Agricultural Revolutions — Set 4
Indian Agriculture · कृषि क्रांतियां · Questions 31–40 of 160
The Neel Kranti Mission launched by the Indian government focuses on which sector?
Correct Answer: B. Fisheries development
The Neel Kranti (Blue Revolution) Mission focuses on the integrated development and management of fisheries in India for food security and economic growth. Launched under the Ministry of Agriculture, it aims to increase fish production, modernize fishing infrastructure, improve post-harvest management, and increase fishermen's income. India targets to significantly increase fish production and exports through this mission.
Which technology was most important for expanding irrigation during the Green Revolution?
Correct Answer: B. Diesel and electric tubewells
Diesel and electric tubewells were the most important technology for expanding irrigation during the Green Revolution, particularly in the Indo-Gangetic Plains. They gave farmers control over irrigation timing independent of canal water availability. Government subsidies on electricity for tubewells and credit for installation enabled widespread adoption. However, over-exploitation of groundwater through tubewells later became a major environmental concern.
What was the negative environmental consequence of the Green Revolution?
Correct Answer: B. Soil degradation, water depletion, and biodiversity loss
The Green Revolution had significant negative environmental consequences: excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides degraded soil health and polluted water bodies, intensive groundwater use caused severe water table decline especially in Punjab, Haryana, and UP, and focus on a few HYV varieties led to loss of crop genetic diversity. These problems led M.S. Swaminathan to call for an Evergreen Revolution that balances productivity with ecological sustainability.
Which institution was created to spearhead India's dairy revolution through cooperative networks?
Correct Answer: C. NDDB
The National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) was created in 1965 at Anand, Gujarat under Verghese Kurien to spearhead India's dairy revolution by replicating the Amul cooperative model nationally. NDDB designed and implemented Operation Flood, developing a three-tier cooperative structure (village society, district union, state federation) that connected millions of dairy farmers to national milk markets and processing facilities.
What is meant by 'dwarf varieties' in the context of the Green Revolution?
Correct Answer: B. Short-stemmed crop varieties that can support heavy grain heads without lodging
Dwarf varieties refer to short-stemmed wheat and rice varieties developed during the Green Revolution that could support large, heavy grain heads without falling over (lodging). Traditional tall varieties would fall when heavily fertilized. Dwarf wheat developed by Norman Borlaug at CIMMYT had semi-dwarf gene Rht, and IR8 dwarf rice was developed at IRRI. These short, sturdy plants channeled energy into grain production rather than straw.
Technology Mission on Oilseeds (TMO) was launched in which year to boost Yellow Revolution?
Correct Answer: B. 1986
The Technology Mission on Oilseeds (TMO) was launched in 1986 to address India's large oilseed import bill by increasing domestic production, forming the basis of the Yellow Revolution. It focused on introducing improved varieties of soybean, sunflower, and mustard, providing better extension services and input supplies. TMO significantly increased oilseed production and reduced import dependence, though India still imports significant quantities of edible oils.
The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) developed IR8, which contributed to the Green Revolution in rice. Where is IRRI located?
Correct Answer: B. Los Banos, Philippines
IRRI (International Rice Research Institute) is located in Los Banos, Philippines, and developed the high-yielding IR8 rice variety in 1966 that was central to the Green Revolution in rice. IR8 produced 3-4 times more yield than traditional varieties under proper conditions and was rapidly adopted across Asia. IRRI continues to develop improved rice varieties for food security and is supported by the CGIAR research network.
What impact did the Green Revolution have on India's food imports?
Correct Answer: B. India moved from food-deficit to food-surplus, reducing imports
The Green Revolution transformed India from a chronic food importer to a food-surplus nation. India was importing wheat under PL-480 (Food for Peace) program from the USA in the 1960s. By the late 1970s, India had built significant buffer stocks and became a net exporter of grain in several years. This transition from begging bowl to bread basket was a remarkable achievement driven by the Green Revolution.
Which crop's production did the White Revolution primarily target to boost?
Correct Answer: B. Milk
The White Revolution (Operation Flood) primarily targeted milk production. India's per capita milk availability was very low in the 1960s, and the country was dependent on expensive imported milk powder. Through cooperative dairy development, milk production increased from 17 million tonnes in 1950-51 to over 220 million tonnes today, making India the world's largest milk producer and achieving significant nutritional improvements.
What does 'sustainable agriculture' mean in the context of the Evergreen Revolution?
Correct Answer: B. Agriculture that maintains long-term productivity without degrading natural resources
In the Evergreen Revolution context, sustainable agriculture means achieving high productivity while maintaining the ecological foundations — soil health, water quality, biodiversity, and atmospheric stability — that future agriculture depends upon. It integrates modern technology with ecological principles, combines genetic improvement with natural resource conservation, and ensures economic viability while protecting environmental integrity for indefinite continuation.