Adoption of high-yielding varieties of seeds: ... Supply of chemical fertilizers: ... Expansion of irrigation facilities: ... Use of machinery: ... Provision of agricultural credit: ... Soil conservation: ... Development of infrastructure: ... Multiple cropping programmes:

Factors of Green Revolution

The Green Revolution, which occurred from the 1940s to the 1970s, refers to a series of initiatives aimed at increasing agricultural productivity worldwide. It was characterized by the introduction of high-yielding crop varieties, improved irrigation methods, and the use of modern agricultural techniques. The Green Revolution played a significant role in addressing global food shortages and increasing agricultural output. Several factors contributed to the success of the Green Revolution:

Key Factors:

1. Technological Innovations:
- Development of high-yielding crop varieties: Scientists developed new crop varieties through cross-breeding and hybridization techniques. These varieties had improved traits such as disease resistance, higher yield potential, and adaptability to various environmental conditions.
- Use of chemical fertilizers: The Green Revolution promoted the use of synthetic fertilizers to supply essential nutrients to crops, resulting in increased yields.
- Adoption of modern irrigation techniques: Improved irrigation systems, such as sprinklers and drip irrigation, were introduced to ensure efficient water usage and prevent water wastage.

2. Mechanization and Machinery:
- Introduction of farm machinery: The Green Revolution encouraged the use of machinery like tractors, harvesters, and threshers, which reduced labor requirements and increased efficiency in farming operations.
- Availability of modern tools: Farmers gained access to modern tools like seed drills, planters, and weeders, which facilitated efficient crop planting and weed control.

3. Infrastructure Development:
- Irrigation facilities: Governments invested in building irrigation infrastructure, including dams, canals, and tube wells, to ensure a consistent water supply for agriculture.
- Transportation and storage facilities: Construction of roads, warehouses, and cold storage facilities improved the transportation and storage of agricultural produce, reducing spoilage and post-harvest losses.

4. Knowledge Transfer and Education:
- Research and development: Extensive research was conducted to develop improved crop varieties, agricultural techniques, and pest management strategies.
- Extension services: Agricultural extension programs were implemented to disseminate knowledge and provide farmers with training and technical assistance.
- Farmer education: Farmers were educated about the benefits of adopting new technologies and techniques through workshops, demonstrations, and farmer field schools.

5. Government Support and Policies:
- Subsidies and incentives: Governments provided subsidies on fertilizers, seeds, and machinery to encourage farmers to adopt modern agricultural practices.
- Price stabilization: Governments implemented policies to stabilize crop prices, ensuring farmers received fair returns on their investments.
- Investment in infrastructure: Governments allocated funds for developing irrigation systems, research institutions, and agricultural education.

The combination of these factors led to increased agricultural productivity, improved food security, and economic growth in many countries. However, it is important to note that the Green Revolution also had some negative environmental and social impacts, such as increased use of chemical inputs and the displacement of small-scale farmers.