EconomicsCBSE Class 12 · Indian Economy 1950-1990

Green Revolution: HYV Technology, Benefits, Risks and Subsidies (Class 12)

Updated 15 October 2026 · Fact-checked

The green revolution was the large increase in food-grain production from high yielding variety (HYV) seeds, mainly wheat and rice, used with fertilisers, pesticides and assured irrigation. Its first phase (mid-1960s to mid-1970s) was limited to richer states; in the second phase it spread wider. It made India self-sufficient in food grains and raised marketed surplus.

Notice that HYV seeds work only together with fertilisers, pesticides and irrigation, and the bigger harvest then brings three main benefits.

Illustration drawn for QuestionBuddy.

Understand Green Revolution

Background. At independence about 75% of the population depended on agriculture, productivity was very low (old technology, poor infrastructure), and farming depended on the monsoon, as few had irrigation. The green revolution permanently broke the colonial stagnation.

Meaning. The large increase in food-grain production resulting from HYV seeds, especially for wheat and rice. HYV seeds need fertilisers and pesticides in correct quantities and a regular water supply.

Two phases (NCERT).

First phase (about mid-1960s to mid-1970s): HYV use was restricted to affluent states such as Punjab, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, and mainly benefited wheat-growing regions.
Second phase (mid-1970s to mid-1980s): technology spread to more states and more crops.

Benefits.
1. Self-sufficiency in food grains: India no longer depended on America or any other nation for food.
2. Marketed surplus rose: the portion of produce sold in the market by farmers. Much of the extra rice and wheat was sold, so food-grain prices fell relative to other goods, helping low-income groups, who spend a large share of income on food.
3. The government could procure enough grain to build buffer stocks for shortages.

Risks and how they were handled.

Could increase disparities between small and big farmers, since only big farmers could afford inputs → government gave low-interest loans and subsidised fertilisers; output on small farms eventually equalled that on large farms.
HYV crops are more prone to pests → government research institutes reduced this risk.
So the green revolution benefited small and rich farmers alike because the state played an extensive role.

The subsidy debate.

For phasing out: subsidies were needed to encourage adoption of a risky new technology; once profitable and widespread, they should end; much fertiliser subsidy benefits the fertiliser industry and farmers in prosperous regions; it burdens government finances.
For continuing: farming is still risky; most farmers are poor and cannot afford inputs without subsidy; removing subsidies would widen inequality. The better policy is to target subsidies to poor farmers, not abolish them.

Marketed surplus formula. Marketed surplus = output − amount kept by the farm family for its own use (consumption, seed, etc.). Example: 50 quintals produced, 12 kept → 38 quintals (76%) sold.

Green Revolution: key facts

Green revolution: HYV seeds + fertilisers + pesticides + assured irrigation → large rise in food-grain output; Mainly wheat and rice.
Phases: Phase 1: mid-1960s-mid-1970s (Punjab, AP, TN; wheat); Phase 2: mid-1970s-mid-1980s (more states, crops); NCERT dates.
Marketed surplus: Marketed surplus = Output − Retained for own use; Sold in the market.
Benefits: Self-sufficiency; marketed surplus and lower relative food prices; buffer stocks; Mnemonic: 'SMB'.
Risks and remedies: 1.Inequality
2.cheap loans, fertiliser subsidy; pests
3.research institutes; State role was decisive.

How to answer Green Revolution questions

Green revolution items carried about 13 marks across three tagged items in the PYQ bank: 1-mark facts, 3-4 mark explanations of benefits, risks or marketed surplus, and the subsidy debate.

1Define the green revolution and name the inputs HYV seeds need.
2State the two phases with regions and crops.
3Explain benefits: self-sufficiency, marketed surplus (with the price effect), buffer stocks.
4Explain risks and the government's response.
5For the subsidy debate, give both sides and a conclusion (target the poor).

Green Revolution in real life

The idea, met in an everyday situation. Answer the question in your own words, then compare with the model answer. The one-line hook is what to remember.

Marketed surplus

Suppose a wheat farmer in Punjab grows 50 quintals using HYV seeds. His family keeps 12 quintals for food and seed and sells the rest in the mandi.

What is his marketed surplus, and why does it matter for the economy?

Try it first, then show the solutionSolution

Marketed surplus = 50 − 12 = 38 quintals (76% of output).
Grain sold in markets increases supply to towns.
More supply lowers relative food prices.

Answer: 38 quintals (76%) is marketed surplus. When many farmers sell such surpluses, food reaches non-farm households and relative food prices fall, which helps the poor, who spend a large share of income on food.

Memory hook: Grain on the market, not just in the granary.

Tricks to remember Green Revolution

Short memory aids. Say each one aloud once, then use it on a question the same day.

