The correct option is (c).
Explanation
The Green Revolution refers to a period of significant increase in agricultural productivity in India, initiated in the mid-1960s. It marked a transition from traditional agriculture to high-yield, technology-driven farming methods, fundamentally altering how factors of production (land and capital) were utilized to ensure food security.
Statement-wise Analysis:
- Statement 1 is Incorrect: The Green Revolution was primarily driven by technological change and the intensification of agriculture (increasing yield per unit of land), rather than the expansion of land area under cultivation. Prior to the 1960s, agricultural growth relied heavily on expanding the cultivated area (extensive growth), but the Green Revolution focused on increasing productivity on existing land (intensive growth).
- Statement 2 is Correct: The core components of the Green Revolution were the introduction of High Yielding Variety (HYV) seeds-specifically for wheat and rice-and the substantial use of chemical fertilizers to maximize the potential of these seeds.
- Statement 3 is Correct: The revolution utilized a package of improved production technologies. This included not just seeds and fertilizers, but also the expansion of irrigation infrastructure, the use of pesticides, and increased mechanization (tractors, harvesters) to support the new farming practices.
Key Takeaway:
The Green Revolution was a technology-driven shift focusing on intensive growth (higher yields via HYV seeds, fertilizers, and irrigation) rather than extensive growth (expanding land area).