Q22. Why did the Green Revolution in India virtually bypass the eastern region despite fertile soil and good availability of water?

Model Answer:

Introduction

The Green Revolution in India, initiated in the 1960s, aimed to enhance agricultural productivity through high-yield variety (HYV) seeds, fertilizers, and irrigation. Despite the eastern region's fertile soil and ample water resources, it largely remained untouched by these transformative agricultural practices.

Body

Reasons behind Green Revolution Bypassing Eastern Region 

1. Socio-Economic Factors: The eastern region, comprising states like West Bengal, Bihar, and Odisha, had a predominantly smallholder farming structure. Limited access to credit, lack of proper infrastructure, and inadequate market linkages inhibited farmers from adopting modern agricultural techniques. In contrast, northern states like Punjab and Haryana enjoyed better economic conditions and support systems.
2. Political Will and Policy Focus: The government's focus during the Green Revolution was primarily on the northern states, which were seen as food-deficit regions. This led to the prioritization of investment and research in these areas, while the eastern states were overlooked. Political support and advocacy for agricultural development were weaker in the East, resulting in insufficient policy initiatives.
3. Agricultural Practices and Crop Preferences: Farmers in the eastern region traditionally cultivated rice and pulses, which did not align with the Green Revolution's emphasis on wheat and maize. The absence of appropriate HYV seeds for local crops further compounded this issue, limiting the adoption of new techniques. Additionally, traditional farming practices and cultural attachments to indigenous crops discouraged the shift toward modern agriculture.
4. Land Tenure Issues: The fragmented landholding patterns prevalent in eastern India posed a significant barrier to large-scale agricultural adoption. Many small and marginal farmers lacked the resources to invest in new technologies or inputs, limiting their ability to benefit from the Green Revolution.
5. Environmental and Ecological Factors: The eastern region faced challenges such as frequent flooding and soil erosion, which impacted agricultural productivity. These environmental risks made farmers hesitant to adopt new methods that required stable climatic conditions and reliable water sources.
6. Extension Services and Education: The lack of effective agricultural extension services and education in the eastern states contributed to limited awareness and understanding of modern farming techniques. This knowledge gap hindered the diffusion of Green Revolution technologies among farmers.

Conclusion

The Green Revolution’s neglect of the eastern region of India resulted from a complex interplay of socio-economic barriers, inadequate political attention, and misalignment with local agricultural practices. Addressing these issues through targeted policies and investment is essential for achieving equitable agricultural growth across the nation. 

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