HYV needs FPW
Fertiliser, Pesticide, Water: the three must-haves for HYV seeds.
Use it when: Inputs.
Phase 1 = rich and wheat
First phase: richer states (Punjab, AP, TN), mainly wheat; second phase: spread wider.
Use it when: Phases.
SMB
Self-sufficiency, Marketed surplus, Buffer stocks.
Use it when: Benefits.

Green Revolution: solved examples

Ordered from board level to HOTS. Try each one before you open the solution.

Example 1: Crops of the first phase · 1 mark · MCQBoard level

In the first phase of the green revolution, HYV seeds mainly benefited:
(a) pulse-growing regions
(b) wheat-growing regions
(c) cotton-growing regions
(d) all regions equally

Try it first, then show the solutionSolution

NCERT: primarily benefited wheat-growing regions.

Answer: (b) wheat-growing regions

Example 2: Marketed surplus · 3 marks · Short answerBoard level

What is marketed surplus? How did a rise in marketed surplus during the green revolution benefit low-income groups? (3 marks)

Try it first, then show the solutionSolution

Definition (1 mark).
More grain sold → relative food prices fell (1 mark).
Poor spend a large share on food (1 mark).

Answer: Marketed surplus is the portion of agricultural produce that farmers sell in the market. During the green revolution, much of the extra rice and wheat was sold, so food-grain prices fell relative to other goods. Low-income groups, who spend a large percentage of their income on food, benefited from this decline.

Example 3: Computing marketed surplus · 2 marks · Short answerHarder board level

A farmer produces 50 quintals of wheat and keeps 12 quintals for family use. Calculate the marketed surplus and its share of output. (2 marks)

Try it first, then show the solutionSolution

50 − 12 = 38 quintals.
38 ÷ 50 × 100 = 76% (check: 100 − 24 = 76).

Answer: Marketed surplus = 38 quintals, i.e. 76% of output.

Example 4: Risks and remedies · 4 marks · Short answerHarder board level

What risks did the green revolution technology carry, and how did the government reduce them? (4 marks)

Try it first, then show the solutionSolution

Inequality risk and remedy (2 marks).
Pest risk and remedy (2 marks).

Answer: (1) It could widen disparities between small and big farmers, since only big farmers could afford the inputs; the government gave small farmers loans at low interest and subsidised fertilisers, so output on small farms eventually equalled that on large farms. (2) HYV crops were more prone to pests, which could ruin small farmers; government research institutes reduced this risk. Because of the state's role, both small and rich farmers benefited.

Example 5: Subsidy debate · 4 marks · Short answerHOTS / competency

Should fertiliser subsidies be continued? Present both sides of the debate. (4 marks)

Try it first, then show the solutionSolution

Against: purpose served; benefits fertiliser industry and prosperous regions; fiscal burden (2 marks).
For: farming risky; poor farmers can't afford inputs; equity; target the poor (2 marks).

Answer: Against: subsidies were needed to encourage farmers to try the new, risky HYV technology; once it proved profitable and spread, their purpose was served. Much of the fertiliser subsidy benefits the fertiliser industry and farmers in prosperous regions, and it is a heavy burden on government finances. For: farming remains risky and most farmers are poor; without subsidies they cannot afford inputs, and inequality would rise. The balanced view is to target subsidies to poor farmers rather than abolish them.

Example 6: Self-sufficiency · 1 mark · Assertion-reasonHOTS / competency

Assertion (A): The green revolution enabled India to become self-sufficient in food grains.
Reason (R): HYV seeds raised food-grain output, especially of wheat and rice.
(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
(b) Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A.
(c) A is true but R is false.
(d) A is false but R is true.

Try it first, then show the solutionSolution

Higher output from HYV seeds is why India became self-sufficient.

Answer: (a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.

Where students lose marks in Green Revolution

The slips examiners see most often, and what to write instead.

Mistake: Saying HYV seeds alone caused the green revolution
Inputs ignored.
Wrong working
Green revolution = HYV seeds.
Right working
HYV seeds with fertilisers, pesticides and assured irrigation in correct proportions.
Do this: HYV needs FPW.
Usually costs: 1 mark.
Mistake: Defining marketed surplus as total output
Output and sales confused.
Wrong working
Marketed surplus = output.
Right working
Marketed surplus = output sold in the market.
Do this: Output minus what the family keeps.
Usually costs: 1 mark.
Mistake: Claiming only rich farmers gained
Ignoring the state's role.
Wrong working
Green revolution benefited only big farmers.
Right working
Because of cheap loans, subsidies and research, small farmers also gained.
Do this: State role made it inclusive.
Usually costs: 1 mark.

Exam tips

Learn NCERT's phase dates and regions; they are common 1-mark items.
Always link marketed surplus to lower relative food prices and the poor.
In the subsidy debate, conclude with 'target the poor'.

Practice questions on Green Revolution

Write each answer on paper first. Open the hint only if you are stuck, and the answer only when you have finished.

