"Green Revolution in India: A Geographical Assessment of Agricultural Productivity, Regional Development and Environmental Sustainability"

Abstract

The Green Revolution in India represents a major transformation in the country’s agricultural  geography, particularly from the mid-1960s onwards. It emerged in response to food shortages,  low agricultural productivity, population growth, and dependence on food imports. The introduction of high-yielding variety (HYV) seeds, chemical fertilizers, pesticides, assured  irrigation, mechanization, and improved agricultural practices significantly changed the spatial  pattern of agricultural production. The initial benefits were concentrated mainly in regions with  favorable physical and socio-economic conditions, particularly Punjab, Haryana, western Uttar  Pradesh, and parts of Rajasthan, where irrigation infrastructure, fertile soils, suitable climate, and  better access to agricultural inputs supported rapid adoption of modern technologies.  Subsequently, the influence of Green Revolution technologies expanded to other parts of the  country, although the extent and pace of adoption varied considerably across regions. This  geographical variation resulted in differences in agricultural productivity, cropping patterns, farm  income, and rural development. Therefore, understanding the geographical background of the Green Revolution is essential for assessing its contribution to agricultural productivity, regional development, and environmental sustainability in India.