Green Revolution MCQ Quiz - Objective Question with Answer for Green Revolution - Download Free PDF

The correct answer is Increase in food security.

Key Points

• The Green Revolution in India, initiated in the 1960s, led to a significant increase in agricultural productivity, especially in staple crops such as wheat and rice.
• It was instrumental in achieving self-sufficiency in food production and reducing dependency on imports.
• The use of high-yield variety (HYV) seeds, chemical fertilizers, and advanced irrigation techniques played a pivotal role in boosting food security.
• Food grain production in India more than doubled during the Green Revolution, ensuring adequate supply for the growing population.
• This revolution helped mitigate hunger and famine risks, transforming India from a food-deficient country to one of the world's leading agricultural producers.

Additional Information

• High-Yield Variety (HYV) Seeds: These seeds were genetically developed to produce greater yields compared to traditional seeds, forming the core of the Green Revolution.
• Intensive Irrigation: Enhanced irrigation infrastructure such as dams and tube wells ensured consistent water supply for crops, reducing dependency on monsoon rains.
• Chemical Fertilizers and Pesticides: The adoption of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides improved soil fertility and protected crops from pests, boosting productivity.
• Regional Focus: The Green Revolution primarily benefited states like Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, creating regional disparities in agricultural development.
• Criticism: While it improved food security, the Green Revolution led to environmental concerns such as soil degradation, water depletion, and excessive chemical usage.

The correct answer is Punjab.

Key Points

• Punjab emerged as the most positively impacted state during the Green Revolution due to the widespread adoption of high-yield variety (HYV) seeds, chemical fertilizers, and advanced irrigation techniques.
• It became the breadbasket of India, contributing significantly to the production of wheat and rice, ensuring food security for the nation.
• The Green Revolution led to a dramatic increase in agricultural productivity in Punjab, with wheat production rising from 1.9 million tonnes in 1960 to 15.5 million tonnes by the 1990s.
• The state benefited from large-scale investments in irrigation infrastructure, particularly through the Bhakra-Nangal project and an extensive network of tube wells.
• Punjab's agricultural prosperity resulted in improved rural incomes and contributed significantly to India's self-sufficiency in food grains during the post-revolution period.

Additional Information

• Green Revolution in India
  • Introduced in the mid-1960s, the Green Revolution aimed at increasing agricultural productivity through the use of modern farming techniques.
  • It was spearheaded by Dr. M.S. Swaminathan and supported by the government under Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri.
  • Key components included the use of HYV seeds, chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and improved irrigation facilities.
• High-Yield Variety (HYV) Seeds
  • These seeds were genetically developed to produce higher crop yields compared to traditional seeds.
  • Their use was a cornerstone of the Green Revolution in India, especially for crops like wheat and rice.
• Impact on Other States
  • While Punjab saw the maximum benefits, other states like Haryana and western Uttar Pradesh also witnessed significant agricultural growth due to the Green Revolution.
  • States like Bihar, Kerala, and Assam were less impacted due to inadequate irrigation facilities and less focus on HYV seed adoption.
• Environmental and Social Impacts
  • While the Green Revolution boosted food production, it led to issues like soil degradation, water depletion, and increased use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
  • It also widened regional disparities, benefiting agriculturally advanced states like Punjab and Haryana more than others.

The correct answer is Wheat.

Key Points

• The Green Revolution in India was primarily aimed at increasing agricultural productivity to combat food shortages in the country during the 1960s.
• Wheat was the main crop associated with the Green Revolution due to its high-yielding varieties introduced under the program.
• The use of high-yielding wheat varieties, chemical fertilizers, and advanced irrigation techniques greatly boosted wheat production in states like Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh.
• These efforts resulted in India achieving self-sufficiency in food grains and transforming from a food-deficit country to a food-surplus one.
• The Green Revolution significantly enhanced wheat yields, with production increasing from approximately 12 million tons in the early 1960s to over 23 million tons by the early 1970s.

Additional Information

• Green Revolution:
  • Agricultural transformation initiated in the mid-20th century to improve food security through the adoption of high-yielding crop varieties, chemical fertilizers, and irrigation.
  • It was pioneered by Dr. Norman Borlaug, known as the "Father of the Green Revolution," and later adapted to Indian agriculture under the guidance of M.S. Swaminathan.
• Impact on India:
  • India's Green Revolution began in the 1960s with the introduction of HYVs (High-Yielding Varieties) for wheat and rice.
  • It played a key role in overcoming chronic food shortages and achieving self-sufficiency in food grain production.
• High-Yielding Varieties (HYVs):
  • HYVs of wheat included varieties like Kalyan Sona and Sonalika, which were resistant to diseases and had shorter maturation cycles.
  • These varieties required intensive use of fertilizers, pesticides, and proper irrigation to achieve their potential yields.
• Geographical Impact:
  • The Green Revolution primarily benefited regions with developed irrigation infrastructure, such as Punjab, Haryana, and western Uttar Pradesh.
  • This created regional disparities in agricultural growth and rural development.
• Criticism:
  • Overuse of chemical fertilizers and pesticides led to environmental degradation, soil fertility decline, and water resource depletion.
  • It also caused socio-economic disparities, as small and marginal farmers often lacked access to the resources needed for high-yield farming.

