Which of the following were the negative effects of the green revolution:
A) Increased economic disparity among regions.
B) Deficiency of micronutrients.
C) Depletion of groundwater level.
D) Physical and chemical degradation of soil.

Correct option is D

The correct answer is (b) A, B, C, D

Explanation:

• The Green Revolution, while significantly increasing agricultural production in India during the 1960s and 70s, had several negative consequences, especially over the long term:
• Increased economic disparity among regions – States like Punjab, Haryana, and western Uttar Pradesh benefited more, leading to regional inequality as other states lacked the required irrigation and input support.
• Deficiency of micronutrients – Continuous cultivation of high-yielding varieties (HYVs) of wheat and rice exhausted micronutrients like zinc and iron in the soil, as crop diversification was neglected.
• Depletion of groundwater level – The overuse of tube wells and pumps for irrigation, especially in water-intensive paddy fields, led to falling groundwater tables in many parts of India.
• Physical and chemical degradation of soil – Excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides degraded soil quality, leading to reduced fertility and health hazards.

Information Booster:

Green Revolution – Key Highlights

• Definition: The Green Revolution refers to a period (primarily during the 1960s and 1970s) when modern agricultural techniques were introduced in India to increase food grain production, especially wheat and rice.
• Key Features:
• Introduction of High-Yielding Variety (HYV) seeds
• Use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides
• Expansion of irrigation facilities
• Adoption of modern machinery like tractors and harvesters
• Government support through minimum support price (MSP) and subsidies
• Pioneer: M. S. Swaminathan, known as the Father of the Green Revolution in India.
• Main Focus Area: Initially concentrated in Punjab, Haryana, and Western Uttar Pradesh due to better irrigation and infrastructure.