Question

Which of the following state in India first adopted Green Revolution ?

• A. Haryana
• B. Punjab
• C. Uttar Pradesh
• D. Madhya Pradesh

Hint:

Green Revolution Pioneers:
- Global Father: Norman Borlaug (developed dwarf wheat at CIMMYT).
- Indian Father: M. S. Swaminathan.
- First Indian State to Adopt: Punjab (followed by Haryana and Western UP).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Concept:
The Green Revolution in India was launched in the mid-1960s to achieve self-sufficiency in food grain production.
It introduced a technological package featuring High Yielding Varieties (HYVs) of semi-dwarf wheat, assured canal/tube-well irrigation, synthetic chemical fertilizers, and mechanical farm implements.

Step 1: Historical Rollout of the Technology Package:
Under the leadership of agricultural scientist Dr. M. S. Swaminathan and Union Food Minister C. Subramaniam, the Government of India introduced dwarf Mexican wheat varieties bred by Dr. Norman Borlaug (e.g., Sonora 64, Lerma Rojo).
The state selected as the prime pilot testing ground for the initial rollout in 1966-67 was Punjab.

Step 2: Sociological and Geographical Selection Rationale:
Punjab was selected as the first adopter due to several distinct agro-ecological advantages:
1. Existing extensive perennial canal network established during the colonial era, supplemented by rapid rural electrification for tube wells.
2. Fertile alluvial soils deposited by the Indus river system.
3. A enterprising peasantry with relatively larger landholdings capable of investing in mechanization (tractors, threshers) and purchasing synthetic chemical inputs.
The immediate success in Punjab caused wheat yields to jump exponentially, earning the region the reputation of being the "Wheat Granary of India" before the techniques were extended to Haryana and Western Uttar Pradesh.
Final Answer:
The state that first adopted the Green Revolution in India was Punjab, corresponding to option (B).