Introduction
The Green Revolution was one of the most transformative periods in the history of global agriculture. Initiated in the mid-20th century, it promised to eradicate hunger through scientific innovation, hybrid seeds, and large-scale agricultural reform. While it significantly boosted food production, especially in developing nations, it also introduced a complex legacy of environmental, social, and health-related consequences. In this blog, we explore how five countries—India, Mexico, China, Pakistan, and the Philippines—navigated the Green Revolution and examine the far-reaching impacts that continue to shape their societies today.

Historical Context: A Shift in Global Agriculture
In the 1940s, Europe began shifting its focus toward health-conscious food production and started limiting the use of chemical fertilizers. This shift forced European fertilizer companies to seek new markets, and they turned to developing nations such as Mexico, China, India, the Philippines, and Pakistan.
Before the Green Revolution, these nations relied on indigenous seed varieties and traditional farming practices. But by the 1960s, these countries adopted hybrid seeds and chemical farming methods to increase agricultural output and eliminate hunger. Unfortunately, the long-term environmental and health consequences were largely overlooked at the time.

Consequences of Hybrid Farming
Hybrid farming required significantly more water and fertilizers than traditional methods. Research indicates that hybrid farming demands 13% more chemical fertilizers. The increased fertilizer use led to the destruction of soil ecosystems, including the extinction of earthworms and other beneficial microorganisms.
Moreover, due to the lack of adequate education for farmers, fertilizers were often applied unscientifically, leading to soil degradation and long-term fertility issues. The heavy dependence on imported NPK (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium) fertilizers further increased until India reached self-sufficiency in NPK only after 2000.
Meanwhile, dietary shifts caused by the overemphasis on polished grains and high-carb hybrid crops contributed to rising health issues like diabetes. Below is the documented rise in diabetes prevalence in Green Revolution-affected nations:

 

Diabetes Growth Over Time (% of Population):
Mexico: 1980 – 4%, 2010 – 10%, 2019 – 14%
China: 1980 – 1%, 2010 – 12%
India: 1980 – 2%, 2010 – 8%, 2019 – 11%
Pakistan: 1980 – 2%, 2010 – 13%

Comparative Analysis: The Green Revolution in Five Nations
Below is a comprehensive table highlighting how each country implemented and was affected by the Green Revolution:
Country Timeframe Main Crops Key Innovations Lead Institutions Main Goals Implementation Model Irrigation & Inputs Impact on Food Security Equity & Inclusion Lasting Legacy
India 1965–1985 Wheat, Rice HYV seeds, chemical fertilizers, irrigation ICAR, IRRI, Govt. of India Food self-sufficiency, reduce hunger Public sector led, state subsidies Canal irrigation, tube wells, fertilizers Doubled wheat and rice output; reduced imports Benefits mostly in Punjab, Haryana; smallholders excluded Agricultural self-reliance, but environmental degradation
Mexico 1943–1970s Wheat HYV wheat varieties, improved agronomy Rockefeller Foundation, CIMMYT Wheat self-sufficiency Research-driven, pilot programs Irrigation systems, chemical fertilizers Achieved wheat self-sufficiency Rural wealth disparity increased Prototype for global GR; biodiversity concerns
China 1960s–1980s Rice, Wheat HYV seeds, collective farming reforms Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences Boost grain production Government-led reforms Irrigation expansion, synthetic inputs Major grain yield boost; improved nutrition Regional inequality in impact Food security achieved; heavy ecological strain
Pakistan 1960s–1980s Wheat, Rice HYV seeds, better irrigation PARC, Government agencies Strengthen food security Public sector HYV promotion Irrigation schemes, chemical fertilizers Higher staple food availability Large landowners benefited most Agricultural growth with regional inequality
Philippines 1960s–1980s Rice IR8 rice, modern farming tools IRRI, University of the Philippines Rice yield increase, combat hunger Public-private collaboration Rain-fed and irrigated, fertilizer-based inputs Significant rise in rice availability Yield gaps across regions and farmer classes High-yield rice; concerns over sustainability

A Path Forward: Reviving Traditional Practices
In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in traditional farming and indigenous grains. Many health-conscious consumers and producers are advocating for the cultivation and consumption of ancient grains like millets, amaranth, and other non-hybrid varieties. These grains are more climate-resilient, require less water, and are naturally rich in nutrients.
Companies like Surah Foods have taken this mission seriously by reviving the cultivation and promotion of these traditional crops. By focusing on local, small-scale, and sustainable agricultural practices, they aim to reverse the environmental damage done by decades of industrial farming.

Conclusion
While the Green Revolution undeniably addressed the urgent need for food security in the mid-20th century, it came at a significant cost to environmental health, soil fertility, and public health. Countries like India, Mexico, China, Pakistan, and the Philippines now face the challenge of balancing food production with sustainability and health outcomes.
The future lies in a hybrid approach—not of seeds, but of knowledge. Blending the wisdom of traditional farming with scientific innovation may help restore ecological balance while ensuring food security for generations to come.

References:
FAO, World Bank Agriculture Reports
WHO Diabetes Global Report
IRRI, CIMMYT official archives
National agricultural boards of the respective countries
This blog aims to shed light on the legacy of the Green Revolution and inspire a thoughtful dialogue on the future of food.