UPSC Mains Answer: Why did the Green Revolution in India virtually by-pass the eastern region despite fertile soil and good availability of water?

Difficulty Level: Medium

Sub-category: Post-Independence India (Agricultural Development)

Introduction

The Green Revolution, launched in the mid-1960s, aimed to enhance agricultural productivity in India through high-yielding variety (HYV) seeds, fertilizers, and irrigation. While it transformed the agrarian landscape of Punjab, Haryana, and western Uttar Pradesh, the eastern region—comprising Bihar, Odisha, West Bengal, and Assam—remained largely untouched despite its fertile soil and abundant water resources.

Body

historical_context: The Green Revolution prioritized regions with existing irrigation infrastructure, such as the Indira Gandhi Canal in Rajasthan and tubewells in Punjab. Eastern India, however, suffered from inadequate irrigation facilities, with reliance on monsoon-fed rivers and traditional farming methods. Additionally, land fragmentation due to inheritance laws and small landholdings discouraged large-scale mechanization and adoption of HYV seeds.

Socio-economic factors

The region faced persistent socio-economic challenges, including poor credit access, lack of agricultural extension services, and limited market linkages. The dominance of sharecropping and tenancy systems further disincentivized investment in modern farming techniques. Moreover, the absence of robust procurement policies for rice and wheat, the primary crops of the Green Revolution, left eastern farmers without price stability or incentives.

Institutional neglect

Government policies and research institutions, such as the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), initially focused on wheat and rice belts in the north and south. Eastern India’s potential for rice-based cropping systems was overlooked, leading to a lack of region-specific HYV seeds and tailored agricultural strategies. Flood-prone areas also posed unique challenges that required specialized solutions, which were not prioritized.

Conclusion

The bypassing of eastern India during the Green Revolution underscores the need for region-specific agricultural policies. Addressing infrastructural deficits, land reforms, and institutional support can unlock the region’s potential, ensuring inclusive and sustainable agricultural growth in the future.