How did the Green Revolution affect India's economy?

The Green Revolution significantly boosted India's agricultural productivity, leading to food self-sufficiency and economic growth.

The Green Revolution, which took place between the 1960s and 1980s, was a period of significant agricultural transformation in India. It was characterised by the introduction of high-yielding varieties (HYVs) of seeds, particularly for wheat and rice, along with the increased use of fertilisers, pesticides, and irrigation. This led to a substantial increase in agricultural productivity, which in turn had profound effects on India's economy.

Before the Green Revolution, India was heavily dependent on food imports to feed its growing population. The country was frequently on the brink of famine, with the economy struggling under the weight of food insecurity. However, the introduction of HYVs and modern farming techniques dramatically increased crop yields. This not only made India self-sufficient in food grains but also allowed it to build up surplus stocks. The country was able to reduce its dependence on food imports, which had a positive impact on its balance of payments.

The Green Revolution also led to significant economic growth. The increased agricultural productivity meant that more food was available for both domestic consumption and export. This stimulated the growth of the agricultural sector, which in turn led to increased demand for goods and services in other sectors of the economy. The multiplier effect of this growth helped to stimulate overall economic development.

Moreover, the Green Revolution created employment opportunities in rural areas. The introduction of modern farming techniques required more labour, leading to job creation. This helped to alleviate rural poverty and contributed to economic equality. However, it's worth noting that the benefits of the Green Revolution were not evenly distributed. Large farmers were able to benefit more from the new technologies than small farmers, leading to increased income disparity in some regions.

In conclusion, the Green Revolution had a profound impact on India's economy. It transformed the country from a food-deficit nation to a food-surplus one, stimulated economic growth, and created employment opportunities in rural areas. However, it also led to increased income disparity among farmers.