3rd Agricultural Revolution Green Revolution 20th Century

Norman Bourlag: Father of Green Revolution

Beginning There are varying dates of the actually beginning of the revolution, but many estimate it around WWII (1940s) Norman Borlaug was in Mexico in 1943 trying to help produce more in the rural areas. Norman was granted funding by the Rockefeller Foundation to help spread the technology to developing nations First called Green Revolution in 1968

Punjab region in India

Success Story In the early 1960s, Norman was invited to India The Punjab region of India was to be the test site for the new technology IR8-a semi-dwarf rice produced more grains when grown with certain fertilizers and irrigation Known as “miracle rice” From 1960s-1990s yields have tripled, also prices have dropped from $550 per ton to $200 per ton India now one of world’s most successful rice producers and a major exporter

Africa: Slow Progress even with science

Failed attempts Africa has had several attempts using the HYV or High-Yield Varieties, but none have been a success Reasons: corruption, lack of infrastructure, lack of water and irrigation, lack of skilled farmers NERICA-New Rice for Africa, could double yields but no real success story yet

Miracle Rice or IR8

Cross Breeding Plants: Selective Breeding: Genetic Engineering

Technologies Pesticides, Irrigation Projects, synthetic nitrogen Cross breeding corn, wheat, rice to create HYV Molecular genetics have changed shape and size to support the different grains

India Production since 1965: Wheat

Production Doubled in developing nations from 1961-1985 This can ease foreign aid to developing nations 25% increase in caloric intake in developing nations

Negatives Farms now more addicted to petroleum Monocultures developed Ecological demands-pesticides, soil, water Diet change, lack of flavor Single farmer vs. Commercial/Agribusiness What affects will be felt worldwide in agricultural areas when petroleum runs out?

India 2000 drought

Water Usage Water usage has increased worldwide since Green Revolution Extreme water intensive plants using high tech fertilizers causing drain on tributaries and major water sources Example: SW USA uses 36% of our water but only receives 6% rainfall Also water quality decreasing-salinization, oxygen depletion due to algae growth

Project Water Shortages

Scenario Pick one side and write on it Defend your position: (Pro or Con-You Pick) The 3rd Agricultural Revolution was a necessary and successful event for humans. Possible video to stimulate discussion http://www.metacafe.com/watch/1708683/richard_manning_on_the_green_revolution/