Ari, Mike, Zach & Katelyn The Green Revolution

What is it ? (Bourlag in africa) In the 20th century most industrialized nations were able to achieve food surpluses. Developing countries were much slower to reach the same levels. Around the same time period hunger and malnutrition haunted a lot of developing countries. The term Green Revolution originally described the phenomenal growth in rice and wheat crops. Since then HYVs have been developed for other food crops in developing countries.

Impacts (Norman Bourlag in India ) (Benefits) Agricultural Adoptions of HYVs occurred quickly. Yields of wheat and rice virtually doubled. The price of rice and wheat became cheaper. The Green Revolution technologies were not available to all developing countries. Social Green Revolution led to sizeable increases in land. This stimulated the rural non-farm economy which allowed total income to grow significantly and eventually became an employment of it’s own. The Green Revolution also increased nutrition standards

Problems Critics of the Revolution blamed it for: environmental degradation income inequality inequitable asset distribution worsening absolute poverty unnecessary mechanization. Struggle for small farmers. Some countries were left out . These problems were addressed and conditions were made to prevent them from happening . These conditions are not always easy to meet.

Is it a blessing or a curse ? Position Is it a blessing or a curse ? We consider the Green Revolution a blessing. Although the Green Revolution caused a lot issues, it saved developing nations from the ultimate threat: starvation and poverty. The green revolution had also lifted large numbers of poor people out of poverty. Technologies will always need to be more environmentally sustainable. The Green Revolution was a significant and positive step forward towards achieving a sense of security for developing countries.

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