Read the passage carefully and answer the questions based on the passage:
The Green Revolution was largely funded by international agencies. It focused on providing high-yielding variety (HYV) or hybrid seeds along with pesticides, fertilisers, and other inputs, to farmers. Green Revolution programmes were introduced only in areas that had assured irrigation, because sufficient water was necessary for the new seeds and methods of cultivation. It was also targeted mainly at the wheat and rice-growing areas. As a result, only certain regions such as the Punjab, western U.P., coastal Andhra Pradesh, and parts of Tamil Nadu were targeted. Though, it managed to increase the agricultural output, it also resulted in increased inequalities. In most of the Green Revolution areas, it was primarily the medium and large farmers who were able to benefit from the new technology. This was because inputs were expensive, and small and marginal farmers could not afford to spend as much as large farmers to purchase these inputs. When agriculturists produce primarily for themselves and are unable to produce for the market, it is known as 'subsistence agriculture' and they are usually termed 'peasants'. Agriculturists or farmers are those who are able to produce surplus, over and above the needs of the family, and so are linked to the market. In many cases, the Green Revolution led to the displacement of tenant-cultivators. For landowners began to take back land from their tenants and cultivate it directly because cultivation was becoming more profitable. This made the rich farmers better off, and worsened the condition of the landless and marginal holders.
Why did the Green Revolution disrupt the relationship between tenants and landowners?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → Because direct cultivation of land was more profitable than lending the land on rent.
Option (1) Because direct cultivation of land was more profitable than lending the land on rent. — Correct. In many cases the Green Revolution led to the displacement of tenant-cultivators: landowners began to take back land from their tenants and cultivate it directly, because cultivation was becoming more profitable than leasing it out. This made the rich farmers better off and worsened the condition of the landless and marginal holders.
Option (2) Because landowners were able to purchase expensive seeds and fertilisers. — Incorrect. Being able to afford the inputs explains why the well-off gained more, but it does not explain why tenants were evicted. Landowners took the land back because farming it themselves now paid more than the rent.
NCERT (2025-26): “4.3 The Green Revolution and its Social Consequences … Thus, in the first phase of the Green Revolution, in the 1960s and 1970s, the introduction of new technology seemed to be increasing inequalities in rural society. Green Revolution crops were highly profitable, mainly because they yielded more produce. Well-to-do farmers who had access to land, capital, technology, and know-how, and those who could invest in the new seeds and fertilisers, could increase their production and earn more money. However, in many cases it led to the displacement of tenant-cultivators. For landowners began to take back land from their tenants and cultivate it directly because cultivation was becoming more profitable. This made the rich farmers better off, and worsened the condition of the landless and marginal holders.” |