Green Revolution in India Questions and Answers – 30 Important MCQs with Detailed Explanations

The following 30 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) are designed for UPSC, SSC, Banking, Railways, PSC, State PCS, IBPS, SBI, RBI, Insurance, CDS, CAPF, CUET, and other competitive examinations in India. Each question includes the correct answer along with an easy-to-understand, concept-clearing explanation.

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1. What was the primary objective of the Green Revolution in India?

A. Increase industrial production
B. Increase agricultural production, especially food grains
C. Promote exports of manufactured goods
D. Develop the service sector

✅ Answer: B. Increase agricultural production, especially food grains

Explanation:

The Green Revolution aimed to achieve food self-sufficiency by increasing the production of food grains through the use of High-Yielding Variety (HYV) seeds, irrigation, fertilisers, pesticides, and modern farming techniques.

Option Analysis

• A is incorrect because it relates to industrial development.
• B is correct.
• C and D are unrelated to the primary objective of the Green Revolution.

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2. The Green Revolution in India began during which decade?

A. 1940s
B. 1950s
C. 1960s
D. 1990s

✅ Answer: C. 1960s

Explanation:

The Green Revolution was introduced in the mid-1960s, particularly during 1966–67, to overcome food shortages and increase agricultural productivity.

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3. Who is known as the “Father of the Green Revolution in India”?

A. Verghese Kurien
B. M. S. Swaminathan
C. Norman Borlaug
D. C. Subramaniam

✅ Answer: B. M. S. Swaminathan

Explanation:

Dr. M. S. Swaminathan is known as the Father of the Green Revolution in India for adapting high-yield agricultural technologies to Indian conditions.

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4. Who is regarded as the “Father of the Global Green Revolution”?

A. M. S. Swaminathan
B. Norman Borlaug
C. Verghese Kurien
D. Homi Bhabha

✅ Answer: B. Norman Borlaug

Explanation:

Dr. Norman Borlaug, an American agronomist, developed high-yielding wheat varieties and is widely regarded as the Father of the Global Green Revolution.

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5. Which crop benefited the most from the Green Revolution in India?

A. Tea
B. Wheat
C. Coffee
D. Jute

✅ Answer: B. Wheat

Explanation:

Wheat recorded the most significant increase in production due to the widespread adoption of HYV seeds, irrigation, and modern farming practices.

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6. Which technology formed the foundation of the Green Revolution?

A. Organic farming only
B. High-Yielding Variety (HYV) seeds
C. Traditional farming methods
D. Shifting cultivation

✅ Answer: B. High-Yielding Variety (HYV) seeds

Explanation:

HYV seeds were the backbone of the Green Revolution because they produced significantly higher yields when supported by irrigation and fertilisers.

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7. Which Indian states benefited the most during the initial phase of the Green Revolution?

A. Kerala and Assam
B. Punjab, Haryana and Western Uttar Pradesh
C. Odisha and Bihar
D. Rajasthan and Gujarat

✅ Answer: B. Punjab, Haryana and Western Uttar Pradesh

Explanation:

These states had:

• Better irrigation facilities
• Fertile alluvial soils
• Larger landholdings
• Faster adoption of modern agricultural technology

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8. Which irrigation source played a major role in the success of the Green Revolution?

A. Rain-fed farming only
B. Wells and canals
C. Desert irrigation
D. Sea water irrigation

✅ Answer: B. Wells and canals

Explanation:

Reliable irrigation through canals and tube wells enabled farmers to cultivate HYV crops successfully.

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9. Which of the following is NOT a component of the Green Revolution?

A. HYV seeds
B. Chemical fertilisers
C. Modern irrigation
D. Slash-and-burn cultivation

✅ Answer: D. Slash-and-burn cultivation

Explanation:

Slash-and-burn cultivation is a traditional farming practice and is unrelated to the Green Revolution package.

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10. Which Union Minister played an important role in implementing the Green Revolution?

A. Lal Bahadur Shastri
B. C. Subramaniam
C. Jagjivan Ram
D. Morarji Desai

✅ Answer: B. C. Subramaniam

Explanation:

C. Subramaniam, as Union Agriculture Minister, played a crucial role in introducing modern agricultural policies and technologies.

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11. Which input was widely used to improve soil fertility during the Green Revolution?

A. Plastic waste
B. Chemical fertilisers
C. Industrial waste
D. Sand

✅ Answer: B. Chemical fertilisers

Explanation:

Chemical fertilisers supplied essential nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, significantly increasing crop productivity.

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12. Which farming practice increased due to the Green Revolution?

A. Mechanised farming
B. Nomadic farming
C. Shifting cultivation
D. Hunting and gathering

✅ Answer: A. Mechanised farming

Explanation:

Farmers increasingly adopted tractors, harvesters, threshers, and pump sets to improve agricultural efficiency.

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13. The Green Revolution primarily helped India achieve:

A. Industrialisation
B. Food self-sufficiency
C. Urbanisation
D. Population control

✅ Answer: B. Food self-sufficiency

Explanation:

One of the greatest achievements of the Green Revolution was reducing India’s dependence on food grain imports.

