Q. "Comment on the impact of the Green Revolution on agriculture in India and discuss its effects on farming practices."

Approach:
Introduction
• Define Green Revolution as a major technological intervention in Indian agriculture initiated in the 1960s.
• Mention spatial setting: primarily focused on the Indo-Gangetic Plains.
• State the core argument: Achieved food security but caused regional, ecological, and social issues.
2. Body
A. Positive Impacts
• Foodgrain production rise (with data: 82 MT to 250+ MT).
• Technological modernization (HYV seeds, mechanization, irrigation expansion).
• Reduced famine and ensured food security.
• Boost to agro-based industries (fertilizer, pesticide, tractors).
• Rise in rural prosperity (mainly Punjab, Haryana, Western UP).
B. Negative Impacts
• Regional disparity: neglect of Eastern, rainfed areas.
• Soil degradation, groundwater depletion.
• Monoculture of wheat and rice → biodiversity loss.
• Widening inequalities: large farmers gained more.
C. Effects on Farming Practices
• Mechanization increased (tractors, pump sets widespread).
• Chemical input dependence rose (fertilizers, pesticides).
• Decline of dryland/rainfed agriculture areas.
• Shift from diversified cropping to rice–wheat systems.
3. Conclusion
• Reinforce the mixed legacy of the Green Revolution.
• Emphasize the need for Evergreen Revolution (Swaminathan) — sustainable, climate-resilient agriculture ensuring long-term food security.

Introduction:
The Green Revolution, led by Dr. M.S. Swaminathan in the 1960s, brought a major change in Indian agriculture. Wheat yields increased by over 200%, rising from around 850 kg per hectare before the Revolution to more than 2,600 kg per hectare. The fertile Indo-Gangetic Plains became the focal point of this growth, supported by irrigation and better seeds.

Body:
A. Positive Impacts:
1. Food Self-Sufficiency Achieved:
-Grain output rose from 82 million tonnes (1960) to over 250 million tonnes by 2000.
2. Technological Modernization:
-Spread of mechanized farming, irrigation networks, and HYV seeds.
3. Reduced Famine Incidences:
-India became self-reliant in food grains, minimizing dependency on imports.
4. Increased Farm Incomes:
-Farmers in regions like Punjab, Haryana, and Western UP benefited greatly.
5. Foundation for Agro-Industries:
-Growth of sectors like fertilizers, pesticides, tractor manufacturing.
B. Negative Impacts: 1. Regional Disparities:
-Prosperity limited to select regions; eastern and rainfed zones remained backward.
2. Ecological Degradation:
-Groundwater overextraction, soil salinity, and loss of soil fertility intensified.
3. Monoculture Trends:
-Overemphasis on rice and wheat reduced crop diversity.
4. Social Inequalities:
-Larger farmers reaped benefits, while small and marginal farmers lagged behind. 5. Environmental Pollution: o High pesticide and fertilizer use polluted soil, water, and affected biodiversity

II. Effects on Farming Practices in India
1. Shift to Monoculture
Farmers abandoned traditional crop diversity and began cultivating mostly wheat and rice, reducing pulses, millets, and oilseeds, which affected nutritional security and soil health.
2. Mechanization of Agriculture
The use of tractors, harvesters, and pump sets became widespread, especially in Green Revolution regions, reducing the reliance on manual labour and increasing operational efficiency.
3. Increased Input Dependency
The adoption of chemical-intensive practices made Indian agriculture dependent on fertilizers, pesticides, and electricity subsidies, making it less sustainable in the long run.
4. Expansion of Irrigation Infrastructure
There was a rapid increase in tube well and canal irrigation, particularly in northwestern India, shifting reliance away from rainfed farming systems.
5. Neglect of Dryland and Rainfed Regions
Over 60% of India’s cropped area, which is rainfed, received little benefit from the Green Revolution, leading to stagnant yields and underdevelopment in those areas.

Conclusion:
The Green Revolution ensured India’s food security but exposed ecological vulnerabilities. The way forward lies in embracing an Evergreen Revolution, as envisioned by M.S. Swaminathan, aiming for “productivity in perpetuity without ecological harm.” Strengthening soil health, promoting climate-smart agriculture, and adopting sustainable intensification must drive future agricultural growth.