Which statement best describes the gains from the Green Revolution?

Which statement best describes the gains from the Green Revolution?

• A. Increased yields through high-yield varieties and chemical inputs
• B. Led to farmer debt
• C. Reduced dependence on external inputs
• D. Eliminated farmer debt

Answer: (D)

The gains from the Green Revolution are best understood as a sharp rise in crop yields driven by high-yield varieties and the use of chemical inputs. High-yield varieties were bred to respond strongly to fertilizers and irrigation, producing much more grain per hectare than traditional varieties. When these seeds were paired with increased use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, better irrigation, and some mechanization, overall food production grew rapidly in many regions, helping to avert famines and boost food security. While other statements mention social and economic effects, they describe consequences rather than the main production gains. The system also increased reliance on external inputs and credit, and debt burdens were a real issue in many cases, so those are not the gains themselves. Therefore, the statement that captures the primary gains is the rise in yields due to high-yield varieties and chemical inputs.

The gains from the Green Revolution are best understood as a sharp rise in crop yields driven by high-yield varieties and the use of chemical inputs. High-yield varieties were bred to respond strongly to fertilizers and irrigation, producing much more grain per hectare than traditional varieties. When these seeds were paired with increased use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, better irrigation, and some mechanization, overall food production grew rapidly in many regions, helping to avert famines and boost food security.

While other statements mention social and economic effects, they describe consequences rather than the main production gains. The system also increased reliance on external inputs and credit, and debt burdens were a real issue in many cases, so those are not the gains themselves. Therefore, the statement that captures the primary gains is the rise in yields due to high-yield varieties and chemical inputs.