Green Revolution
Yield revolution since 1960s.
Mid-20th century transformation. High-yield varieties (HYVs) of wheat and rice, with fertiliser, pesticides, irrigation, mechanisation.
Leaders. Norman Borlaug — dwarf wheat for India and Mexico. IR8 rice for the Philippines. Adopted across India, Pakistan, China, Mexico from 1960s-80s.
Positives. Yields 2-3x; India went from wheat importer to exporter. Famine averted. Food prices fell. Population growth sustained.
Negatives. Environmental — fertiliser/pesticide pollution; salinisation from over-irrigation. Inequality — large farmers benefited more. Dependence on inputs (and rising oil prices).
Cambridge tip. Mark scheme rewards BALANCED treatment.
- HYVs + inputs + irrigation.
- Yields 2-3x.
- Environmental and equity costs.
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