Evergreen Revolution

The Evergreen Revolution refers to the next phase of agricultural transformation aimed at achieving sustainable increases in productivity without causing ecological or social harm. It builds upon the successes of the Green Revolution of the mid-twentieth century, which introduced high-yielding crop varieties and modern farming technologies, but seeks to overcome its environmental and resource-related shortcomings. The term was popularised by Dr. M. S. Swaminathan, an eminent Indian agricultural scientist, who envisioned an agricultural system that ensures both food security and ecological balance for present and future generations.

Background and Concept

The Green Revolution of the 1960s and 1970s dramatically improved food grain production in countries such as India, Mexico, and the Philippines. By introducing high-yielding varieties (HYVs) of wheat and rice, chemical fertilisers, irrigation expansion, and mechanisation, it helped nations overcome chronic food shortages. However, over time, its adverse environmental impacts became evident — soil degradation, groundwater depletion, loss of biodiversity, and chemical pollution.
To address these issues, Dr. Swaminathan introduced the concept of an Evergreen Revolution, defining it as “productivity improvement in perpetuity without ecological and social harm.” The idea focuses on maintaining the momentum of agricultural growth while ensuring long-term sustainability of natural resources.

Objectives of the Evergreen Revolution

The Evergreen Revolution aims to transform agriculture into an ecologically sustainable and socially inclusive enterprise. Its main objectives include:

• Enhancing agricultural productivity while conserving natural resources.
• Promoting environmentally friendly technologies such as organic and precision farming.
• Ensuring food and nutritional security for a growing population.
• Empowering small and marginal farmers through equitable access to knowledge and resources.
• Minimising dependence on chemical inputs by promoting bio-fertilisers and integrated pest management.
• Encouraging diversification towards high-value and climate-resilient crops.

In essence, the Evergreen Revolution seeks to make agriculture not only productive but also resilient, regenerative, and inclusive.

Key Features

The defining features of the Evergreen Revolution distinguish it from the earlier Green Revolution:

• Sustainability: Emphasises soil health, water conservation, and biodiversity protection.
• Technology integration: Uses biotechnology, information technology, and remote sensing for precision agriculture.
• Ecological balance: Reduces environmental damage through renewable energy use and waste recycling.
• Farmer participation: Involves farmers as stakeholders in innovation, training, and resource management.
• Equitable growth: Targets smallholders and women farmers to ensure social justice.
• Climate adaptation: Promotes crops and techniques suited to changing climate patterns.

Components of the Evergreen Revolution

The strategy of the Evergreen Revolution rests on several interrelated components designed to enhance productivity sustainably:

1. Sustainable Resource Management:
   • Conservation of soil fertility through organic manures and crop rotation.
   • Efficient water use via drip irrigation, rainwater harvesting, and watershed development.
   • Agroforestry and mixed farming to restore ecological diversity.
2. Scientific and Technological Innovation:
   • Use of biotechnology for developing pest-resistant and nutrient-rich crops.
   • Application of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing for crop monitoring.
   • Adoption of climate-smart practices and renewable energy in farming.
3. Diversification of Agriculture:
   • Shift from monoculture to multi-cropping systems including pulses, oilseeds, fruits, and vegetables.
   • Promotion of integrated farming systems combining crops, livestock, fisheries, and horticulture.
4. Human and Institutional Development:
   • Capacity building through agricultural extension services and farmer field schools.
   • Strengthening cooperatives, self-help groups, and farmer-producer organisations.
5. Policy Support and Governance:
   • Reforms in pricing, subsidies, and marketing to incentivise sustainable practices.
   • Encouragement of public–private partnerships for research, infrastructure, and technology dissemination.

Difference between Green Revolution and Evergreen Revolution

Relevance in Indian Agriculture

In India, the Evergreen Revolution has significant relevance due to rising population pressure, shrinking arable land, and environmental stress. The country faces challenges such as:

• Overuse of groundwater and chemical fertilisers.
• Declining soil fertility and productivity.
• Climate change-induced droughts and floods.
• Unequal distribution of agricultural benefits.

Dr. M. S. Swaminathan advocated for a Second Green Revolution that is “evergreen” — particularly suited to India’s smallholder-dominated agricultural system. Initiatives like the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA), Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) for organic farming, and Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) for water management embody the principles of the Evergreen Revolution.

Role of Biotechnology and Innovation

Biotechnology plays a central role in achieving the goals of the Evergreen Revolution. The development of genetically modified (GM) crops resistant to pests, diseases, and drought contributes to reducing chemical dependence and crop losses. Additionally, innovations such as biofertilisers, biopesticides, and tissue culture enhance productivity while maintaining environmental balance.
Information and communication technologies (ICTs) also enable farmers to access weather forecasts, market prices, and agronomic advice, improving decision-making and risk management. Precision agriculture, employing drones, sensors, and data analytics, helps optimise input use and minimise waste.

Ecological and Social Dimensions

The Evergreen Revolution encompasses ecological, economic, and social dimensions:

• Ecological: Ensures conservation of biodiversity and natural resources.
• Economic: Enhances farm profitability through efficient resource use and diversification.
• Social: Promotes rural livelihoods, gender equity, and community participation.

The concept integrates sustainable livelihoods with ecological stewardship, aiming for harmony between human activity and nature.

Global Implications

The Evergreen Revolution has global resonance in the context of climate change and food insecurity. The United Nations and international organisations such as the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) emphasise sustainable agricultural intensification as key to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) — particularly SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).
Countries across Asia, Africa, and Latin America are adopting evergreen principles to improve productivity while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and conserving ecosystems.

Challenges and the Way Forward

Despite its promise, the Evergreen Revolution faces several challenges:

• Limited awareness and training among farmers.
• Initial high costs of sustainable technologies.
• Weak institutional support and market infrastructure.
• Policy inconsistency and inadequate investment in agricultural research.

To advance this revolution, there must be:

• Greater investment in agroecological research and innovation.
• Strengthened extension services to transfer sustainable practices to farmers.
• Development of value chains for organic and climate-resilient products.
• Integration of traditional wisdom with modern science.