¶ Effects of the Green Revolution ¶

The Green Revolution program, which began decades ago, had a noble goal -- increase the global food supply and reduce world hunger. To accomplish this, farmers started to cultivate land using new farming techniques. These methods worked, crop yields climbed and fewer people experienced hunger. However, Green Revolution farming methods also created a few unwanted side effects -- some of which are serious.

¶ Inside the Green Revolution ¶

One primary mission of the Green Revolution was to improve the production of wheat and rice -- two high-yield plants. The program required farmers to use pesticides to kill pests and fertilizers to give extra nutrients to the plants, to take advantage of efficient irrigation techniques, and to learn new management techniques. Not only did food production increase, but statistics show that the production of maize, wheat and rice almost doubled between the 60s and 90s.

¶Pesticides: Handle with Care ¶

Many of the pesticides used during the heady days of the green revolution (60s to 90s) are very toxic to humans and other non-target organisms. Even pesticides advertised as "green," are not necessarily 100% safe. While many pesticides used in organic farming are safer than common chemicals we come into contact with every day, it is important to be careful. The Environmental Protection Agency does not allow companies to use terms such as "green" or "non-toxic" on pesticide labels.


¶Toxicity of the Green Revolution ¶

Four decades after Indian farmers began increasing production using pesticides and fertilizers, they are starting to have second thoughts about the change. In 2008, Researchers at Punjabi University discovered DNA damage in 30 percent of Indian farmers who treated plants with herbicides and pesticides. An additional study found heavy metals and pesticide chemicals in drinking water. These substances are harmful and can cause serious health problems. Some of these problems may occur because some farmers may not know how to handle and dispose of toxic chemicals. They may also harm the environment by using too many of those products.

¶Loss of Genetic Diversity ¶

In traditional farming, farmers plant a variety of crops that typically have a large supply of unique genotypes. People using Green Revolution farming methods plant fewer crop varieties in favor of those that produce high yields. This type of cultivation causes an undesirable loss in crop genetic diversity. You can witness this problem in India, where about 75 percent of their rice fields contain only 10 varieties of plants. This is a significant drop compared to the 30,000 rice varieties that were planted 50 years ago. Traditional crops have the highest gene diversity and as they dwindle, those genes vanish. These genetic diversity losses can be seen all over the world in locations that implemented Green Revolution farming methods.

¶ Impacts on Rice Production ¶

Rice fields are a vital source of food for individuals around the world. Because these fields often have mineral-rich soil, they are resilient and people have farmed them successfully for centuries. However, after the Green Revolution changed the way people farm, rice field sustainability declined, even though rice yields increased. Causes for the decline include loss of biodiversity and fish deaths due to toxicity from pesticide use.

¶ Other Side Effects¶

Because the Green Revolution required learning new water management skills, some farmers that didn't have these skills could not take full advantage of the new irrigation techniques. The Green Revolution's original mission was to focus on areas with significant rainfall or irrigation. This meant that in drier locations, wheat yield gains often fell below 10 percent, while yields in irrigated areas reached 40 percent. By the mid 80s, locations with high irrigation fully adopted high-yield crop production methods, while areas with little rainfall and a limited water supply experienced low adoption rates.

Effects of Green Revolution

The Green Revolution, which took place from the 1940s to the late 1960s, refers to a set of initiatives aimed at increasing agricultural productivity through the use of new farming techniques, crop varieties, and inputs such as fertilizers and pesticides. This revolution had both positive and negative effects on various aspects of agriculture and society.

1. Increased Agricultural Productivity:
- The Green Revolution led to a significant increase in agricultural productivity around the world. New high-yielding crop varieties, such as dwarf wheat and rice, were introduced, which had higher yields and were more resistant to diseases and pests.
- The use of modern agricultural techniques, including mechanization, irrigation, and the application of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, also contributed to higher crop yields.
- This increase in productivity helped to meet the growing demand for food, especially in developing countries, and played a crucial role in reducing hunger and malnutrition.

2. Food Security:
- The Green Revolution played a vital role in improving food security by increasing food production. The higher yields and improved farming practices ensured a more stable and consistent food supply.
- By increasing agricultural productivity, the Green Revolution helped to prevent famines and food shortages in many parts of the world.
- It also reduced the reliance on food imports and made countries more self-sufficient in meeting their food needs.

3. Economic Benefits:
- The Green Revolution had significant economic benefits for farmers, especially in developing countries. The introduction of high-yielding varieties and modern farming techniques increased farmers' incomes by boosting crop yields.
- The use of fertilizers and pesticides also improved the quality of crops, making them more marketable and increasing their economic value.
- Increased agricultural productivity and income contributed to rural development, reduced poverty, and stimulated economic growth in many regions.

4. Environmental Concerns:
- The Green Revolution, despite its positive impacts, also brought about some negative consequences for the environment.
- The heavy use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides resulted in soil degradation and water pollution, affecting the long-term sustainability of agriculture.
- The expansion of irrigated agriculture led to the depletion of water resources and the drying up of rivers and lakes.
- The reliance on a few high-yielding crop varieties also reduced crop diversity, making agriculture more vulnerable to pests, diseases, and climate change.

5. Social Impacts:
- The Green Revolution had social implications, including changes in land ownership patterns and rural livelihoods. Large-scale mechanization and the adoption of modern farming techniques often favored larger landholders, leading to increased inequality in rural areas.
- The shift towards commercial agriculture and cash crops also displaced traditional subsistence farmers and disrupted local food systems.
- However, the increased agricultural productivity and incomes also provided opportunities for agricultural workers and rural communities to improve their living standards and access to education and healthcare.

In conclusion, the Green Revolution had a profound impact on agriculture and society. It significantly increased agricultural productivity, improved food security, and contributed to economic development. However, it also raised environmental concerns and had social implications that need to be addressed for sustainable and equitable agricultural practices.