Question

During the first phase of the Green Revolution in India (spanning the mid-1960s to mid-1970s), the introduction of High Yielding Variety (HYV) seeds was largely concentrated in which specific regions?

• A. \( \text{Punjab, Haryana, and western Uttar Pradesh} \)
• B. \( \text{The arid regions of Rajasthan and Gujarat} \)
• C. \( \text{The eastern states of Bihar, Odisha, and West Bengal} \)
• D. \( \text{The rain-dependent semi-arid areas of the Deccan Plateau} \)

Hint:

The Green Revolution was split into two separate phases: Phase 1 (mid-60s to mid-70s) was highly concentrated in affluent wheat-growing northern states, while Phase 2 (mid-70s to mid-80s) expanded to a broader range of states and crop varieties like rice.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The Green Revolution was a strategy aimed at achieving self-sufficiency in food grains through the use of high-yielding variety (HYV) seeds, fertilizers, and irrigation.
Because the HYV seeds (especially for wheat) required a strict environment (consistent water and heavy chemicals), the program was initially implemented where infrastructure was best.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Phase 1 (1966–1975):
In the first decade of the Green Revolution, the focus was almost entirely on Wheat.
The government targeted regions that already had reliable irrigation systems (canals and tubewells) and where farmers were relatively more affluent and capable of adopting new technology.
These regions were Punjab, Haryana, and Western Uttar Pradesh.
In these states, the results were dramatic, leading to the "Wheat Revolution."
Why not other regions?
- Arid regions (Rajasthan) lacked the water required for HYV seeds.
- Eastern states (Bihar, Bengal) had fragmented land and poor irrigation at the time.
- The Deccan Plateau relied too much on monsoon rains, which was too risky for the high-cost HYV package.
Phase 2 (mid-70s to mid-80s):
In the second phase, the technology expanded to other crops like Rice and other regions, including Southern and parts of Eastern India.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The first phase was geographically concentrated in Punjab, Haryana, and western Uttar Pradesh.
Thus, Option (A) is correct.