Green Revolution: Curse or Blessing?Green Revolution: Curse or Blessing?

A. Development & Diffusion of Agriculture:A. Development & Diffusion of Agriculture:

Three agricultural revolutions:

1. Neolithic RevolutionNeolithic Revolution (12,000 yrs ago): first plant & animal domestication

The role of women? The role of women? - female deities- women were first to farm- ~80% of all food eaten in Africa is grown by women~80% of all food eaten in Africa is grown by women

2.2. Second Revolution (I7th-I8th centuries)Second Revolution (I7th-I8th centuries): : improved methods of cultivation & higher yields in W. Europe

- improved tools & equipment- better soil preparation, fertilization, & food storage - aided by the Industrial Revolution & mechanization

2 (continued). Second 2 (continued). Second Agricultural RevolutionAgricultural Revolution

1. from late Middle Ages into Industrial Age2. open fields enclosed by fences3. use of crop rotation4. seeds & breeding stock improved5. tools improved: use of the “heavy” plow6. horses replaced oxen for plowing

3.3. The Green RevolutionThe Green Revolution (1940’s-1980’s): (1940’s-1980’s): research & technology in plant genetics to create new higher-yielding grains

- intensive farming practices:

mechanization, chemicals, biotechnologymechanization, chemicals, biotechnology

- using genetic engineering genetic engineering scientists in Philippines crossed a

dwarf variety of rice with an Indonesian variety…“IR8”

- in India Norin 10 Norin 10 strain of wheat developed

- today, pest resistance genetically infused into DNA of plants

B. Why The Green Revolution?B. Why The Green Revolution? 1943: world's worst recorded food disaster in India

- Bengal Famine: four million died of hunger

“Green Revolution’s” highest crop yields: 1967 to 1978

term “Green Revolution” a general one applied to successful agricultural experiments in developing countries (India, Mexico, China)

Dr. Norman Borlaug: Dr. Norman Borlaug: ““Father” of the Green RevolutionFather” of the Green Revolution

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7lbjHWoDIRw

SUCCESS STORIES

Northern India Sri Lanka Nepal Indonesia Thailand Philippines

C. Basic methods:C. Basic methods:

1) expansion of farming areas2) double-cropping3) genetically engineering crops4) machinery, fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides

Other benefits:

- higher yields of wheat, corn, & rice- improved appearance of fruits- grains used to fatten livestock faster…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-eUKj8sOyq8

D. THE DOWNSIDE:D. THE DOWNSIDE:Food Security?Food Security?

- destroyed large tracts- overuse of chemicals- excessive salinity - groundwater depletion- conflicts over water- some cannot afford investment- rural societies disrupted- effects of genetic modifications?- effects of cloning? http://abcnews.go.com/Archives/video/feb-24-

1997-dolly-sheep-10615268 - http://on.cc.com/1qT8Vki - The bees! - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zgc5w-xyQa0- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kWbUplDgSNM

E. Why Not Africa?E. Why Not Africa? World crops: Wheat, Rice, Corn Africa’s most important crops: millet & sorghum Lack of government investment Failure to include women