Green Revolution Introduction, objectives & Important Facts
Green Revolution: Important facts& history
The Green Revolution started in the year 1965. It was the first time when High Yield Variety seeds were introduced in Indian Agriculture. The main aim of Green Revolution was to make India self- sufficient when it came to food grains. High Yielding Variety seeds are coupled with efficient irrigation and the correct use of fertilizers.
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Why the Green Revolution began?
After getting Independence in the year 1947, India had to rebuild its economy. Majority of the population was dependent on Agriculture but agriculture sector faced several problems. The grains productivity was very low and India was monsoon dependent because of lack of irrigation and other infrastructure.
Due to the absence of modern technology India faced severe famines during the British Raj. Notably, Britishers only promoted cash crops instead of food crops. The main aim was to make India self –sufficient in terms of food crops. In the year 1965, the government decided to introduce the Green Revolution. With the help of Indian geneticists M.S. Swaminathan, known as the father of the Green Revolution, launched it. The movement began in the year 1967 and lasted till 1978, and it was a great success.
Here are a few features of the Green Revolution, take a look:
The introduction of the HYV seed was a great success in India. They had more success with the wheat crop and they were highly effective in the regions of proper irrigation.
- The second phase, the HYV seeds were given to several other states. Apart from wheat, other crops were also included.
- Cash crops like cotton, jute oilseeds were not a part of the plans. The main focus was on food crops such as wheat and rice.
- Finally, the introduction of technology like a tractor, harvesters and drills helped to promote commercial farming in the country.
What was the impact of the Green Revolution?
- Increase in Agricultural production: There was a drastic increase in production. As the dependency in the monsoon reduced.
- Creates Employment: After the introduction of the Green Revolution, there was fear that a lot of labours will lose their job. But on the other hand, it increased rural employment. This is because the supporting industries created employment opportunities. Irrigation, Transportation, food processing and all created a lot of employment opportunities.
- Dependence on Imports decreased: After the introduction of the Green Revolution, India was finally on its way of self –sufficiency. There was now enough production for the population and to build a stock if any emergency occurred.
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