The Green Revolution Flashcards
Define the green revolution
A package of agricultural improvements that transformed agriculture in many LEDCs leading to significant increases in agricultural production
What was one of the first countries to benefit?
India
What programme was introduced to India in 1966?
High yield varieties of the cereals:
- wheat
- rice
- maize
- sorghum
- millet
What was wrong with then Indian agricultural system, pre green revolution?
It had stagnated in terms of production levels
How much greater were the yields of HYVs?
2-4x
What has the shorter growing season of HYVs allowed for?
The introduction of an extra crop per year and a move towards commercial farming
Incomes for some farmers have increased due to the green revolution, what has this lead to?
The purchase of better machinery, better seeds, fertilisers and pesticides and paying for more labour
How has the diet for rural families changed as a result of the green revolution?
It’s more varied
How has the local infrastructure changed due to the Green Revolution?
It has been upgraded to accommodate a stronger market approach
Where has employment been created because of the green revolution?
In industries supplying farms with inputs
Have areas under irrigation increased or decreased because of the green revolution?
Increased
What has intensification on existing croplands led to?
Large areas of wilderness being spared fro, agricultural encroachment
What two costs have the high inputs of fertilisers and pesticides caused?
Economic and environmental
What has increased in some rural areas because of the inputs for the green revolution?
Debt
What do HYVs require more of?
Weed control and they’re also more susceptible to pests and diseases
