. The most agriculturally productive land came under Pakistan with a small population while India has to support a larger population compared to Pakistan. Similarly, at the time of its independence, India was an agricultural dependent economy. The state of the Indian agricultural sector was dismal due to the low yield per acre and lack of investment, technology. And so the Indian government took steps to bring about the Green Revolution using HYV seeds.
Ford Foundation Report on Indian Agriculture 1960:
Ford Foundation in its report “India’s Crisis of Food and Steps to Meet it” suggested to introduce intensive effort for raising agricultural production and productivity in selected regions of the country through the introduction of modern inputs like fertilizers, credit, marketing facilities, etc. As per the suggestions in the report, the Government of India decided to shift the strategy followed in the agricultural sector of the country. The new agricultural strategy was adopted in India during the Third Plan, i.e., during the 1960s. By this, the traditional agricultural practices followed in India are gradually being replaced by modern technology and agricultural practices.
Green Revolution:
The dramatic transformation in agriculture practices that involves the use of new methods of cultivation and inputs refers to as Green Revolution. The Green Revolution in India started in 1965 with the first introduction of High Yielding Variety (HYV) seeds in Indian agriculture. This was supported by better and efficient irrigation and the correct use of fertilizers to boost the crop. The aim of the Green Revolution was to make India self-sufficient in the field of food grains production. The Government of India with the help of Indian geneticists M.S. Swaminathan, known as the father of the Green Revolution, launched the Green Revolution. The movement lasted from 1967 to 1978 and was a great success.
Anything which is brought suddenly and spread quickly to attain dramatic results is termed as a revolution. Every revolution has some aim. In 1965 the Government of India decided to adopt new technology, new ideas, a new application of inputs like HYV seeds, fertilizers, irrigation water, pesticides, etc. in agriculture. The aim of the Green Revolution was to make India self-sufficient in the field of food grains production. The goal was achieved with a surplus. Hence this event is called the Green Revolution.
Features of the Green Revolution
Use of High-Yielding Variety (HYV) Seeds:
HYV seeds were introduced for the first time in Indian agriculture. Most of these HYV seeds are of dwarf variety (shorter stature) and matures in a shorter period of time and can be useful where sufficient and assured water supply is available. They are high yielding and disease resistant. These seeds also require four to ten times more of fertilizers than that of the traditional variety. Due to the requirement of good irrigation, the first stage of the Green Revolution was focused on states with better agricultural infra – like Punjab, Haryana and Western Uttar Pradesh only. In due course, the coverage of the green revolution was extended to other states like West Bengal, Assam, Kerala, and other southern states.
Confined to Wheat Revolution:
The Green Revolution has been largely confined to Wheat crop neglecting the other crops. It was first introduced to wheat cultivation in those areas where a large quantity of water was available throughout the year through irrigation. Most of the HYV seeds are related to wheat crop and a major portion of chemical fertilizer are also used in wheat cultivation. Therefore, the Green Revolution can be largely considered as a wheat revolution.
Improvement in Inland Irrigation:
One basic requirement for the HYV seeds is proper irrigation. Crops from HYV seeds need alternating amounts of water supply during its growth. So the farms cannot depend on monsoons. Due to the requirement of good irrigation, the first stage of the Green Revolution was focused on states with better agricultural infra – like Punjab, Haryana and Western Uttar Pradesh only.
In 1951, the well-irrigated area accounted for only 17-18% of the total cultivated area; and the majority of the farmers were dependent upon the rains. The government undertook many minor, major and multipurpose irrigation projects so that maximum area can be brought under irrigation. Dams were built to arrest large volumes of natural monsoon water which were earlier being wasted, simple irrigation techniques were also adopted. Thus inland irrigation systems around farms were developed in India.
Use of Chemical Fertilizers:
In 1950-51 in India, the per hectare consumption of fertilizer was less than 1/4th of the global average. The HYV seeds needed chemical fertilizers to maximize yield. It posed a challenge for the government to make the chemical fertilizers affordable for the cultivators and government had to resort to fertilizers subsidy. Increased availability and use of fertilizers enhanced the productivity of the farms.
Use of Pesticides and Insecticides:
According to the UN Food and Agricultural Organization, globally, farmers lose 30 to 40% of their crops due to pests and diseases. Use of pesticides and weedicides to reduce any loss or damage to the crops
Double Cropping:
Before the Green Revolution, one crop per year was a practice because there was only one monsoon rain per year. Due to the availability of the inputs and irrigation throughout the year, allowed farmers to grow two or more crops on the same land as HYV seeds mature quickly. This helped to increase the productivity of the land. Thus, Double Cropping was the primary feature as well as the outcome of the Green Revolution.
Mechanization of Farming:
Traditional methods of farming are less productive and time-consuming. Besides they depend on human work. During the Green Revolution, modern technology and machinery like tractors, harvesters, drills, etc. were introduced. This helped to promote commercial farming in the country.
Emphasis on Food Grains:
The aim of the Green Revolution was to make India self-sufficient in the field of food grains production. Hence the emphasis of the Green Revolution plan was mostly on food grains such as wheat and rice. Cash crops and commercial crops like cotton, jute, oilseeds, etc. were not a part of the plan.
Better Financial Assistance:
Better financial assistance was provided to farmers through the spread of credit facilities with the development of a wide network of commercial banks, cooperative banks. National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) was established as an apex bank to coordinate the rural finance in India.
Setting of Minimum Support Price:
Price Incentives involving the provision of the minimum support prices for various crops was introduced. It allowed a reasonable price to farmers for their produce. This offered an incentive to the farmers to adopt new practices.
Better Infrastructure Facilities:
Better transportation, irrigation, warehousing, marketing facilities, rural electrification were provided during the period of the Green Revolution.
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