1. 3rd Agricultural Revolution
Green Revolution
20th Century

2. Norman Bourlag: Father of Green Revolution

3. Beginning
There are varying dates of the actually beginning of the revolution, but many estimate it around WWII (1940s)
Norman Borlaug was in Mexico in 1943 trying to help produce more in the rural areas.
Norman was granted funding by the Rockefeller Foundation to help spread the technology to developing nations
First called Green Revolution in 1968

4. Punjab region in India

5. Success Story In the early 1960s, Norman was invited to India
The Punjab region of India was to be the test site for the new technology
IR8-a semi-dwarf rice produced more grains when grown with certain fertilizers and irrigation
Known as “miracle rice”
From 1960s-1990s yields have tripled, also prices have dropped from $550 per ton to $200 per ton
India now one of world’s most successful rice producers and a major exporter

6. Africa: Slow Progress even with science

7. Failed attempts
Africa has had several attempts using the HYV or High-Yield Varieties, but none have been a success
Reasons: corruption, lack of infrastructure, lack of water and irrigation, lack of skilled farmers
NERICA-New Rice for Africa, could double yields but no real success story yet

8. Miracle Rice or IR8

9. Cross Breeding Plants: Selective Breeding: Genetic Engineering

10. Technologies Pesticides, Irrigation Projects, synthetic nitrogen
Cross breeding corn, wheat, rice to create HYV
Molecular genetics have changed shape and size to support the different grains

11. India Production since 1965: Wheat

12. Production Doubled in developing nations from 1961-1985
This can ease foreign aid to developing nations
25% increase in caloric intake in developing nations

13. Negatives Farms now more addicted to petroleum Monocultures developed
Ecological demands-pesticides, soil, water
Diet change, lack of flavor
Single farmer vs. Commercial/Agribusiness
What affects will be felt worldwide in agricultural areas when petroleum runs out?

14. India 2000 drought

15. Water Usage Water usage has increased worldwide since Green Revolution
Extreme water intensive plants using high tech fertilizers causing drain on tributaries and major water sources
Example: SW USA uses 36% of our water but only receives 6% rainfall
Also water quality decreasing-salinization, oxygen depletion due to algae growth

16. Project Water Shortages

17. Scenario Pick one side and write on it
Defend your position: (Pro or Con-You Pick)
The 3rd Agricultural Revolution was a necessary and successful event for humans.
Possible video to stimulate discussion