Green Revolution3rd Agricultural Revolution

20th Century

Norman Bourlag: Father of Green Revolution

BeginningThere 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 StoryIn the early 1960s, Norman was invited to IndiaThe Punjab region of India was to be the test site

for the new technologyIR8-a semi-dwarf rice produced more grains when

grown with certain fertilizers and irrigationKnown as “miracle rice”From 1960s-1990s yields have tripled, also prices

have dropped from $550 per ton to $200 per tonIndia now one of world’s most successful rice

producers and a major exporter

Africa: Slow Progress even with science

Failed attemptsAfrica 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

TechnologiesPesticides, Irrigation Projects, synthetic

nitrogenCross breeding corn, wheat, rice to create

HYVMolecular genetics have changed shape and

size to support the different grains

India Production since 1965: Wheat

ProductionDoubled in developing nations from 1961-

1985This can ease foreign aid to developing

nations25% increase in caloric intake in developing

nations

NegativesFarms now more addicted to petroleumMonocultures developedEcological demands-pesticides, soil, waterDiet change, lack of flavorSingle farmer vs. Commercial/Agribusiness

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

India 2000 drought

Water UsageWater usage has increased worldwide since

Green RevolutionExtreme 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 discussionhttp://www.metacafe.com/watch/1708683/

richard_manning_on_the_green_revolution/