ABSTRACT
One unintended outcome of the Green Revolution that became discernible as early as in the 1980s is the environmental consequences of the HYV seeds and agro-chemical-based production package. The environmental challenges have in fact assumed alarming proportions, especially in the locations where the Green Revolution was first introduced. This chapter analyzes the nature and magnitude of the environmental consequences of the Green Revolution in terms of soil degradation, depletion in the groundwater table and impacts of pesticides use on human health. The analysis in the chapter calls for a serious policy revamp which should aim at minimizing the excessive use of natural resources, improving input-use efficiency and reconstructing market forces to encourage diversification of agriculture from rice to alternative crops. An attempt should be made not only to increase production but also to sustain increased production without further degradation of natural resources. Possible reclamation measures should be taken up for restoration of the physical health of soils and productivity.
