Economic benefits and ecological cost of Green Revolution: A case study of Haryana, India

The Green Revolution in Haryana has achieved much progress in agricultural productivity but at the cost of land and water degradation. Intensive agriculture during the Green Revolution period has brought continuous environmental degradation, particularly of soil, vegetation and water resources due to the use of high doses of fertilisers and pesticides. The adaptation of various modern agricultural techniques has further strengthened the role of agricultural sector in the economic development and employment generation of Haryana. The cropping intensity in Haryana is one of the highest among the Indian States; and the production and productivity of major crops increased several times due to the advent of Green Revolution. But the adaptation of new cultivation strategy has restricted the state to have only two crops, i.e., wheat and paddy. Further it has resulted in diseased soil, pest infested crops, overexploited groundwater and water logging deserts.