What are the pros and cons of the Green Revolution as a means of increasing South Asia's food supplies? What are the advantages and disadvantages of irrigated agriculture in India and Pakistan? What is the outlook for the next decade?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

On the plus side, the Green Revolution increased agricultural outputs, thus transforming some food-dependent countries into self-sufficient food producers; indeed, some countries were able to generate additional revenues through the export of food stuffs, including rice. On the down side, the benefits have been unevenly distributed, with many farmers unable to participate because they lacked sufficient funds necessary to purchase the high-yielding varieties and also the necessary fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides. Another negative aspect has been the environmental degradation resultant from so many chemical applications. The outlook is mixed for the next decade, given that populations continue to increase rapidly in the region, thus requiring more food. Irrigation schemes have the potential to transform some agriculturally poor areas into more fertile areas; however, increased irrigation may lead to an increased salinization of the soils, thus generating additional problems.