The ‘green revolution’ of the past, led by Dr. M.S. Swaminathan, fundamentally changed Indian agriculture. Today, we are on the cusp of another major transformation, fueled by technological advancements and the rise of agritech startups.
In the 1960s, India faced significant agricultural challenges, including severe droughts and high dependency on imports. The green revolution introduced high-yielding varieties and innovative techniques, leading to a remarkable turnaround in agricultural productivity.
To provide perspective, rice production increased from 30.4 million tonnes in 1966-67 to nearly 4.5 times that amount by 2022-23. Wheat production also experienced an approximate tenfold increase during this period, highlighting the effectiveness of the green revolution.
India's agricultural decisions now have far-reaching global repercussions. For example, a recent halt in Indian rice exports resulted in a significant spike in international prices. Despite these advancements, India continues to import essential items like pulses and edible oils, indicating ongoing challenges in self-sufficiency.
Fertilizers were a cornerstone of the green revolution. However, current trends suggest diminishing returns from increased fertilizer use, raising concerns about long-term soil health and sustainability. The over-reliance on fertilizers poses a significant challenge for future agricultural practices.
The government has utilized subsidies to make fertilizers accessible to farmers. However, this practice has led to overuse in many regions, emphasizing the urgent need for more sustainable agricultural methods that balance productivity with environmental health.
Dr. Swaminathan envisioned an agricultural model that was not only productive but also environmentally sustainable. This vision is increasingly relevant as we confront the challenges presented by modern agriculture and the pressing need for sustainable practices.
Currently, over 1,500 agritech startups in India are developing innovative solutions tailored for the agricultural sector. Despite facing economic hurdles, these startups have demonstrated resilience, successfully attracting substantial funding and media attention.
As India stands at the intersection of tradition and innovation in agriculture, agritech presents promising opportunities to tackle both current challenges and future demands. The journey from the green revolution to today’s agritech landscape is pivotal for the future of Indian agriculture.
Q1. What is the Green Revolution in India?
Answer: The Green Revolution refers to a period in the 1960s when India adopted high-yielding varieties of crops and advanced agricultural techniques to improve food production and self-sufficiency.
Q2. How has agritech impacted Indian agriculture?
Answer: Agritech has introduced innovative solutions that enhance productivity, sustainability, and efficiency in farming practices, helping farmers adapt to modern challenges.
Q3. What challenges does Indian agriculture face today?
Answer: Indian agriculture faces challenges such as declining soil health, water scarcity, over-reliance on fertilizers, and the need for sustainable farming practices amidst changing climate conditions.
Q4. Who is Dr. M.S. Swaminathan?
Answer: Dr. M.S. Swaminathan is an Indian agricultural scientist known as the "father of the Green Revolution" in India for his pivotal role in developing high-yielding crop varieties.
Q5. Why are fertilizers important in agriculture?
Answer: Fertilizers are crucial for enhancing soil fertility and crop yields. However, their overuse can lead to soil degradation and environmental issues.
Question 1: What was the primary goal of the Green Revolution in India?
A) Increase crop diversity
B) Improve food production
C) Reduce agricultural exports
D) Lower fertilizer usage
Correct Answer: B
Question 2: Who is known as the father of the Green Revolution in India?
A) Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam
B) Dr. M.S. Swaminathan
C) Dr. Verghese Kurien
D) Dr. Norman Borlaug
Correct Answer: B
Question 3: What is a significant concern regarding the use of fertilizers in agriculture today?
A) Increased crop yield
B) Soil health deterioration
C) Higher production costs
D) Reduced water usage
Correct Answer: B
Question 4: How many agritech startups are currently operating in India?
A) Over 500
B) Over 1,000
C) Over 1,500
D) Over 2,000
Correct Answer: C
Question 5: What is one of the global implications of India's agricultural decisions?
A) Decrease in local farming
B) Increase in international prices
C) Reduction in exports
D) All of the above
Correct Answer: D
Question 6: What role do government subsidies play in Indian agriculture?
A) They promote organic farming
B) They make fertilizers accessible
C) They reduce crop diversity
D) They limit farmer income
Correct Answer: B
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