The correct answer is Soil degradation due to excessive use of fertilisers.

Key Points

• The Green Revolution led to widespread use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides, resulting in soil degradation and reduced soil fertility over time.
• Excessive fertiliser application caused nutrient imbalance in the soil, depleting key micronutrients essential for sustainable crop growth.
• Continuous monocropping under the Green Revolution practices led to loss of biodiversity in agricultural systems.
• The overuse of chemical inputs polluted nearby water bodies through runoff, causing water contamination and affecting aquatic ecosystems.
• Long-term impacts include soil salinization and erosion, making land less productive for agricultural purposes.

Additional Information

• Green Revolution:
  • It refers to a period of agricultural transformation in the 1960s and 1970s, characterized by the introduction of high-yield crop varieties, increased use of chemical fertilisers, and modern irrigation techniques.
  • It significantly boosted food grain production, especially in countries like India, addressing food security concerns.
• Fertiliser Overuse:
  • Chemical fertilisers such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK) were heavily relied upon, often exceeding recommended quantities.
  • Over time, this led to the depletion of essential soil nutrients such as zinc, iron, and manganese.
• Soil Salinization:
  • It occurs when salts accumulate in the soil due to excessive irrigation or poor drainage practices.
  • Salinized soil becomes less fertile and unsuitable for crop growth, posing a major challenge to agriculture.
• Environmental Impacts:
  • Runoff from chemical fertilisers into rivers and lakes causes eutrophication, leading to algal blooms that harm aquatic life.
  • Excessive pesticide use under the Green Revolution also contributed to ecological imbalances, affecting beneficial insects and organisms.
• Biodiversity Loss:
  • The Green Revolution emphasized monocropping of high-yield varieties, reducing genetic diversity in crops.
  • A lack of biodiversity in agricultural systems makes crops more vulnerable to pests, diseases, and climate changes.

The correct answer is Wheat.

Key Points

• The Green Revolution in India primarily focused on increasing the production of food grains, especially wheat and rice, to combat food shortages.
• The initiative was introduced in the late 1960s under the leadership of M.S. Swaminathan, known as the "Father of the Green Revolution in India."
• High-yielding varieties (HYVs) of wheat seeds were imported from Mexico and extensively cultivated in states like Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh.
• Advanced agricultural techniques such as chemical fertilizers, pesticides, irrigation methods, and mechanized farming were adopted to boost wheat production.
• As a result, India became self-sufficient in wheat production and transitioned from a food-deficit country to a food-surplus nation during this period.

Additional Information

• Green Revolution:
  • The term "Green Revolution" refers to the period of agricultural transformation that increased crop yields through modern farming techniques.
  • It was introduced globally in the 1940s by agricultural scientist Norman Borlaug and later adapted in India in the 1960s.
  • The revolution was supported by initiatives like the use of high-yielding seeds, better irrigation facilities, and government subsidies for farmers.
  • While wheat was the main focus, rice production also witnessed significant growth in certain regions.
• High-Yielding Varieties (HYVs):
  • HYVs are genetically improved seeds designed to produce higher yields compared to traditional varieties.
  • These seeds require optimal use of fertilizers, pesticides, and water for maximum productivity.
  • In India, the introduction of HYVs was key to the success of the Green Revolution.
• Impact of the Green Revolution:
  • India achieved self-sufficiency in food production, especially in wheat and rice.
  • It led to the modernization of agriculture, contributing to economic growth and rural development.
  • However, the revolution also caused environmental concerns such as soil degradation, excessive use of chemicals, and water depletion.
• Geographical Focus:
  • The Green Revolution was highly successful in regions with better irrigation and infrastructure, such as Punjab, Haryana, and western Uttar Pradesh.
  • However, it had limited impact in rain-fed areas and regions with poor agricultural infrastructure.

The correct answer is 1960s. Key Points:

• The Green Revolution was started in the period 1960s.
• It commenced in India in the year 1960s under the premiership of Congress leader Lal Bahadur Shastri.
• It is also known as the Third Agricultural Revolution.
• Norman Borlaug is known as the Father of the Green Revolution in the World and he received Nobel Peace Prize in the year 1970.
• The birthplace and burial ground of the Green Revolution is Mexico because Norman Borlaug was a native of Mexico.
• In India, Dr. M.S Swaminathan is known as the Father of the Green Revolution.
• William S. Gaud was the first person to use the word Green Revolution and he was an administrator of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
• Green Revolution is related to the increase in the production of Foodgrains, especially rice and wheat.
• It leads to an increase in the production of food grains in the Indian states of Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Punjab.

