The correct option is 2 only
Explanation
The Green Revolution refers to the period in the mid-1960s marked by a significant increase in agricultural productivity in India. This transformation was driven by the adoption of modern agricultural technologies, primarily High Yielding Variety (HYV) seeds, chemical fertilizers, and assured irrigation.
Statement-wise Analysis:
- Statement 1 is Incorrect: The Green Revolution is defined by the substantial surge in the production of food grains. This increase was a direct result of replacing traditional seeds with HYV seeds, which were highly responsive to fertilizers and irrigation, thereby significantly raising yield per hectare.
- Statement 2 is Correct: The benefits of the Green Revolution were not evenly distributed across all crops. It was primarily beneficial to cereals like wheat and rice. Production of pulses, oilseeds, and coarse grains did not see a similar technological breakthrough during this period, leading to a stagnation in their growth relative to cereals.
- Statement 3 is Incorrect: A primary objective and outcome of the Green Revolution was to achieve food self-sufficiency. Prior to this, India was heavily dependent on food imports (such as under the PL-480 scheme from the USA). The revolution enabled India to stop these imports and become self-reliant in food grain production.
Key Takeaway:
The Green Revolution made India self-sufficient in food grains through the use of HYV seeds, but its positive impact was largely confined to wheat and rice, while pulses and oilseeds did not benefit significantly.