Q: Critique the victory narratives of Green Revolution in the context of Indian society.

Model Answer:

Green Revolution

The Green Revolution, introduced in India during the late 1960s, was a period of increased agricultural productivity driven by the use of high-yielding variety (HYV) seeds, fertilizers, and modern methods of farming. The victory narratives of the Green Revolution primarily emphasize the significant increase in agricultural production and the self-sufficiency it brought to India in terms of food grains. However, these narratives often overlook the socio-economic and environmental repercussions it brought along.

Increased Agricultural Production:

The most celebrated victory narrative of the Green Revolution is the exponential increase in agricultural production. The introduction of HYV seeds, especially for wheat and rice, led to a significant increase in yield per hectare. For instance, the production of wheat increased from 11 million tonnes in 1960 to 55 million tonnes in 1990. This increase in production helped India achieve self-sufficiency in food grains, reducing its dependency on imports.

Socio-economic Disparities:

However, the Green Revolution also led to increased socio-economic disparities in rural India. The new technology was expensive and only accessible to rich farmers, leading to a widening gap between rich and poor farmers. This resulted in the marginalization of small and marginal farmers who couldn’t afford the new technology. The Green Revolution also promoted monoculture, which led to a decrease in the diversity of crops grown, affecting the livelihoods of farmers dependent on other crops.

Environmental Impact:

The Green Revolution also had a significant environmental impact. The excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides led to soil degradation and water pollution. It also led to a decrease in biodiversity and an increase in pest resistance. These environmental impacts have long-term implications for the sustainability of agriculture in India.

Conclusion:

While the Green Revolution did bring about a significant increase in agricultural production, it also led to socio-economic disparities and environmental degradation. Therefore, the victory narratives of the Green Revolution need to be critically examined in the context of these issues. A more sustainable approach to agriculture that addresses these issues is needed for the future.