Additional Information:

The following are the important revolutions in India:

Image of M. S. Swaminathan:

The correct answer is "Punjab, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh".

Key Points 

• HYVs are High Yielding Variety of seeds that produces a large number of crops.
• These kinds of seeds require a large amount of water, fertilizers, and other substances.
• Well-developed irrigation facilities and financial resources are required to grow these seeds.
• So, in the first phase of the green revolution, the use of HYV seeds was restricted to the more affluent states - Punjab, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh.

Additional Information

• The Green Revolution began in the 1960s.
• During this period, the agriculture of India was converted into a modern system through the adoption of technology.
• This was the third agricultural revolution.
• In this era, farmers started using high-yielding varieties of cereals, the use of pesticides increased and other ways of irrigation were used.

The correct answer is Both A and B.

Key Points

• Green Revolution in India : 
  • At independence, about 75 per cent of the country’s population was dependent on agriculture.
  • Productivity in the agricultural sector was very low because of the use of old technology and the absence of the required infrastructure for the vast majority of farmers.
  • India’s agriculture vitally depends on the monsoon and if the monsoon fell short the farmers were in trouble unless they had access to irrigation facilities which very few had.
  • The stagnation in agriculture during colonial rule was permanently broken by the green revolution.
  • This refers to the large increase in the production of food grains resulting from the use of high-yielding variety (HYV) seeds, especially for wheat and rice. 
  • The use of these seeds required the use of fertilizer and pesticide in the correct quantities as well as a regular supply of water; the application of these inputs in correct proportions is vital. 
  • The farmers who could benefit from HYV seeds required reliable irrigation facilities as well as financial resources to purchase fertilizer and pesticides.
  • As a result, in the first phase of the green revolution (the approximately mid-1960s up to mid-1970s), the use of HYV seeds was restricted to the more affluent states such as Punjab, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.
  • Further, the use of HYV seeds primarily benefited the wheat-growing regions only. In the second phase of the green revolution (the mid-1970s to mid-1980s), the HYV technology spread to a larger number of states and benefited more variety of crops.
  • The spread of green revolution technology-enabled India to achieve self-sufficiency in food grains; we no longer had to be at the mercy of America, or any other nation, for meeting our nation’s food requirements.

The correct answer is 2 million hectares.

Key Points

•  HYVP
  • In India initially HYVP was implemented in 2 million hectares
  • ​The High Yielding Variety Programme (HYVP), which had as its goal the achievement of food self-sufficiency by 1970–1971, was introduced in the Kharif of 1966–1967.
  • The program's main goal was to boost food grain productivity by using the most recent agricultural input kinds. introduction of new, higher yielding seed varieties, improved fertiliser treatment, and prolonged pesticide use.
  • The Reserve Bank of India provided financing to the Farmers via a loose system via the Central Cooperative Banks.

Additional Information

•  This initiative from the fourth five-year plan was a significant advancement and turning point in India's history of agricultural development.
• The programme was successful in the areas of the nation that produce wheat, and some success was also shown in the production of rice and other crops.

The correct answer is Expansion of Irrigation.

Key Points

•  Green Revolution
  • ​The Third Agricultural Revolution, commonly known as the Green Revolution, was a time of technological transfer activities that resulted in significantly higher crop yields and agricultural output.
  • Following World War II, these agricultural improvements started in industrialised nations and spread until the late 1980s.
  • Farmers started implementing new technologies in the late 1960s, including high-yielding cereal varieties, particularly dwarf wheat and rice, and the widespread use of chemical fertilisers.

Additional Information

•  Moreover, mechanisation and other more modern cultivating techniques were adopted in agriculture. These adjustments were frequently made as part of a set of procedures designed to replace older agricultural technology.
• These more expensive technologies were frequently offered alongside loans that were subject to the developing countries adopting new policies, like privatising fertiliser production and distribution, which was previously carried out through public channels.

The correct answer is Only A and C

Key Points

• Green Revolution:-
  • ​The Green Revolution was started in the period 1960s.
  • It commenced in India in the year 1966 under the premiership of Congress leader Lal Bahadur Shastri.
  • It is also known as the Third Agricultural Revolution.
  • In India, Dr. M.S Swaminathan is known as the Father of the Green Revolution.
  • Green Revolution is related to the increase in the production of Foodgrains, especially rice and wheat. (Hence A is correct) 
  • It leads to an increase in the production of food grains in the Indian states of Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Punjab.
  • The Green Revolution did not lead to a shift away from commercial farming. In fact, it helped to make commercial farming more efficient and profitable. (Hence B is incorrect)
  • It also resulted in a rise in acreage. (Hence C is also correct).

