Green Revolution

20th Century

Norman Bourlag: Father of Green Revolution

Beginning There are varying dates of the actually beginning of

the revolution, but many estimate it around WWII (1940s)

Norman Borlaug was in Mexico in 1943 trying to help produce more in the rural areas.

Norman was granted funding by the Rockefeller Foundation to help spread the technology to developing nations

First called Green Revolution in 1968

Punjab region in India

Success Story In the early 1960s, Norman was invited to India

The Punjab region of India was to be the test site for the new technology

IR8-a semi-dwarf rice produced more grains when grown with certain fertilizers and irrigation

Known as “miracle rice”

From 1960s-1990s yields have tripled, also prices have dropped from $550 per ton to $200 per ton

India now one of world’s most successful rice producers and a major exporter

Africa: Slow Progress even with science

Failed attempts Africa has had several attempts using the HYV or

High-Yield Varieties, but none have been a success

Reasons: corruption, lack of infrastructure, lack of water and irrigation, lack of skilled farmers

NERICA-New Rice for Africa, could double yields but no real success story yet

Miracle Rice or IR8

Cross Breeding Plants: Selective Breeding: Genetic Engineering

Technologies Pesticides, Irrigation Projects, synthetic nitrogen

Cross breeding corn, wheat, rice to create HYV

Molecular genetics have changed shape and size to support the different grains

India Production since 1965: Wheat

Production Doubled in developing nations from 1961-1985

This can ease foreign aid to developing nations

25% increase in caloric intake in developing nations

Negatives Farms now more addicted to petroleum

Monocultures developed

Ecological demands-pesticides, soil, water

Diet change, lack of flavor

Single farmer vs. Commercial/Agribusiness

What affects will be felt worldwide in agricultural areas when petroleum runs out?

India 2000 drought

Water Usage Water usage has increased worldwide since Green

Revolution

Extreme water intensive plants using high tech fertilizers causing drain on tributaries and major water sources

Example: SW USA uses 36% of our water but only receives 6% rainfall

Also water quality decreasing-salinization, oxygen depletion due to algae growth

Project Water Shortages

ScenarioPick one side and write on it

1. Defend your position: (Pro or Con-You Pick)

The 3rd Agricultural Revolution was a necessary and successful event for humans.

Possible video to stimulate discussion

http://www.metacafe.com/watch/1708683/richard_manning_on_the_green_revolution/