Green Revolution’s Bitter Legacy

The Green Revolution, which began in the mid-20th century and continued till the 1980s, transformed global agriculture, dramatically increasing food production, particularly rice and wheat. The introduction of new technologies, including machinery like tractors and threshers, enabled farmers to reduce labour costs while completing work in less time with more efficiency; the use of high-yielding varieties of seeds and fertilisers, along with the expansion of irrigation systems, significantly increased crop yields, particularly in developing countries. It was like a magic wand, helping many countries pull out of poverty. India was one of them. The adoption of modern technologies and methods of farming changed the country’s agricultural landscape and helped transition from a food-deficient nation to a leading producer of agricultural products. But today, the world is alarmed by the extent of damage to the environment, as excessive use of chemicals like pesticides and fertilisers has polluted water and rendered soil infertile. Ironically, the Green Revolution eventually sparked a decline in green covers and water depletion, thus affecting the ecosystem and biodiversity. What enhanced food security at one point is becoming a threat to food security today, underscoring the need to promote agricultural practices that prioritise ecological balance. The way forward is sustainable farming, but that will put farmers in a tight spot.

While reducing chemical inputs is vital to improve soil health as well as address environmental concerns, such a move can lead to a drop in crop yields, thus affecting their income and food security. Having used chemicals for decades, many farmers will find it difficult to do away with them. The transition towards a more sustainable farming practice, like use of natural manure, integrated pest management, crop rotation, etc., will be challenging, but it is pertinent. According to the UN Secretary-General António Guterres, the world loses 24 billion tons of fertile land every year. “Desertification, land degradation and drought are major threats affecting millions of people worldwide,” he said, stressing the urgent need to change the trend. Unfortunately or fortunately, the Green Revolution never came to many hill stations, particularly north-eastern states of India, including Nagaland. This could be either due to difficult terrains in the region or the indifferent attitude of the central government, but it’s a blessing in disguise. While there is no denying the fact that farmers in the region too use chemicals – pesticides and fertilisers – it is still not extensive, and most farmers, especially in rural areas, still stick to traditional methods of farming. In this regard, the state government’s initiatives and programmes towards promoting organic farming are a move in the right direction. We should combat soil degradation for long-term sustainability.