The success of the Green Revolution was dependent on institutional support. Which organisation played a key role in agricultural research and the dissemination of HYV seeds in India?​

Correct option is B

The correct answer is (B) ICAR.

Explanation:

• The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) was the cornerstone of agricultural development in India, particularly during the Green Revolution (1960s-1980s).

• ICAR’s primary role was to conduct agricultural research and to promote the use of High Yielding Variety (HYV) seeds, which significantly boosted food production.

• ICAR also played a major role in the development of improved crop varieties, agricultural techniques, and technologies such as irrigation, fertilizer use, and pest control. These innovations were instrumental in improving crop productivity, especially in states like Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh.

Information Booster:

• ICAR was established in 1929 as the Imperial Council of Agricultural Research but became a statutory body in 1966.

• It has over 100 research institutes and research stations across India, which focus on crop and livestock improvement, soil health, and sustainable farming practices.

• During the Green Revolution, ICAR collaborated with international organizations like the Ford Foundation and Rockefeller Foundation to facilitate the introduction of HYV seeds, particularly wheat and rice.

• ICAR’s research led to the development of varieties like IR8 (rice) and Kalyan Sona (wheat), which were crucial for increasing India's food production.

History of the Green Revolution:

• The Green Revolution in India, initiated in the 1960s, was a series of research, development, and technological innovations aimed at increasing food production, particularly in wheat and rice.

• The revolution was made possible through the development of high-yielding varieties (HYVs), chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and advanced irrigation systems.

• Dr. Norman Borlaug, a Nobel laureate, is often referred to as the "father of the Green Revolution" for his work in wheat development.

• The Green Revolution transformed India from a food-deficient country to a self-sufficient nation in food production, particularly in wheat and rice. It helped India to reduce dependence on food imports and improved national food security.

• The Green Revolution had its successes, but it also led to environmental concerns, such as soil degradation, over-reliance on chemical fertilizers, and reduced biodiversity in crops.

Additional Information on Other Options:

Option A: DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation)

• DRDO was established in 1958 and is primarily focused on defense research and development, not agriculture.

• While DRDO contributes to technological development, including in aerospace and missiles, it does not have a direct role in agricultural research or the Green Revolution.

Option C: NITI Aayog (National Institution for Transforming India)

• NITI Aayog is a policy think tank that was established in 2015, succeeding the Planning Commission.

• While it plays a significant role in formulating policies for socio-economic development and sustainable growth, it does not conduct agricultural research or directly contribute to the dissemination of HYV seeds.

• It provides guidance for long-term planning but is not an agricultural research organization like ICAR.

Option D: NABARD (National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development)

• NABARD was established in 1982 to provide financial services and credit support to agriculture and rural development in India.

• While NABARD plays a critical role in agricultural finance, rural development, and micro-finance, it does not directly engage in agricultural research or the dissemination of HYV seeds.

• NABARD supports agriculture through financial services but is not involved in the scientific aspects of the Green Revolution.