Green revolution

Malthusian theory suggests that if the world population continues to grow, someday we might not have enough food for everyone. This was as major concern during his time. However, with the Green Revolution, people began to take on a different perspective on this issue.

The Green Revolution refers to the intensive research and development, which occurred between 1940s and late 1970 with a specific purpose aiming on boosting agricultural production around the world. These involved a restructure in irrigation facilities, introduction of machinery and modern techniques to increase efficiency, development of high-yielding varieties of seeds, use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticide to maximize production. With these significant improvements in agricultural techniques, the industry managed to grow rapidly, the issue of Malthusian theory seems to come to an end.

Although the modernized techniques of farming enabled greater food production, many suggest that it has lead to other implications. With the massive use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, a major concern will be environmental degradation. No doubt fertilizer will enable crops to grow faster, it is unlikely for the crops to absorb all the minerals and nutrients dissolved in the water. Hence, it is inevitable for the high ‘fertilizer content water’ to flow back into the river, resulting in enhanced growth of algae. Subsequently leading to greater competition for oxygen and sunlight among other organisms living in the river eco-system.

It might be seen as a positive trait for pesticides to be able to kill pests and prevent diseases and virus form attacking the plants. But these chemicals maybe absorbed by the plants or often difficult to remove form the surface of the plants. When we ingest them, are we indirectly taking in those harmful pesticides as well? Fortunately, tests are required to be done before these pesticides are allowed to be used and those allowed are not know to be able to cause an harm to humans.

The green revolution also brought about further development in genetically modified food. These might be a sensitive subject to many people. There are different perspective on this issue, those who are supportive and those who reject GM food. But with the increase in production of GM food, is it still possible for us to find pure organic food? Should GM be required to have a specific labeling and notes to elaborate its details? In my opinion, if companies are required to have detailed labels, they will have to incur greater costs and these will often be absorbed my customer, in a result lead to higher food prices. Non-GM food will peg their prices to these GM food and increase their price accordingly. This will only lead to a greater increase in general food price and forcing those who are unable to afford no option between the 2 choices. Subsequently, causing greater inequity.

Although the Malthusian Theory issued has been resolved, another aspect with we failed to achieve is the eliminate poverty. People in the more developed part of the world have the luxury to enjoy the ease of fulfilling their basic needs and filling their stomach. Most of then even have too much food available to them and often lead to a huge amount of wastage. On the other hand, those in the least developed part of the world are facing consistent hunger for generations, they do not even have the basic access to sufficient food and water even for just one meal a day. Could it be the green revolution that has created this distinct and growing disparity? Imagine if there wasn’t any green revolution, 2 possibilities could arise, everyone will not have enough food and as a result, they will be more willing to work with each other to help one another. Another situation would be greater competition and hence no difference from when there is green revolution. In my opinion, the latter will have a greater possibility. Therefore green revolution has benefitted us more than the costs involved. One of the Millennium Development Goals is to eliminate poverty and hopefully those who have enjoyed the fruits of the Green Revolution will be more altruistic and be more willing to provide greater help to be least developed countries.