The Green Revolution

When I was sitting in my facilities class, we were talking about the history of agriculture. My professor started telling us about the Green Revolution, and it sparked my interest. I had never heard of it, so I started doing a little research, and I thought I would share with my readers.

What is the Green Revolution?

The Green Revolution refers to the research, development and technology initiatives occurring between the 1940s and 1970s. This period increased the agriculture production around the entire world. 

How did it get its name?

The term was used first by former USAID director William Gaud when he commented,

"Thse and other developments in the field of agriculture contain the makings of a new revoloution, It is not a violent Red Revolution like that of the Soviets, nor the White Revolution lliek that of the Shah Iran. I call it the Green Revolution."

Some History

It all began in Mexico by Norman Borlaug, in the 1940s, and had been depicted as a huge success, and many other nations sought for it. 

In 1961 India was on the brink of a mass famine. They introduced Borlaug's ideas into the Punjab region because of their reliable water supply and known agricultural success.

In the 1960s it spread to the Phillippines, and later to Africa. However, most agricultural programs introduced into Africa have not been successful due to the geographical influences of the region.

CGIAR

Sometime in the 70s, there was a proposed worldwide netowrk of ag research centers. The World Bank created the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research.


Benefits of the Green Revolution

The Green revolution helped with the wide spread of agricultural technologies, like irrigation systems, pesticides and fertilizers.

It also helped with production increases in the developing nations with these technologies.


Criticism

Many people have criticized the Green Revolution for its effect on bio security and diets.

The spread of the technology helped with the spread of food treatments and food processing. Many people have said that the use of technologies, such as pesticides and treatments to keep food fresh, has lead to many diseases. As well, environmental groups have had their say in how the Green Revolution has impacted the environment, for the worse.

My Opinion

Global warming and cancer have a lot more precursors then pesticide use and other agricultural technologies, such as fuel emissions and other types of chemical use. I think the Green Revolution has given us a lot of things, and it has helped developing countries be able to feed their citizens. Anything that will help feed the people of the world for years to come is alright in my books.