The green revolution actually started in 1960 in developing countries where modern and western types of farming techniques were been applied in order to improve their output.

This began in Mexico and where new varieties of wheat and maize were developed to solve the country food problems. The new varieties were able to withstand strong wind, heavy rainfall and diseases. Yields of maize and wheat tripled, new seeds were taken to India, Philippine and Thailand were with population growth was far more than food supply.

Later new varieties of improved rice were developed e.g. IRO (miracle rice)

Characteristics of green revolution

• It involves engineering to improve varieties of crops and animals
• Large amount of fertilization is needed to improve soil fertility
• There is practice of Irrigation to improve on soil moisture
• It involves Mechanization e.g. the use of tractors
• There is high application of herbicides

Benefits of the green revolution

• Increases crop use
• Up to 3 crops can be grown each year
• Improvement in standards of living
• The growing of rice wheat and maize provided

• Population with varying diet

Problems of the green revolution

• High yield varieties are more costly to grow as it needs more fertilizers and irrigation
• Farming is not successful on alluvial plains when flooding occurs
• Farm mechanization has increased rural unemployment
• Some farmers are unable to afford for tractors, fertilizers and pesticides
• Farm input like fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides have contaminated water source causing health problems