Which of the following statements about Green Revolution is/are correct?

I. India became self-reliant after the advent of the Green Revolution.

II. Due to the Green Revolution, the soil started losing nutrients due to repeated cultivation of the same crop.

III. Green revolution caused depletion of fresh ground water.

The correct answer is i, ii and iii.

Key Points

• The Green Revolution in India led to self-reliance in terms of food grain production, transforming the country from a food-deficient nation to one that could sustain itself.
• Repetitive cultivation of the same high-yield variety (HYV) crops led to soil nutrient depletion, as these crops absorbed specific nutrients in large quantities.
• The Green Revolution intensified the use of water resources for irrigation, leading to the depletion of fresh groundwater levels, especially in regions like Punjab and Haryana.
• The use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides increased significantly during the Green Revolution, contributing to environmental degradation and impacting soil health.

Additional Information

• Green Revolution:
  • The Green Revolution refers to the period during the 1960s and 1970s when agriculture in many developing countries was transformed by the adoption of high-yielding variety (HYV) seeds, chemical fertilizers, and advanced irrigation techniques.
  • It aimed to increase food production to combat hunger and improve food security.
  • Countries like India and Mexico saw significant increases in crop production, particularly in wheat and rice.
  • Despite its success in increasing food production, the Green Revolution also led to environmental issues, including soil degradation, water scarcity, and loss of biodiversity.
• Soil Nutrient Depletion:
  • Continuous cultivation of the same crop without crop rotation can lead to the depletion of specific nutrients in the soil.
  • This results in reduced soil fertility, necessitating the increased use of chemical fertilizers to maintain crop yields.
  • Over time, this can lead to soil degradation and reduced agricultural sustainability.
• Groundwater Depletion:
  • Intensive irrigation practices, particularly in regions with limited water resources, can lead to the over-extraction of groundwater.
  • This can cause a decline in water tables, making it more difficult and expensive to access water for irrigation in the long term.
  • Regions like Punjab and Haryana in India have experienced significant groundwater depletion due to the Green Revolution.
• Environmental Impact:
  • The increased use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides associated with the Green Revolution has led to environmental pollution.
  • These chemicals can contaminate soil and water bodies, adversely affecting plant and animal life.
  • There are also health concerns for humans exposed to these chemicals through food and water.