"Green Revolution in India: A Geographical Assessment of Agricultural Productivity, Regional Development and Environmental Sustainability"

Abstract The Green Revolution in India represents a major transformation in the country’s agricultural geography, particularly from the mid-1960s onwards. It emerged in response to food shortages, low agricultural productivity, population growth, and dependence on food imports. The introduction of high-yielding variety (HYV) seeds, chemical fertilizers, pesticides, assured irrigation, mechanization, and improved agricultural practices significantly changed the spatial pattern of agricultural production. The initial benefits were concentrated mainly in regions with favorable physical and socio-economic conditions, particularly Punjab, Haryana, western Uttar Pradesh, and parts of Rajasthan, where irrigation infrastructure, fertile soils, suitable climate, and better access to agricultural inputs supported rapid adoption of modern technologies. Subsequently, the influence of Green Revolution technologies expanded to other parts of the country, although the extent and pace of adoption varied considerably across regions. This geographical variation resulted in differences in agricultural productivity, cropping patterns, farm income, and rural development. Therefore, understanding the geographical background of the Green Revolution is essential for assessing its contribution to agricultural productivity, regional development, and environmental sustainability in India.