Development Geography Practice Test 2026 - Free Practice Questions and Study Guide

The Green Revolution refers to the rapid adoption of high-yielding varieties, expanded irrigation, and chemical fertilizers to boost agricultural production. This approach led to significant increases in crop yields for staples like wheat, rice, and maize, helping to improve food security and reduce famines in many regions, especially in parts of Asia and Latin America.

At the same time, the gains were not evenly shared. Some farmers, particularly larger or wealthier ones with access to credit, inputs, and irrigation, benefited much more than smallholders, which sometimes widened rural inequality. There were important environmental and resource costs as well: increased use of pesticides and fertilizers raised concerns about pollution and soil and water health, irrigation put stress on water supplies, and heavy inputs sometimes reduced long-term farm sustainability and biodiversity.

So the Green Revolution is characterized by big boosts in agricultural output in many places, alongside notable environmental challenges and uneven social benefits.