The "green revolution" has occurred in the agriculture of several developing countries due to acute food shortages caused by intensive population growth. It covers the period from the 40s to the 70s of the last century and is associated with the widespread use of new technologies in agriculture.
Features of the "green revolution"
The need for a "green revolution" in developing countries was caused, first of all, by a small amount of land and a large number of people. Such an imbalance threatened mass death of people from hunger. At that time, it was necessary to take some kind of constructive solution to the acute problem of hunger.
The "green revolution" began in Mexico with the development of new varieties of grain crops that are more resistant to the local climate and their further large-scale cultivation. The Mexicans cultivated several high-yielding wheat varieties. Further, the "green revolution" swept the Philippines, South Asia, India, etc. In these countries, in addition to wheat, rice, corn and some other agricultural crops were grown. At the same time, the main ones were still rice and wheat.
Producers used improved irrigation systems, as only a stable and sufficient amount of water can ensure the normal growth of crops. In addition, the process of planting and harvesting was maximally mechanized, although in some places human labor was still used. Also, in order to improve quality and protect against pests, various pesticides and fertilizers began to be used in acceptable quantities.
Achievements and Consequences of the Green Revolution
The Green Revolution, of course, led to an increase in yields and an upturn in agriculture in these countries. It made it possible to increase the export of cultivated crops and, thus, to a certain extent, solve the problem of nutrition of the growing population of the planet.
However, such an intensive application of scientific advances in the agricultural sector required considerable financial investments and, ultimately, led to a sharp increase in the prices of crops grown. At the same time, small producers and poor farmers could not at all use the latest scientific developments in growing fruitful varieties of agricultural products due to the lack of financial resources. Many of them had to give up this type of activity and sell their business.
The Green Revolution has only partially achieved its primary goal of feeding the starving populations of developing countries, despite a noticeable increase in yields. The poor could not afford to buy such expensive products. Therefore, most of it was exported.
The Green Revolution has also had dire environmental consequences. These are desertification, violation of the water regime, concentration of heavy metals and salts in the soil, etc.
