Consider the following statements about the impact of the Green Revol...
The correct answer is option 'C', which means both statements 1 and 2 are correct.
Statement 1: Due to excessive and uncontrolled use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides, the environment has been degraded by increasing pollution levels in land, water, and air.
The Green Revolution, which started in the mid-20th century, aimed to increase agricultural productivity through the use of high-yielding crop varieties, irrigation, and the extensive use of chemical inputs such as fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides. While the Green Revolution brought significant increases in food production and helped alleviate hunger in many parts of the world, it also had negative impacts on the environment.
- Increased pollution levels: The use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides has led to the accumulation of harmful pollutants in the environment. Excessive use of fertilizers has caused nutrient imbalances in soil and water bodies, leading to eutrophication and the degradation of aquatic ecosystems. Pesticides and herbicides, when used in large quantities, can contaminate soil, water, and air, posing risks to human health and the environment.
- Land degradation: The use of chemical inputs has contributed to soil degradation and erosion. Continuous and excessive use of fertilizers can lead to nutrient imbalances, soil acidification, and decreased soil fertility. Pesticides and herbicides can also harm beneficial soil organisms, disrupting the natural processes that maintain soil health.
- Water pollution: The runoff of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides from agricultural fields can contaminate water bodies, affecting aquatic ecosystems and water quality. This pollution can have adverse effects on aquatic organisms, including fish and other wildlife, as well as human populations that rely on these water sources for drinking water and other purposes.
- Air pollution: The use of chemical inputs in agriculture can also contribute to air pollution. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released from pesticides and fertilizers can contribute to the formation of smog and air pollution. In addition, the burning of crop residues, which is a common practice in some areas, releases pollutants such as particulate matter and greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.
Statement 2: In India, the impact of the Green Revolution is also due to deforestation and the extension of cultivation in ecologically fragile areas.
- Deforestation: The expansion of agricultural land to meet the growing demands for food has resulted in widespread deforestation in India. Forests are often cleared to make way for agricultural fields, leading to the loss of biodiversity and disruption of ecosystems. Deforestation also contributes to climate change by releasing carbon dioxide into the atmosphere and reducing the capacity of forests to absorb greenhouse gases.
- Cultivation in ecologically fragile areas: The Green Revolution in India focused on the cultivation of high-yielding crop varieties in areas with favorable agro-climatic conditions. However, in some cases, cultivation was extended to ecologically fragile areas such as hilly regions and areas with poor soil quality. This expansion of agriculture in such areas can result in soil erosion, loss of biodiversity, and increased vulnerability to natural disasters such as landslides and floods.
In conclusion, both statements are correct. The excessive and uncontrolled use of chemical inputs in the Green Revolution has led to environmental degradation, including increased pollution levels in land, water, and air. Additionally, in India, the impact of the Green Revolution is also seen in deforestation and the extension of cultivation in ecologically fragile areas.