Discuss the major challenges in implementing a Second Green Revolution in India. How can these be addressed through institutional reforms, technological interventions, and farmer-centric policies?

Answer: Model Answer approach

Divide the question into manageable chunks and then respond to each one separately.

Overview: Describe the second green revolution and its main ideas.

• The introduction of a high-yielding seed variety and the application of fertilizers and pesticides during the Green Revolution in the 1960s caused significant advances in Indian agriculture and led to the country being foodgrain self-sufficient. With its emphasis on sustainability, climate-resilient crops, soil health conservation, less use of fertilizers and pesticides, and—most importantly—making enough money for small and marginal farmers, the second green revolution is a concept that seeks to bring about yet another set of drastic changes in Indian agriculture.

Body: A second green revolution is required. implementation difficulties. Government actions

• Need for a Second Green Revolution: The Green Revolution of the 1960s was confined to a small geographic area, concentrated only on wheat and rice, and made farmers use excessive amounts of pesticides. For instance, the Punjab and Haryana regions benefited the most from the green revolution. Punjab has become the cancer capital of India as a result of excessive pesticide use. 
• Agriculture in India is a “monsoon gamble.” Over-reliance on rainfall has major consequences for farmer incomes and food security in light of climate change and natural disasters like El Nino. In India, rice-wheat monoculture has predominated, which degrades soil health and indicates a pressing need for diversification.

Conclusion: The second green revolution’s path forward

• The Mera Paani Meri Viraasat project of the Haryana government offers farmers Rs 7000 per acre if they grow cotton, maize, or pulses in place of paddy. We must now bring MS Swaminathan’s “Evergreen Revolution” vision to fruition, which calls for constant increases in agricultural output without endangering the environment. One step in that direction is the second green revolution.

Practice Question

Question: “Indian agriculture is still a gamble on the monsoon.” In the backdrop of climate change and erratic rainfall patterns, examine the role of climate-resilient crops and sustainable farming in ushering in a Second Green Revolution.

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