Points to Remember:
- Uneven distribution of resources and infrastructure.
- Land ownership patterns and tenancy systems.
- Lack of irrigation infrastructure and access to credit.
- Inadequate extension services and technological support.
- Policy failures and regional disparities in government investment.
Introduction:
The Green Revolution, a period of intensified agricultural production from the mid-1960s to the late 1970s, dramatically increased food grain production in India. However, its benefits were unevenly distributed geographically. While states like Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh witnessed significant increases in yields, the eastern region, despite possessing fertile soil and abundant water resources, largely remained untouched by the revolution’s transformative impact. This disparity highlights the complex interplay of factors beyond mere availability of resources that determine agricultural productivity. The question demands an analytical approach to understand the reasons behind this regional imbalance.
Body:
1. Infrastructure Deficiencies:
The Green Revolution relied heavily on irrigation, high-yielding variety (HYV) seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides. The eastern region lacked adequate irrigation infrastructure compared to the north-western states. While rainfall is relatively high, its distribution is erratic, making irrigation crucial for stable yields. The existing irrigation systems were often inefficient and poorly maintained. Furthermore, the region lacked sufficient storage facilities for harvested crops, leading to post-harvest losses.
2. Land Ownership and Tenancy:
Land ownership patterns played a crucial role. The eastern region is characterized by fragmented landholdings and a high prevalence of tenancy farming. Small and marginal farmers lacked the resources and access to credit to invest in the inputs required for the Green Revolution technologies. Landlords, who often controlled larger tracts of land, were more likely to adopt new technologies, leaving tenant farmers behind. This exacerbated existing inequalities.
3. Access to Credit and Markets:
Access to institutional credit was limited in the eastern region. Farmers lacked the collateral to secure loans from banks, hindering their ability to purchase HYV seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides. Furthermore, inadequate rural infrastructure and poor market linkages hampered the efficient transportation and marketing of agricultural produce.
4. Extension Services and Technological Support:
The Green Revolution’s success depended on effective extension services that provided farmers with technical advice and training on the use of new technologies. The eastern region suffered from a significant shortage of trained agricultural extension workers, leading to inadequate dissemination of information and technological support to farmers. This lack of guidance hindered the adoption of new farming practices.
5. Policy Failures and Regional Disparities:
Government policies also contributed to the uneven distribution of benefits. Investment in irrigation, research, and extension services was disproportionately concentrated in the north-western states. The focus on wheat and rice production in the Green Revolution further marginalized the eastern region, which traditionally cultivated diverse crops. This lack of attention to regional specificities hampered the adoption of appropriate technologies.
Conclusion:
The Green Revolution’s bypass of the eastern region was a consequence of a complex interplay of factors including inadequate infrastructure, unequal land ownership patterns, limited access to credit and markets, insufficient extension services, and biased government policies. Addressing these systemic issues requires a multi-pronged approach. This includes investing in irrigation infrastructure, promoting land reforms to ensure equitable land distribution, expanding access to credit and markets through rural development programs, strengthening extension services, and adopting region-specific agricultural strategies. A focus on sustainable and inclusive agricultural development, respecting the diverse agro-ecological conditions of the eastern region, is crucial to ensure that future agricultural advancements benefit all parts of India, promoting holistic development and economic equity.