Indian Economy
Green Revolution in India
Modernization of agriculture
Overview
The Green Revolution in India was a period that began in the 1960s during which agriculture in India was converted into a modern industrial system by the adoption of technology, such as the use of high-yielding varieties of crops, and fertilisers. Mainly led by agricultural scientist M. S. Swaminathan in India, this period was part of the larger Green Revolution endeavour initiated by Norman Borlaug, which leveraged agricultural research and technology to increase agricultural productivity in the developing world. Varieties or strains of crops can be selected by breeding for various useful characteristics such as disease resistance, response to fertilisers, product quality and high yields.
Source: Wikipedia — Green Revolution in India (CC BY-SA)
Key concepts
How Green Revolution in India connects to the ideas, people and events around it.
The history of agriculture in India dates back to the Neolithic period. India ranks second worldwide in farm output. As per the Indian Economic Survey 2025-26, agriculture and allied activities accounted for 46.1% of the Indian workforce and contributed 15.
High-yielding varieties of agricultural crops are varieties of crops that are usually characterized by a combination of the following traits in contrast to the conventional ones:Higher crop yield per unit area Higher quality of crops Improved response to fertilizers Early maturation Resistance to droughts and floods High reliance on irrigation and fertilizers Dwarfness Resistance to many disease
A fertilizer or fertiliser is any material of natural or synthetic origin that is applied to soil or to plant tissues to supply plant nutrients. Fertilizers may be distinct from liming materials or other non-nutrient soil amendments.
Mankombu Sambasivan Swaminathan was an Indian geneticist and plant breeder, administrator and humanitarian. Swaminathan was a global leader of the green revolution.
The Green Revolution, or the Third Agricultural Revolution, was a period during which technology transfer initiatives resulted in a significant increase in crop yields.
Norman Ernest Borlaug was an American agronomist who led initiatives worldwide that contributed to the extensive increases in agricultural production termed the Green Revolution.
Agricultural science is a broad multidisciplinary field of biology that encompasses the parts of exact, natural, economic and social sciences that are used in the practice and understanding of agriculture.
A crop is a plant or plant product harvested for human use. Crops are cultivated at scale to produce food, fiber, fuel, and other products.
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Questions about Green Revolution in India
What is Green Revolution in India?
The Green Revolution in India was a period that began in the 1960s during which agriculture in India was converted into a modern industrial system by the adoption of technology, such as the use of high-yielding varieties of crops, and fertilisers. Mainly led by agricultural scientist M. S.
What are the key concepts related to Green Revolution in India?
The main concepts connected to Green Revolution in India include Agriculture in India, High-yielding variety, Fertilizer, M. S. Swaminathan, Green Revolution, Norman Borlaug, Agricultural science, Crop. Each is linked on the map above with its own summary.
Which exams cover Green Revolution in India?
Green Revolution in India is part of Indian Economy, which appears in the syllabus of UPSC CSE, UPSC CAPF, NDA, CDS, AFCAT, SSC CGL and 58 more exams.