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GS3 - agriculture inputs and green revolution

AGRICULTURE INPUTS AND GREEN REVOLUTION

Introduction

The Green Revolution was a transformative period in the history of Indian agriculture, beginning in the 1960s and continuing into the 1970s. It marked a significant shift from traditional farming methods to modern, high-yielding agricultural practices. The main objective of the Green Revolution was to increase food production to meet the demands of the growing population and achieve self-sufficiency in food grains. This transformation was primarily driven by the introduction and extensive use of various agricultural inputs, including high-yielding variety (HYV) seeds, chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and improved irrigation techniques. The success of the Green Revolution in India is often cited as a major achievement in the field of agriculture, although it also brought about several challenges and consequences that continue to influence agricultural policies and practices today.

Agriculture Inputs

Agriculture inputs are crucial for enhancing crop productivity and ensuring food security. The primary inputs include seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, and irrigation. Each of these components plays a vital role in the agricultural process, contributing to the overall growth and yield of crops.

Seeds

1.Development and Adoption

i.HYV Seeds: Introduced during the Green Revolution, these seeds were genetically engineered to produce more grain per plant, resist diseases, and adapt to local growing conditions. They significantly increased the production of staple crops like wheat and rice. For instance, the introduction of HYV wheat seeds in the 1960s helped India achieve self-sufficiency in food grains.

ii.Hybrid Seeds: These are developed by cross-breeding two genetically distinct plants to produce seeds with desirable traits such as higher yield, disease resistance, and better adaptability. Hybrid seeds for vegetables, maize, and cotton have shown substantial yield improvements.

2.Impact on Productivity

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