Evergreen Revolution – Phase I

The phrase “evergreen revolution” refers to long-term productivity growth that is not unhealthy to the environment or society. The Evergreen Revolution entails incorporating ecological principles into the development and dissemination of technology. India, as a developing country, has seen numerous agricultural revolutions. The Green Revolution was the most significant of them all, assisting Indian farmers in becoming self-sufficient. We have seen various shortcomings of the Green Revolution over the years, such as deterioration in soil quality and excessive fertiliser use. M.S. Swaminathan developed an updated model known as the Evergreen Revolution to address these issues. Continue reading to learn what the Evergreen Revolution is, its significance, its components, and its impact.

What Is the Evergreen Revolution?

The concept of the Evergreen Revolution is, in fact, a continuation of the 1960s Green Revolution that drove India to become self-sufficient in food grains and ended its precarious reliance on food aid and grain imports.

The Evergreen Revolution started in 1990. This revolution was initiated by a wide yielding variety of crops that necessitated the liberal use of water, fertilisers, and plant protection did not prove to be an unmixed benefit.

It also induced some cropping pattern distortions and unintentional ecological effects such as degradation of natural resources like soil and water and the emergence of new pests, infections, and weeds.

As a result, Shri M.S. Swaminathan warned against the indiscriminate use of inputs in achieving the goals of the green revolution while also proposing the concept of the Evergreen Revolution. 

Why Was the Evergreen Revolution Introduced?

The Green Revolution started in 1968, but there were several demerits. The failures of the Green Revolution prompted the need for an Evergreen Revolution, which started in 1990. 

The following are significant disadvantages of the Green Revolution that led to the Evergreen Revolution:

• The Green Revolution was unable to lower hunger and malnutrition in India. 

• The soil has become infertile as fertilisers were not used properly. 

• Nutritious pulses have decreased in consumption due to wheat and rice production.

• Due to agricultural mechanisation, farmers in Punjab and Haryana prefer sons over daughters. This social issue has affected the sex ratio in these regions. 

• Excess irrigation has raised salt levels in the water.

The Primary Components of the Green and Evergreen Revolution

The principal objectives of the Green Revolution included:

• Raising crop production

• Doubling farmer incomes

• Maintaining environmental sustainability by using high-yielding seeds

• Educating farmers concerning informative and communicative technologies (ICT)

Introducing innovative information and communication technologies (ICT) to Indian farmers boosted farm productivity. Farmers can access weather alerts and produce prices to ensure their crops are not affected. eKranti is another initiative that allows farmers to get loans and order inputs online.  

In contrast, the Evergreen Revolution’s primary components are: 

• Improved soil health and fertility

• The use of high-yielding seeds

• Lab-to-land demonstration

• The implementation of rainwater harvesting rather than contaminating existing groundwater

The Impact of the Evergreen Revolution 

The Evergreen Revolution has led to new irrigation methods that prevent the increase in salinity. Stronger crop varieties that can withstand drought have also been developed. Watershed management practices have improved to maximise water use. 

Additionally, healthier crops like Bt. Mustard can grow India’s economy by lowering edible oil imports. These crops also have high nutritional value, protecting citizens from malnutrition. 

Conclusion

This article covers what the Evergreen Revolution is, its components, significance, and impact. Dr M.S. Swaminathan, India’s Green Revolution Father, emphasised the importance of the Evergreen Revolution. 

Unlike the Green Revolution, the pathways of the Evergreen Revolution address both the food and livelihood famines concurrently. As a result, it integrates with long-term rural development by empowering rural communities with technology and knowledge.