Question 7: What is the Green Revolution? Why was it implemented and how did Does it benefit the farmers? Explain in brief.
Answer:
Due to low productivity, frequent occurrence of famines and low levels of agricultural products in the latter half of the second five year plan, a team was formed to suggest various ways to counter these problems. As per the recommendations of the team, the government introduced the use of HYV seeds, modern techniques and inputs like fertilisers, irrigation facilities and subsidised credit. These steps collectively are known as Intensive Area Development Programme (IADP). Consequently, in the year 1967-68, food grains production increased nearly by 25%. Due to this substantial increase of food grains production, this outcome is known as the 'Green Revolution'. The word Green Revolution comprises two words 'Green' that is associated with crops and 'Revolution' is associated with the substantial increase.
Need of Green Revolution
The needs of the Green Revolution are as follows.
1. Low Irrigation Facility: The well irrigated and permanent irrigated area was only 17% in 1951. The major part of the area was dependent on rainfall and, consequently, agriculture suffered from low levels of production.
2. Conventional and Traditional Approach: The use of conventional inputs and absence of modern techniques further hampered agricultural productivity.
3. Frequent Occurrence of Famines: Famines in India were very frequent during the period 1940s to 1970s. Further, due to higher growth rate of populations, agriculture failed to grow at the same speed.
4. Lack of Finance (credit): Small and marginal farmers found it very difficult to get finance and credit at a cheap rate from the government and banks ,hence, fell an easy prey to the money lenders.
5. Self-sufficiency: Due to the traditional agricultural practices, low productivity, and to feed a growing population, often food grains were imported that drained away scarce foreign reserves. It was thought that with the increased production due to the Green Revolution, the government can maintain buffer stock and India can achieve self-sufficiency and self-reliance.
6. Marketising Agriculture: Agriculture was basically for subsistence and, therefore, less amount of agricultural product was offered for sale in the market. Hence, the need was felt to encourage the farmers to increase their production and offer a greater portion of their products for sale in the market.
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