76% Groundwater Over-Exploitation in Punjab Fuels Debate on Green Revolution's 'Net Negative' Impact

An online commentary by user Rishi has ignited discussion regarding India's Green Revolution, controversially asserting its long-term impact as a "net negative." The tweet, posted by "Rishi | ഋഷി | 🌐🗽🥥🔰🏙", claims the agricultural transformation is "the reason why India is stuck with a government subservient to farmer rent-seeking." This statement challenges the widely held view of the Green Revolution as an unmitigated success for Indian food security.

Initiated in the 1960s under figures like M.S. Swaminathan, India's Green Revolution introduced high-yielding varieties (HYVs) of seeds, increased irrigation, and chemical fertilizers to boost food production. This period successfully transformed India from a food-deficient nation reliant on imports to one of self-sufficiency, particularly in wheat and rice. The World Bank initially lauded its role in reducing rural poverty, mitigating hunger and malnutrition in the short term.

However, the intensive agricultural practices have led to significant environmental degradation. Regions like Punjab, a heartland of the Green Revolution, now face severe groundwater depletion, with 76% of its groundwater blocks overexploited. The widespread use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides has contributed to soil nutrient depletion, increased soil toxicity, water pollution, and a decline in biodiversity due to monoculture farming. Stubble burning, a practice linked to short crop cycles, also contributes to air pollution.

Beyond environmental concerns, the Green Revolution has introduced economic and social challenges. The high cost of inputs has led to increased farmer debt, with over 50% of Indian farmers reportedly debt-ridden. The focus on a few staple crops led to the extinction of nearly 1 lakh indigenous rice varieties and a shift away from nutritious millets. Health issues, including cancer, have been linked to prolonged exposure to agrochemicals, particularly in farming communities.

Rishi's assertion of "farmer rent-seeking" and government "subservience" resonates with critiques regarding the political economy of agriculture. The Green Revolution fostered a class of wealthy farmers, whose influence has shaped policies such as Minimum Support Prices (MSP). This has, at times, been argued to create a system where specific agricultural interests can disproportionately influence government decisions, potentially at a broader societal cost.

In response to these long-term challenges, there is a growing call for an "Evergreen Revolution" focused on sustainable agricultural practices. Initiatives like Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) and integrated nutrient management aim to balance productivity with ecological preservation. Policymakers are urged to adopt more environmentally sustainable technologies and ensure that benefits reach all farmers, moving towards a more holistic and equitable food system.