Green Revolution and GMOs
By: Shelby McLellan
The Green Revolution
The causes of the Bengal Famine in 1943 was acute shortfall in food production in the area, but it was mostly because of World War ll that made British food supply low of importance. Indian traders were hiding food to sell it for profit. The result of the Bengal Famine is that the Green Revolution came in and made sure that traders couldn't hide food and sell it for profit.
Three basic elements of Green Revolution in India is Continued expansion of farming areas, Double-cropping existing farmland, and Using seeds with improved genetics. Continued expansion of farming is the area of land under cultivation was being increased right from 1947. Double-cropping existing farmland is two crop seasons a year. Using seeds with improved genetics in high yield value (HYV) seeds.
The two positive results of the Green Revolution in India is that it was the most successful and that the trade can't hide food for higher prices.
Three positive economic results of Green Revolution in India is that India payed back the money that they used from the World Bank which was a great act in the eyes of agencies. Also, another result of the Green Revolution is that Canada asked Indian government to supply the neither farmers experienced in the methods of the Green Revolution. India's foreign exchange earnings went up from people that were working in Canada sending money over to family members in India.
Two limitations of the Green Revolution in India is that they failed to spread the HYV seeds around their crops and regions. Punjab, Haryana, and River Ganges in West Bengal state show good results of the Green Revolution. The rest of India isn't doin well with the spread of HYV seeds and if they do spread it doesnt last. The Green Revolution can not be counted as 100 percent success plan.
Pros of GMOs
- The amount of poor people decreased
- India payed back their loans from the World Bank
- Not only agricultral jobs but also industrial jobs
- Water was used and stored to create hydroelectric power
- The amount of wheat production increased which made them successful in cereal production
Cons of GMOs
- Degradation of land
- Weeds increase
- Pest infestation has increased
- loss of biodiversity
- Creates antibiotic resistance bacteria