Introduction
Our country has been endowed with rich biodiversity, varied types of soil,
copious rainfall and abundant sunshine. This immense natural wealth facilitates
cultivation of diverse agricultural crops across the length and breadth of the country.
During the long period of cultivation of agricultural crops which dates back to the earliest
days of civilization, a system of conventional farming based on innate wisdom and
experience was practiced until about the period of independence. Since the size of
population was less at that time, farming was not aimed at maximizing agricultural
production. A system of natural farming which provided for replenishment of soil
nutrients and natural regeneration was followed. The package of agricultural practices
did not pose any threat to the stability of the ecosystem and the production was also by
and large sufficient to meet the requirements of the population.
The infamous Bengal Famine of 1943 severely jolted the food security of our
country. An estimated four million people perished because of starvation during the
Bengal Famine. The population of the country particularly after independence was also
increasing at rapid rate. The paucity of food grain stocks to feed the growing population
was amply clear. Deaths due to hunger and starvation were reported from across the
country at alarming regularity. The Government was constrained to seek food aid from
other countries particularly from USA under PL 480 scheme to stave off hunger and
starvation. In this context increasing the food grain production assumed paramount
importance and efforts which were stepped up in this direction culminated in the Green
Revolution.