Agricultural Revolutions — Set 6

Correct Answer: B. Growth in horticulture making India a major fruit and vegetable exporter

The Golden Revolution transformed India into a major producer and exporter of fruits and vegetables, significantly contributing to agricultural exports. India became the world's second-largest fruit and vegetable producer. Mango, banana, citrus fruits, grapes, and vegetables saw dramatic production increases. This diversification from staple grains improved farmer income, provided nutritional benefits, and earned valuable foreign exchange through exports.

Correct Answer: B. Rabi (winter)

India's Green Revolution was initially concentrated in the Rabi (winter) season for wheat production in Punjab, Haryana, and UP. The short-duration, photo-insensitive HYV wheat varieties were well-suited to winter conditions with irrigation. Rice Green Revolution came in Kharif season, but wheat transformation was more rapid and dramatic. Later, HYV rice spread in both Kharif and subsequent irrigated Rabi seasons in eastern India.

Correct Answer: B. Perpetually productive agriculture that doesn't exhaust natural resources

The metaphor of 'evergreen' in Swaminathan's vision signifies agriculture that remains perpetually productive and vibrant — like an evergreen tree that doesn't shed all its leaves seasonally. It contrasts with the 'one-season burst' of the first Green Revolution that was followed by stagnation and degradation. Evergreen Revolution implies sustained, increasing productivity through continuous ecological nurturing of the agricultural production base.

Correct Answer: B. Political and policy support for importing and adopting HYV wheat varieties

C. Subramaniam, as India's Agriculture Minister in 1964-67, made the crucial political decisions to import large quantities of Mexican dwarf wheat seeds and support M.S. Swaminathan's program for agricultural transformation. He overcame political resistance to embracing foreign technology and provided the policy environment for Green Revolution adoption. He is often called a co-architect of India's Green Revolution alongside Swaminathan and Borlaug.

Correct Answer: C. CIMMYT Mexico

Norman Borlaug worked at CIMMYT (International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center) in Mexico, where he developed the high-yielding, disease-resistant semi-dwarf wheat varieties that sparked the Green Revolution. Funded initially by Rockefeller Foundation, CIMMYT remains headquartered in Mexico City and is part of the CGIAR network. Borlaug's Mexican wheat varieties were exported to India, Pakistan, and other countries to transform their agricultural production.

Correct Answer: B. High import dependency on edible oils causing foreign exchange drain

India's Yellow Revolution was triggered by its heavy dependence on imported edible oils, which was causing a massive drain on foreign exchange reserves. India was one of the world's largest importers of edible oils, particularly palm oil and soybean oil. The Technology Mission on Oilseeds (1986) was launched to improve domestic oilseed production of mustard, groundnut, sunflower, and soybean to reduce this import burden.

Correct Answer: B. An irrigation scheme to ensure every field gets water, supporting continued Green Revolution gains

Har Khet Ko Pani (Water to Every Field) is the irrigation expansion component of PMKSY (Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana), aiming to expand irrigated area to areas still dependent on rain-fed agriculture. Ensuring irrigation to unirrigated areas is essential for extending Green Revolution benefits beyond the already-irrigated regions, increasing agricultural productivity and farmer income in rain-dependent states.

Correct Answer: B. Green Revolution

The Green Revolution accelerated the shift from subsistence farming (growing food mainly for household consumption) to commercial farming (growing surplus for market sale) in India. With HYV seeds producing large surpluses, farmers could sell grain to markets. This commercialization of agriculture integrated farmers into market economies, increased rural incomes, and created demand for agricultural inputs, transforming rural economic structure.

Correct Answer: B. Using biological, cultural, and chemical methods together for sustainable pest control

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) uses biological controls, cultural practices, resistant varieties, and targeted chemical pesticides together to manage pests sustainably. IPM is a key component of the Evergreen Revolution's sustainable agriculture approach, reducing ecological damage from excessive pesticide use while maintaining crop protection. M.S. Swaminathan advocated IPM as part of his vision for ecologically sustainable intensification of agriculture.

Correct Answer: B. United States

India surpassed the United States to become the world's largest milk producer, a position it has maintained since the mid-1990s thanks to the White Revolution. India produces over 22% of global milk production, though per capita consumption remains relatively modest due to India's large population. The cooperative dairy system enables millions of small farmers to contribute to this national achievement through organized collection and marketing.