Understanding the Green Revolution – Long Answer Questions
Medium Level (Application & Explanation)
Q1. Explain how the Green Revolution helped India achieve self-sufficiency in foodgrains. Use the given data to support your answer.
Answer:
- The Green Revolution increased farm productivity and output.
- Foodgrain production rose from 80 million tonnes (1960-61) to 315 million tonnes (2021-22).
- Production more than tripled over this period.
- India became self-sufficient and avoided famine since the early 1970s.
- In 2020-21, output was 310 million tonnes. In 2021-22, it grew to 315 million tonnes.
- These gains show better farming practices and strong policy support.
- It also shows steady growth despite some yearly dips.
Q2. Describe the role of the Food Corporation of India (FCI) in the food security system.
Answer:
- The FCI buys wheat and rice at the Minimum Support Price (MSP).
- It builds the government’s Buffer Stock for emergencies and lean seasons.
- It moves grain from surplus to deficit regions.
- It supports the Public Distribution System (PDS) to sell food at lower prices.
- This protects both farmers (assured sales) and consumers (affordable food).
- It helps keep prices stable during bad weather or shocks.
- Thus, FCI is central to food security in India.
Q3. Using the table, explain the trend of foodgrain production from 1960-61 to 2021-22. Identify periods of rise and slight decline.
Answer:
- Production rose from 80 MT (1960-61) to 108 MT (1970-71), then to 130 MT (1980-81).
- It reached 176 MT (1990-91) and 196 MT (2000-01).
- There were steady gains to 245 MT (2010-11) and 259 MT (2011-12).
- Small dips are seen in 2012-13 (257 MT) and 2014-15, 2015-16 (252 MT each).
- A strong rise follows: 276 MT (2016-17), 297 MT (2019-20).
- Recent peaks: 310 MT (2020-21) and 315 MT (2021-22).
- Overall, the long-term trend is upward, with temporary setbacks.
Q4. How does MSP encourage farmers and support national food security?
Answer:
- MSP gives farmers a guaranteed price for wheat and rice.
- It reduces the risk of low market prices.
- Farmers feel safe to produce more and invest in better inputs.
- The government procures this grain to build Buffer Stock.
- The stock helps run the PDS and handle shortages.
- Thus MSP supports both producer incentives and consumer protection.
- It strengthens overall food security.
Q5. What does the regional production data tell us about wheat and rice in India?
Answer:
- Uttar Pradesh produces about 58 MT of wheat and 16 MT of rice.
- Madhya Pradesh produces about 33 MT of wheat.
- West Bengal produces about 17 MT of rice.
- This shows regional strengths in specific crops.
- Some states are wheat leaders; some are rice leaders.
- Grain can be moved from surplus states to needy states via FCI.
- This supports a balanced national supply.
High Complexity (Analysis & Scenario-Based)
Q6. In a drought year like 2015-16, how can Buffer Stock and PDS prevent hunger and price spikes?
Answer:
- Buffer Stock releases grain when local output falls.
- The government can increase supplies to fair price shops under PDS.
- This keeps prices stable for poor households.
- Grain movement from surplus regions fills local gaps.
- People still get subsidized food, even if markets are tight.
- It prevents panic buying and speculation.
- Thus, Buffer Stock and PDS act as safety nets.
Q7. Suppose MSP for wheat is raised sharply. Analyse possible effects on farmers, FCI, and consumers.
Answer:
- Farmers may plant more wheat due to better returns.
- FCI may face higher procurement costs and storage pressure.
- The government’s food subsidy bill may rise.
- If market prices track MSP, consumer prices may go up.
- Other crops may get less area, reducing diversification.
- Policy must balance farmer income, fiscal costs, and consumer welfare.
- Smart planning can reduce excess stocks and waste.
Q8. A cyclone hits West Bengal, damaging rice crops. Suggest a response plan using FCI, Buffer Stock, and PDS.
Answer:
- Release rice from Buffer Stock to affected districts.
- Move grain from surplus states quickly by rail and road.
- Increase PDS allocations temporarily for families in need.
- Set up relief camps with cooked food and dry ration.
- Monitor prices to stop hoarding and black marketing.
- After relief, support replanting and restore supply chains.
- Keep reserves ready for the next month to ensure stability.
Q9. “India has avoided famine since the early 1970s.” Evaluate this statement using the data and institutions discussed.
Answer:
- Production rose sharply after the Green Revolution.
- The table shows sustained growth with only minor dips.
- FCI, MSP, and Buffer Stock improved availability.
- PDS supported access for poor households.
- Even in bad years, India managed supplies and prices.
- This prevented famine, though local shortages can still occur.
- Strong institutions made the system resilient.
Q10. Using the data, show how foodgrain production has “more than tripled,” and suggest two steps to sustain growth despite dips.
Answer:
- Output grew from 80 MT (1960-61) to 315 MT (2021-22).
- That is nearly a fourfold rise, so more than tripled.
- It crossed 200 MT in 2000-01.
- Growth paused in 2014-15 and 2015-16, then rose again.
- Step 1: Keep MSP, procurement, and Buffer Stock strong and efficient.
- Step 2: Improve distribution under PDS to reduce wastage and leaks.
- These steps protect gains and handle shocks.