Understanding the Green Revolution

The question asks us to identify the statement that is NOT true about the Green Revolution. The Green Revolution was a period of significant increase in agricultural production, particularly in wheat and rice, through the adoption of new technologies.

Analyzing Green Revolution Statements

Let's examine each statement provided in the options:

• Statement 1: It was funded by international agencies.

  This statement is true. The Green Revolution received significant funding and support from international organizations like the Ford Foundation and the Rockefeller Foundation. These agencies played a crucial role in developing and promoting the high-yielding varieties (HYVs) and associated technologies.

• Statement 2: It was a private-sector programme for agricultural modernization.

  This statement is NOT true. While private sector players were involved in supplying inputs like seeds, fertilizers, and machinery, the Green Revolution itself was primarily driven by government policies, public research institutions, and international aid. It was a large-scale, state-sponsored initiative aimed at modernizing agriculture, not a purely private-sector program.

• Statement 3: It was targeted mainly in the wheat and rice-growing areas.

  This statement is true. The initial focus and the most significant impact of the Green Revolution were seen in the production of staple crops like wheat and rice, especially in countries like India, Pakistan, and the Philippines. The HYVs developed were primarily for these crops.

• Statement 4: It was introduced only in areas that had assured irrigation.

  This statement is largely true. The High-Yielding Varieties (HYVs) of seeds introduced during the Green Revolution required controlled and adequate water supply to achieve their full potential and respond effectively to fertilizers. Therefore, the Green Revolution technologies were most successfully adopted in areas with reliable irrigation facilities.

Based on the analysis, the statement that is NOT true about the Green Revolution is that it was a private-sector programme. It was fundamentally a public-sector and internationally funded initiative.

Revision Table: Key Facts on Green Revolution

Additional Information: Impact of Green Revolution

The Green Revolution had a profound impact on agriculture and society. Some key points include:

• Significant increase in food grain production, helping many countries avoid famine and achieve self-sufficiency.
• Increased income for farmers who adopted the new technologies.
• However, it also led to issues like increased use of chemicals (fertilizers, pesticides), environmental concerns (water depletion, soil degradation), and increased regional and economic inequalities (benefiting larger farmers in irrigated areas more than small or rain-fed farmers).
• The term 'Green Revolution' was coined by William Gaud in 1968.