Legacy of Dr. M S Swaminathan: Green Revolution and Its Impact on Indian Agriculture
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Impact of Green Revolution in India
- Way Ahead
- Conclusion
Introduction
India in the first half of 1960s was on the brink of a food crisis due to failed monsoon and the resultant low agricultural output. It was in this scenario, the then advisor to the Ministry of Agriculture Dr M S Swaminathan introduced Green Revolution in India with the help of Dr Norman Borlaug, the Father of Green Revolution.
Green Revolution is characterised by the introduction of high-yielding crop varieties, modern farming techniques like use of tractors, and improved agricultural practices. The introduction of high yielding seed varieties and mechanisation of Indian agriculture led to doubling of agricultural production, reduction in poverty, increase in employment, and increase in industrial growth.
Impact of Green Revolution in India
Green Revolution had a significant impact on Indian agriculture and overall economy. It had both the positive and negative impact. Let us see each impact in brief.
Positive Impacts of Green Revolution in India
The positive impacts were increased crop yields, enhanced food security, and increased economic growth, among others.
Increased Crop Yields
The most immediate and evident impact of Green Revolution in India had was the substantial increase in crop yields. Farmers who adopted high-yielding varieties experienced bumper harvests, leading to a significant boost in food production. This increase in productivity not only met the growing food demands of the population but also allowed for surplus production.
Food Security
Perhaps the most crucial outcome of the Green Revolution was the enhancement of food security in India. This could be termed as the one of the crucial aspects showing the importance of Green Revolution in India. The surplus food production ensured that the country no longer had to rely on food aid or imports to meet its requirements. India, which once faced the spectre of famine, was now self-reliant in food production.
Improved Irrigation Facilities
Green revolution success was largely based on the extensive use of different irrigation methods. As a result, canal irrigation and pump sets were made available to farmers. This improved the overall irrigation facilities in Indian agriculture.
Economic Growth
The Green Revolution in India not only transformed the agricultural sector but also had far-reaching implication on industrial sector and overall economy. With increased crop yields, farmers' incomes rose, leading to economic growth in rural areas. The newfound prosperity had a ripple effect on the overall economy, stimulating demand for various goods and services.
Besides, the use of tractors and implements in Indian agriculture gave a big push to the production of farm machineries in the country. As a result, the industrial sector also got a boost.
Technological Advancements
The Green Revolution in India brought new technology to farming. People started using machines and chemicals like fertilisers and pesticides. This change from traditional farming method to modern farming method ensured enhanced crop productivity and increase in income of farmers.
Reduced Poverty
As the Green Revolution spread across India, poverty rates in rural areas began to decline. The increased income from agriculture provided a lifeline to millions of farming families, helping them escape the clutches of poverty and improve their quality of life.
Negative Impact of Green Revolution in India
The negative impacts were focus on production of few selected crops, adverse effects on soil and environment, and widening of income inequality in rural areas.
Production of Few Selected Crops
The introduction of of high yielding seed varieties was limited to few selected crops like rice, jowar and rice. But it showed high yielding results in wheat, and hence Green Revolution is also known as Wheat Revolution in India. Also, other crops like pulses and oilseeds were not part of this programme resulting in distorted cropping pattern in India.
Adverse Effect on Soil Fertility
The use of chemical fertilisers was the basic input required for the success of Green Revolution. The excessive use of chemical fertilisers led to decline in soil health and fertility affecting the overall environment. This also raised questions about the sustainability of such practices in the long term.
Widening of Inequality in Rural Areas
Due to the high cost of high-yielding seed varieties, it could only be afforded by rich zamindars and farmers with large landholdings. But the poorer marginal and small farmers could not afford it. As a result, the rich farmers became more richer and poor farmers remained poor.
Biodiversity Loss
The concentration on only a small number of crops that produce a lot of food caused people to neglect indigenous and traditional varieties of crops. This led to the loss of different types of plants that were important for farming.
Way Ahead
Taking the lesson from the failures of First Green Revolution, the Indian government in 2005 came up with the Green Revolution Krishonnati Yojana for the holistic development of agriculture and allied sectors in a scientific manner. It brought 11 schemes under one umbrella scheme.
Further, due to the adverse effects on Green Revolution on environment, Dr M S Swaminathan called for an Evergreen Revolution in India to increase agriculture production in a sustainable manner.
Conclusion
Dr. M S Swaminathan's legacy as the father of Green Revolution is a testament to the power of science and innovation in transforming agriculture and improving the lives of millions of people. The Green Revolution, led by his vision and efforts, revolutionized Indian agriculture, making the country self-sufficient in food production, and elevating the economic well-being of countless farmers. Dr. M. S. Swaminathan's work and advocacy in these areas demonstrate his commitment to ensuring a prosperous and sustainable future for Indian agriculture.
Related Blogs
