Explain how the Green Revolution in India led to improved food resources and discuss its long‑term environmental impacts.
Answer
The Green Revolution introduced high‑yielding varieties of wheat and rice, chemical fertilisers, irrigation and mechanised agriculture, which doubled food production in India. It reduced hunger and poverty but increased dependence on synthetic inputs, caused soil degradation, waterlogging, and biodiversity loss. The long‑term impacts include soil nutrient depletion, water scarcity, and increased greenhouse gas emissions.
Step-by-step solution
- State the main technologies introduced in the Green Revolution – high‑yield varieties, fertilisers, irrigation, machinery.
- Explain how these increased food production, citing yield figures and reductions in malnutrition.
- Describe the environmental problems arising from intensive use of chemicals – soil degradation, waterlogging, loss of biodiversity.
- Discuss the long‑term social and economic effects, such as dependence on costly inputs and vulnerability to price fluctuations.
- Summarise the overall balance between food security gains and environmental costs.
Common mistake: Neglecting environmental consequences
Concept tested: Impact of Green Revolution
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