Question

(a) (i) Define the term "Green Revolution" as used during the period 1945 to 1985. (ii) Explain the principal agricultural practices/technologies associated with the green revolution. (iii) Name TWO regions, in different parts of the world, where the green revolution has had a significant impact on crop yields. (b) Identify and discuss TWO social, political, or cultural conditions necessary for the success of the agricultural practices/technologies of the green revolution. (c) Identify and discuss TWO significant economic or ecological factors that may limit the long-term success of the agricultural practices/technologies of the green revolution.

Answer 1

Answer:

(a) (i) Define the term "Green Revolution" as used during the period 1945 to 1985.

• The use of modern agricultural techniques became widespread around many regions in the world. This led to higher yields through the use of fertilizers, pesticides, genetically modified seeds and mechanical machinery.  

(ii) Explain the principal agricultural practices/technologies associated with the green revolution.

• extensive use of fertilizers, pesticides, genetically modified seeds and mechanical machinery.  

(iii) Name TWO regions, in different parts of the world, where the green revolution has had a significant impact on crop yields.

• In North America, Mexican food production increased and they stopped importing food. Although currently that has reversed, and it is importing even more food than before.
• In Brazil, agricultural production increased dramatically. Both total farmed area and yields have continued to increase in the past years becoming a threat to the amazon basin.

(b) Identify and discuss TWO social, political, or cultural conditions necessary for the success of the agricultural practices/technologies of the green revolution.

• Emigration from rural areas to urban areas which resulted in a rapid expansion of urban centers. Since less labor was needed in farms, many people left rural areas due to lack of jobs.
• People started accepting genetically modified crops, which were not well accepted at first. A lot of money was invested in research and development of new seeds, fertilizers and pesticides.

(c) Identify and discuss TWO significant economic or ecological factors that may limit the long-term success of the agricultural practices/technologies of the green revolution.

• Many new agricultural techniques have resulted in a decrease of soil fertility. In many places crops cannot grow unless a lot of fertilizer is used.
• Countries were the green revolution was originally successful, like Mexico (where it started), have reduced the total area dedicated to crops. As the yields increased, the price of food started to decrease and many small farms could not keep operating.