The correct answer is Wheat and rice .

Key Points

• The farmers sold a significant amount of the surplus rice and wheat produced during the green revolution era in the market.
• As a result, the cost of food grains decreased in comparison to other consumables.
• According to one prediction for 2021, between 1965 and 2010, the Green Revolution raised yields by 44%. Between 1961 and 1985, cereal production more than doubled in emerging countries.
• Throughout that time, yields of wheat, maize, and rice all continuously climbed.
• The introduction of new, high-yielding cultivars into developing countries starting in the middle of the 20th century led to a significant rise in the production of food grains (particularly wheat and rice) and is known as the "green revolution."
• Mexico and the Indian subcontinent were the locations of its initial stunning achievements.

Additional Information

• Beginning in the middle of the 20th century, the introduction of new, high-yielding variety seeds into emerging countries led to a significant increase in the production of food grains (particularly wheat and rice).
• Mexico and the Indian subcontinent were the locations of its initial stunning achievements.
• Facilities with Low Irrigation Only 17% of the land was covered by irrigation in 1951.
• The majority of agriculture relied on monsoon rains, and in cases of sparse rain or a delayed monsoon, crops would be damaged for lack of adequate irrigation systems.
• A low level of agricultural production resulted from this.
• In order to ensure that small farmers had access to the necessary inputs, the government offered low-interest loans to them and gave subsidies for fertiliser.
• As a result, the output of small farms eventually equaled that of large farms, promoting equity and social justice.

The correct answer is Agricultural sector.

Key Points

• The Green Revolution refers to a set of research, development, and technology transfer initiatives that occurred between the 1940s and the late 1960s, which increased agricultural production worldwide, particularly in developing countries.
• It involved the introduction of high-yielding variety (HYV) seeds, especially for crops like wheat and rice.
• The implementation of the Green Revolution included the use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and improved irrigation techniques.
• These advances significantly boosted food production and made countries like India self-sufficient in food grains.
• The Agricultural sector benefited greatly from the Green Revolution, leading to increased crop yields and food security.

Additional Information

• High-Yielding Variety (HYV) Seeds: These seeds are developed to improve the productivity of crops. They are a crucial component of the Green Revolution.
• Chemical Fertilizers: Synthetic substances added to the soil to enhance its fertility and increase crop yields.
• Pesticides: Chemicals used to control pests that can damage crops, ensuring higher crop quality and quantity.
• Irrigation Techniques: Methods used to supply water to crops, which are essential for areas with inconsistent rainfall.
• Food Security: The Green Revolution played a significant role in ensuring that countries could produce enough food to meet their population's needs, reducing dependence on food imports.

The correct answer is Abolition of intermediaries.

Key Points

• The Green Revolution primarily focused on increasing agricultural production through technological advancements.
• It involved the use of high-yielding variety (HYV) seeds, chemical fertilizers, and pesticides.
• Mechanized means of cultivation were introduced to enhance productivity and efficiency.
• Multiple cropping systems were promoted to maximize land use and crop yields.
• Abolition of intermediaries was not a component of the Green Revolution.

Additional Information

• High-Yielding Varieties (HYV) Seeds:
  • These seeds were developed to produce more grains per plant compared to traditional varieties.
  • HYV seeds played a crucial role in significantly increasing crop production.
• Chemical Fertilizers:
  • The use of chemical fertilizers was encouraged to replenish soil nutrients and improve crop yields.
  • Fertilizers such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium were commonly used.
• Pesticides:
  • Pesticides were used to protect crops from pests and diseases, ensuring higher agricultural productivity.
  • The use of pesticides helped in reducing crop losses and improving overall yields.
• Mechanization:
  • Mechanized farming equipment, such as tractors and harvesters, were introduced to reduce labor costs and increase efficiency.
  • Mechanization helped in timely farming operations and better management of agricultural practices.

The correct answer is 1960s. Key Points:

• The Green Revolution was started in the period 1960s.
• It commenced in India in the year 1960s under the premiership of Congress leader Lal Bahadur Shastri.
• It is also known as the Third Agricultural Revolution.
• Norman Borlaug is known as the Father of the Green Revolution in the World and he received Nobel Peace Prize in the year 1970.
• The birthplace and burial ground of the Green Revolution is Mexico because Norman Borlaug was a native of Mexico.
• In India, Dr. M.S Swaminathan is known as the Father of the Green Revolution.
• William S. Gaud was the first person to use the word Green Revolution and he was an administrator of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
• Green Revolution is related to the increase in the production of Foodgrains, especially rice and wheat.
• It leads to an increase in the production of food grains in the Indian states of Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Punjab.

Additional Information:

The following are the important revolutions in India:

Image of M. S. Swaminathan: