Evaluating 35 years of Green Revolution technology in villages of Bulandshahr district, western UP, North India

Abstract

This paper analyses the experiences of over 35 years of Green Revolution (GR) technology in villages of the Bulandshahr District, western UP. Fieldwork in three villages revealed that perceptions of GR were extremely positive because higher yields brought food security for all in the area, and financial security for many. Indirect benefits, such as urban development, have improved employment opportunities – which have benefited even the poorest – and rural electrification has transformed rural livelihoods, especially for women. Predictably, the benefits of GR technology are not equally spread: the poorest are better off, but the gap between rich and poor is now greater than ever. As gently declining yields are paralleled by growing populations, farmers are interested in further increasing land productivity.