Which of the following was NOT an outcome of the Green Revolution?

The correct answer is Decrease in rural population.

Key Points

• Decrease in rural population was not an outcome of the Green Revolution; the rural population remained largely stable during this period.
• The Green Revolution led to a significant increase in food grain production, particularly in wheat and rice, ensuring self-sufficiency in food for India.
• A key result of the Green Revolution was the high dependency on chemical fertilizers and pesticides to boost agricultural yields.
• It also promoted the development of improved agricultural infrastructure, including irrigation systems, roads, and storage facilities.
• The Green Revolution primarily benefited regions with access to irrigation, leading to regional disparities in agricultural growth.

Additional Information

• Green Revolution: A series of initiatives introduced in the mid-20th century to increase agricultural productivity in India using high-yield variety (HYV) seeds, chemical fertilizers, and advanced irrigation techniques.
• High-Yield Variety Seeds: These seeds were a cornerstone of the Green Revolution and significantly increased the production of wheat and rice.
• Impact on Farmers: While larger farmers benefitted significantly, small-scale farmers often struggled with the cost of fertilizers, pesticides, and machinery.
• Environmental Effects: The intensive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides led to soil degradation, water pollution, and reduced biodiversity in some areas.
• Regional Disparities: The Green Revolution had a limited impact on rain-fed areas and regions without proper irrigation infrastructure, such as eastern and southern India.