5.5 The Green Revolution

Which of the following statements best summarizes the views of M.S. Swaminatha regarding agriculture?

• Agriculture should focus on producing food for urban areas.

• Agriculture should be viewed as a major source of employment and outsourcing opportunities.

• The Green Revolution has had a negative impact on food security.

• Agriculture should only be practiced in rural areas.

Answer explanation

M.S. Swaminatha believed that agriculture should not only be viewed as a food-producing machine for urban populations, but also as a major source of skilled and remunerative employment, and a hub for global outsourcing. This suggests that Swaminatha was in favor of recognizing the potential of agriculture beyond just producing food and utilizing it as a means of generating employment and economic opportunities.

What is the Green Revolution?

• The expansion of mechanization in farming.

• The development of new global agricultural systems.

• The use of scientific and information technologies to further agricultural production.

• The vastly improved varieties of grain facilitated by crossbreeding seedlings in laboratories.

Answer explanation

As mentioned in the passage, the Green Revolution is considered the most important aspect of the Third Agricultural Revolution, and it refers to the vastly improved varieties of grain facilitated by crossbreeding seedlings in laboratories.

Who is known as the "Father of the Green Revolution"?

• Dr. Norman Borlaug

• Dr. Robert Bakewell

• Dr. John Harvey Kellogg

• Dr. James Watson

Answer explanation

Dr. Norman Borlaug is considered the "Father of the Green Revolution" for his contributions to developing higher-yield, more disease-resistant, and faster-growing varieties of grain.

What was one of the methods used in the Green Revolution to increase agricultural production?

• Encouraging farmers to grow only one crop in a year

• Reducing the use of fertilizer and pesticides

• Encouraging farmers to double crop

• Discouraging the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides

Answer explanation

scientists encouraged farmers to double crop, or grow more than one crop in a year in the same field, as a method to increase agricultural production. This method allowed for more efficient use of land and resources, resulting in increased food production.

What is seed hybridization?

• The process of breeding two plants that have desirable characteristics to produce a single seed with both characteristics.

• The process of breeding two plants that have undesirable characteristics to produce a single seed with desirable characteristics.

• The process of breeding two animals that have desirable characteristics to produce a single offspring with both characteristics.

• The process of breeding two animals that have undesirable characteristics to produce a single offspring with desirable characteristics.

What is the main difference between hybridization and the production of genetically modified organisms (GMOs)?

• Hybridization is a process that changes the DNA of a seed, while GMOs are produced by breeding two plants with desirable characteristics.

• Hybridization is a process of breeding two plants with desirable characteristics, while GMOs are produced by changing the DNA of a seed using engineering techniques.

• Hybridization is a process that uses machinery to produce new crops, while GMOs are produced by using chemicals to increase yields.

• Hybridization and GMOs are the same thing.

Answer explanation

hybridization is a process by which humans breed two plants with desirable characteristics to create a single seed with both characteristics. This is different from the production of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), which involves the use of engineering techniques to change the DNA of a seed. GMOs have been developed to increase yields, resist diseases, and withstand the chemicals used to kill weeds and pests.

What is one positive impact of the Green Revolution?

• Increased global food production

• Decreased global population growth

• Reduced hunger in developed countries

• Lowered death rates in developed countries

Answer explanation

one of the positive impacts of the Green Revolution was the significant increase in global food production. This was achieved through the introduction of new seed technology, mechanization, pesticides, chemical (human-made) fertilizers, and irrigation, which led to increased yields without cultivating more land. As a result, many developing countries that were previously struggling with hunger, such as India, were able to produce more food and prevent millions from starvation. The passage also mentions that the Green Revolution was successful in other regions such as Latin America, East Asia, and Southeast Asia.

What was the worldwide result of the Green Revolution?

• Decreased crop output on the same amount of land

• Higher yields on the same amount of land

• Increased crop output on larger amounts of land

• No change in crop output on the same amount of land

Who provided funding for research on seed hybridization, fertilizer, and pesticides during the Green Revolution?

• Farmers in poor regions

• Developed countries, led by the United States

• Private corporations in poor regions

• Governments in poor regions

Which of the following is true about food prices in the mid- to late 20th century?

• They remained stable despite increased production.

• They increased due to a decrease in the supply of certain crops.

• They fell due to higher yields and increased production.

• They had no impact on economic stress in the developing world.