From green revolution to sustainable evolution: India needs to shift gears

In the mid-20th century, India stood on the precipice of a food crisis.

- Suresh Kumar

With a rapidly growing population and a history of devastating famines, the nation faced the looming threat of food insecurity. In response, visionary policymakers and dedicated scientists ignited the Green Revolution—a movement that would transform India's agricultural landscape. The introduction of high-yielding variety (HYV) seeds, coupled with chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and improved irrigation techniques, led to a substantial increase in food production, particularly in wheat and rice, across states like Punjab and Haryana. By 1970, India had doubled its wheat production, a feat that not only ended hunger but also boosted the economy and strengthened national food security.

However, this success came at a significant environmental cost. The heavy reliance on chemical inputs and intensive irrigation resulted in severe ecological consequences, including soil degradation, declining fertility, and water contamination. Punjab, once the proud heart of the Green Revolution, now faces a severe groundwater crisis, with water tables plummeting due to over-extraction for irrigation.

The focus on high-yielding variety seeds led to a decline in indigenous crop varieties, reducing biodiversity and increasing vulnerability to pests and diseases. The excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides created a vicious cycle, exacerbating the need for more chemicals to maintain productivity.

Economic disparities also widened, as wealthier farmers with access to resources thrived while smallholders struggled with debt and impoverishment. Policies favoring large landholders only deepened these inequalities, highlighting the need for more inclusive agricultural reforms.