Q1 · 1 mark · MCQBoard level
HYV seeds require:
(a) only more land
(b) fertilisers, pesticides and regular water supply
(c) only more labour
(d) no additional inputs
Hint
FPW.
Answer
(b) fertilisers, pesticides and regular water supply
Q2 · 1 mark · Short answerBoard level
Define the green revolution. (1 mark)
Hint
HYV and food grains.
Answer
The large increase in food-grain production resulting from the use of HYV seeds, especially for wheat and rice, with fertilisers, pesticides and assured irrigation.
Q3 · 3 marks · Short answerBoard level
State three benefits of the green revolution. (3 marks)
Hint
SMB.
Answer
(1) Self-sufficiency in food grains. (2) Higher marketed surplus, lowering relative food prices and helping the poor. (3) The government could procure grain for buffer stocks to use in shortages.
Q4 · 2 marks · Short answerHarder board level
Why was the first phase of the green revolution limited to a few states? (2 marks)
Hint
Irrigation and money.
Answer
HYV seeds needed reliable irrigation and money to buy fertilisers and pesticides, which only farmers in more affluent states such as Punjab, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu had.
Q5 · 2 marks · Short answerHarder board level
Distinguish between the first and second phases of the green revolution. (2 marks)
Hint
Spread.
Answer
First phase (mid-1960s to mid-1970s): HYV use restricted to affluent states and mainly wheat. Second phase (mid-1970s to mid-1980s): technology spread to many more states and benefited more crops.
Q6 · 2 marks · Short answerHarder board level
A farmer grows 80 quintals of rice and keeps 20 quintals. Find marketed surplus and its share. (2 marks)
Hint
Output − retained.
Answer
60 quintals; 75% of output.
Q7 · 1 mark · Assertion-reasonHarder board level
Assertion (A): Fertiliser subsidies should be withdrawn completely because they benefit only rich farmers.
Reason (R): A substantial part of fertiliser subsidy benefits the fertiliser industry and farmers in prosperous regions.
(a) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
(b) Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A.
(c) A is true but R is false.
(d) A is false but R is true.
Hint
Does it benefit ONLY the rich? Is complete withdrawal NCERT's conclusion?
Answer
(d) A is false but R is true: poor farmers also need subsidies; the suggested remedy is targeting, not complete withdrawal.
Q8 · 3 marks · Short answerHarder board level
How did the government ensure that small farmers also gained from the green revolution? (3 marks)
Hint
Loans, subsidies, research.
Answer
It gave small farmers loans at low interest, subsidised fertilisers so they could afford inputs, and set up research institutes that reduced the risk of pest attacks. As a result, output on small farms eventually equalled that on large farms.
Q9 · 3 marks · Short answerHOTS / competency
Suppose farmers grow much more grain but consume most of it themselves. Would the economy benefit much? Explain using NCERT's argument. (3 marks)
Hint
Marketed surplus matters.
Answer
Not much. NCERT notes that growth in output matters for the economy only if a substantial part is sold as marketed surplus. If farmers consume most of the increase, urban and non-farm households get little extra food, relative prices don't fall, and the government cannot build buffer stocks.
Q10 · 3 marks · Short answerHOTS / competency
Evaluate: 'The green revolution would have helped only rich farmers had the state not intervened.' (3 marks)
Hint
Costly inputs, pest risk.
Answer
Agreed. HYV technology needed costly inputs and assured irrigation that mainly big farmers could afford, and pest risk could ruin small farmers. NCERT stresses that only because the state provided cheap credit, fertiliser subsidies and research support did small farmers gain equally, so state intervention made the green revolution inclusive.

Test your recall

Answer in your head or on paper first, then open the card. Pulling an answer out of memory makes it stick far better than re-reading.

1.Main crops of the green revolution?Show answer
Wheat and rice.
2.First phase period?Show answer
About mid-1960s to mid-1970s.
3.Name two states of the first phase.Show answer
Any two: Punjab, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu.
4.What is marketed surplus?Show answer
The part of agricultural produce sold in the market.
5.What share of India's population depended on agriculture at independence?Show answer
About 75%.

Green Revolution: frequently asked questions

What was the green revolution in India?

The sharp rise in food-grain output, mainly wheat and rice, from HYV seeds used with fertilisers, pesticides and irrigation, which made India self-sufficient in food grains.

What is marketed surplus?

The portion of agricultural produce that farmers sell in the market rather than keep for their own use.

What were the risks of the green revolution?

Wider inequality between big and small farmers and greater vulnerability of HYV crops to pests; government credit, subsidies and research reduced these risks.

Should agricultural subsidies continue?

It is debated: critics say they mainly benefit the fertiliser industry and richer farmers; supporters say poor farmers need them. A middle path is to target subsidies to the poor.