From 1950 to 1980, the so called “Green Revolution” swept the world. World food production doubled with the introduction of a new approach to agriculture. Ii involved teh large-scale cultivation use of types of grain (Wheat, corn, and rice), and the extensive use of chemicals an farm machinery.
These features were the cause of the early, enormous succes of this “revolution”. However, the “green revolution” methods no longer appear to be so succesful. Though the population continues to grow, food production has failed to keep up with it. There are a number of reasons for this. One reason lies in the expense of the new farming methods. The new kinds of grain produce much more than traditional grains, but only under certain conditions. In order to get maximum production, farmers must use large amounts of expensive chemical fertilizers. They also need to use expensive chemical insecticides since the new grains are more easily damaged by insects. Expensive wattering systems are also necessary for these grains, especially in drier areas. many farmers cannot afford to buy all the chemical and equipment.
Erosion is another reason for the lower grain production. The large-scale farming of single crop creates the perfect conditions for erosion, In dry areas, especially, the loss of top soil has lowered the productiviti of the land. In these areas, also, grain production has been limited by the lack of water. The new types of grain, in fact, require much more water than the grain people used to grow.
Yet another reason for lower production lies in the nature of the chemicals that farmers have used. Though, these fertilizers and pesticides raise production levels at first, they must be used in incriesing amounts after that. Many farmers cannot afford to buy more, and so production decreases. These chemical have other effects that are expensive in the long run.They flow into the ground water, causing pollution and health problems. As people learn about these problems, they put pressure on farmers further limit their use of chemicals.
Finally, the Green Revolution has brought about social and political conflict that has interfered with food production. The problem lies in the coast of new agricultural methods. Only the larger landowners can afford to make the necessary investments for maximum production of the grains. With their profits, the large landowners then buy land from the smaller farmers. This way, the large landowners become ever richer and the number of landless poor people increases. Social tensions naturally increase in this situation.
Clearly, it is time to question the methods of the Green Revolution. Governments and farmers need to look at the overall picture ang long-term effects. They need to find new methods that will better meet the need of the world’s hungry people and will also be less destructive.