The Green Revolution (Essay Sample)

The Green Revolution
The Green Revolution came as a result of introduction of chemical fertilizers, synthetic pesticides and herbicides that fostered crop productivity. According to Shiva (1991), farmers used synthetic pesticides and herbicides to control weeds, prevent diseases and kill insects thus increasing their crop productivity. Introduction of chemical fertilizers supplied crops with more nutrients and increased their productivity. Green revolution started in 1940s whereby chemical discoveries made it possible to develop high yield crops (Shiva, 1991). Farmers diverted from traditional low yielding crops and achieved high crop yields by utilizing green revolution technology. Although Green Revolution brought many benefits to farmers, it raised ethical concerns that affected the environment and the society at a large.
Shiva (1991) highlights that use of synthetic pesticides and herbicides as well as chemical fertilizers during the green revolution period contributed to increase in environmental pollution. Chemicals contained in chemical fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides that were added to crops and soil were harmful to soil and water. They contributed to pollution of soil and water bodies in areas where they were used. These chemicals were further washed away by rain and followed water pathways and receptors to water bodies. This raised ethical concerns because water in polluted water bodies became harmful to human beings and animals. Furthermore, pollution of soil by chemicals used in the green revolution negatively affected crop yields and resulted to low productivity and poor quality of soil.
According to Shiva (1991), large irrigation systems were needed to sustain plant growth as a result of using chemical fertilizers and high yield crops that required more water to sustain their growth than normal crops. High amount of water needed to sustain crop productivity increased pressure on existing natural water reservoirs. Consequently, water shortage and prolonged draughts that affected animals and plants were experienced in different parts of the world, with Africa being the worst hit continent. Green revolution led to increase in use of machinery for agricultural production. There was increase in energy consumption since these machines required large amount of energy to run. Consequently, there was increased environmental pollution as a result of overreliance on fossil fuels to provide energy for agricultural machinery.
Addressing the Ethical Concerns
Addressing the concerns that resulted from the Green Revolution require a solution to prolonged periods of draught, provision of water to people affected by water shortages and control measures to prevent further environmental pollution. It also requires friendly farming methods that support sustainable crop production in draught hit areas. Online Ethics Center (2014) reiterates on the need for engineers and researchers to carry out research on better agricultural production methods to enhance self sustainability for agricultural production. Introduction of draught resistant crops in areas a...