What was one of the negative impacts of the Green Revolution?

The correct answer is Soil degradation due to excessive use of fertilisers.

Key Points

• The Green Revolution led to widespread use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides, resulting in soil degradation and reduced soil fertility over time.
• Excessive fertiliser application caused nutrient imbalance in the soil, depleting key micronutrients essential for sustainable crop growth.
• Continuous monocropping under the Green Revolution practices led to loss of biodiversity in agricultural systems.
• The overuse of chemical inputs polluted nearby water bodies through runoff, causing water contamination and affecting aquatic ecosystems.
• Long-term impacts include soil salinization and erosion, making land less productive for agricultural purposes.

Additional Information

• Green Revolution:
  • It refers to a period of agricultural transformation in the 1960s and 1970s, characterized by the introduction of high-yield crop varieties, increased use of chemical fertilisers, and modern irrigation techniques.
  • It significantly boosted food grain production, especially in countries like India, addressing food security concerns.
• Fertiliser Overuse:
  • Chemical fertilisers such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK) were heavily relied upon, often exceeding recommended quantities.
  • Over time, this led to the depletion of essential soil nutrients such as zinc, iron, and manganese.
• Soil Salinization:
  • It occurs when salts accumulate in the soil due to excessive irrigation or poor drainage practices.
  • Salinized soil becomes less fertile and unsuitable for crop growth, posing a major challenge to agriculture.
• Environmental Impacts:
  • Runoff from chemical fertilisers into rivers and lakes causes eutrophication, leading to algal blooms that harm aquatic life.
  • Excessive pesticide use under the Green Revolution also contributed to ecological imbalances, affecting beneficial insects and organisms.
• Biodiversity Loss:
  • The Green Revolution emphasized monocropping of high-yield varieties, reducing genetic diversity in crops.
  • A lack of biodiversity in agricultural systems makes crops more vulnerable to pests, diseases, and climate changes.