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UPSC Prelims 1994 · Agriculture · Seeds, Water and Fertiliser
In the true sense of freedom from hunger, has not been achieved in India in spite of a more than threefold rise in food grains production over 1950–1990. Which of the following are the reasons for it? I. The green revolution has been restricted to small pockets of the country. II. The cost of food is too high compared to the earnings of the poor. III. Too much emphasis is laid on wheat and paddy compared to the coarse grains. IV. The gains of the green revolution have largely accrued to the cash crop rather than food crops. Select the correct answer from the codes given below:
- (a) I, II and III
- (b) I, II and IV
- (c) I, III and IV
- (d) II, III and IV
Show the answer and explanation
Answer: (a) I, II and III
The Green Revolution was limited to pockets, food was costly for the poor, and wheat–paddy were favoured over coarse grains.
Why the others are wrong
(b) Statement IV is wrong — the gains went mainly to food crops (wheat, rice).
(c) Includes IV.
(d) Includes IV.
The trap
Statement IV reverses the Green Revolution — it was a FOOD crop revolution.
🔒 Hunger = access and affordability (Amartya Sen), not just production.
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