What is Green Revolution? What is its impact on the agricultural economy of Andhra Pradesh?

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Ghissu Editorial · Accepted Answer

The Green Revolution of the 1960s and 1970s raised foodgrain output through high-yielding seeds, chemical fertilisers and irrigation, and in Andhra Pradesh it sharply increased rice yields in irrigated coastal districts like West Godavari. Its gains bypassed drought-prone Rayalaseema and small farmers, while heavy chemical use degraded soil and groundwater.

**Introduction**

The Green Revolution⟦2⟧⟦1⟧ transformed Indian agriculture⟦3⟧ in the 1960s-70s by introducing HYV seeds, chemical fertilizers, and irrigation, ensuring food self-sufficiency. In ==Andhra Pradesh⟦4⟧==, it significantly impacted rice production and rural livelihoods, shaping the state’s agrarian economy.

**Institutional Foundations and Capacity**

1. **Irrigated Coastal Focus**: The revolution was concentrated in well-irrigated districts like West Godavari, enabling HYV rice cultivation and reflecting national trends.

2. **Research and Extension**: Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University and government schemes such as the Intensive Agriculture Development Programme (IADP) supported technology dissemination and farmer training.

**Implementation Challenges and Outcomes**

3. **Agricultural Growth and Disparities**: Rice yields surged, laying the base of a farm sector that still grows fast (10.7% agricultural GVA growth in ==Andhra Pradesh== in 2024-25), but small and marginal farmers, especially in Rayalaseema, faced limited access to inputs and credit.

4. **Environmental and Market Issues**: Intensive chemical use caused soil degradation and groundwater depletion; inadequate post-harvest infrastructure constrained farmer incomes, leading to initiatives like AP Community Managed Natural Farming (APCNF).

**Way Forward**

5. **Sustainable Practices and Credit Access**: Scaling APCNF and improving rural credit through schemes like Kisan Credit Cards can promote equity and environmental health.

6. **Infrastructure and Climate Resilience**: Investing in storage and drought-resistant technologies is crucial for vulnerable regions.

**Conclusion**

The Green Revolution catalysed productivity and food security in ==Andhra Pradesh== but revealed inequalities and environmental stress. Aligning with Swarna Andhra Vision 2047, sustainable and inclusive agriculture is key to doubling farmer incomes and ensuring long-term prosperity.

What is Green Revolution? What is its impact on the agricultural economy of Andhra Pradesh?

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