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14. Which organisation conducts agricultural research in India?

A. RBI
B. ICAR
C. SEBI
D. NITI Aayog

✅ Answer: B. ICAR (Indian Council of Agricultural Research)

Explanation:

ICAR coordinates agricultural research, education, and extension services across India.

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15. Which crop also benefited significantly after wheat?

A. Rice
B. Coffee
C. Tea
D. Rubber

✅ Answer: A. Rice

Explanation:

Improved rice varieties and better irrigation contributed to increased rice production following the success achieved in wheat.

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16. Which of the following was a major positive outcome of the Green Revolution?

A. Decline in food production
B. Increase in food grain production
C. Reduction in irrigation
D. Elimination of farming

✅ Answer: B. Increase in food grain production

Explanation:

Food grain production rose dramatically, helping India meet domestic demand.

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17. Which of the following is a criticism of the Green Revolution?

A. Reduced agricultural productivity
B. Environmental degradation due to excessive fertiliser and pesticide use
C. Complete elimination of irrigation
D. Reduced literacy

✅ Answer: B. Environmental degradation due to excessive fertiliser and pesticide use

Explanation:

Excessive use of chemical inputs led to soil degradation, groundwater pollution, and ecological imbalance in some regions.

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18. The Green Revolution mainly benefited farmers with:

A. Irrigated land and access to resources
B. No agricultural land
C. Fishing occupations only
D. Forest-based livelihoods only

✅ Answer: A. Irrigated land and access to resources

Explanation:

Farmers with access to irrigation, credit, fertilisers, and machinery benefited more than resource-poor farmers.

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19. Which nutrient is most responsible for leafy plant growth?

A. Potassium
B. Nitrogen
C. Calcium
D. Sulphur

✅ Answer: B. Nitrogen

Explanation:

Nitrogen promotes vigorous vegetative growth and increases chlorophyll production.

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20. Which farming method is encouraged today to reduce the environmental impact of intensive agriculture?

A. Sustainable agriculture
B. Shifting cultivation
C. Primitive farming
D. Nomadic farming

✅ Answer: A. Sustainable agriculture

Explanation:

Sustainable agriculture promotes balanced use of natural resources while maintaining productivity.

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21. Which institution provides refinance and support for agriculture and rural development?

A. SEBI
B. NABARD
C. RBI Monetary Policy Committee
D. GST Council

✅ Answer: B. NABARD

Explanation:

NABARD supports agriculture and rural development through financial assistance and institutional development.

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22. Which season is most associated with wheat cultivation?

A. Kharif
B. Rabi
C. Zaid
D. Monsoon

✅ Answer: B. Rabi

Explanation:

Wheat is a Rabi crop, sown in winter and harvested in spring.

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23. Which soil is highly suitable for wheat cultivation in northern India?

A. Desert soil
B. Alluvial soil
C. Laterite soil
D. Peaty soil

✅ Answer: B. Alluvial soil

Explanation:

Alluvial soil is fertile, well-drained, and rich in nutrients, making it ideal for wheat cultivation.

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24. Which revolution is associated with increased milk production?

A. Green Revolution
B. White Revolution
C. Blue Revolution
D. Golden Revolution

✅ Answer: B. White Revolution

Explanation:

The White Revolution transformed India into one of the world’s largest milk producers through Operation Flood.

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25. Which revolution is associated with fisheries and aquaculture?

A. Green Revolution
B. Blue Revolution
C. Yellow Revolution
D. Golden Revolution

✅ Answer: B. Blue Revolution

Explanation:

The Blue Revolution focuses on increasing fish production through fisheries and aquaculture.

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26. Which of the following is an advantage of HYV seeds?

A. Lower yield than traditional seeds
B. Higher productivity under proper management
C. No need for irrigation or nutrients
D. Suitable only for deserts

✅ Answer: B. Higher productivity under proper management

Explanation:

HYV seeds can produce substantially higher yields when supported by adequate irrigation, fertilisers, and crop management.

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27. Which factor limited the spread of the Green Revolution to all parts of India?

A. Equal irrigation everywhere
B. Lack of irrigation and infrastructure in many regions
C. Excess rainfall in every district
D. Complete absence of farmers

✅ Answer: B. Lack of irrigation and infrastructure in many regions

Explanation:

Many regions lacked reliable irrigation, roads, storage, credit, and access to agricultural inputs, limiting adoption.

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28. Which of the following best describes the Green Revolution?

A. Increase in forest area
B. Increase in agricultural productivity through modern technology
C. Growth of information technology
D. Expansion of textile industries

✅ Answer: B. Increase in agricultural productivity through modern technology

Explanation:

The Green Revolution combined improved seeds, irrigation, fertilisers, pesticides, and mechanisation to boost agricultural productivity.

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29. Which government slogan encouraged food production during the Green Revolution period?

A. Make in India
B. Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan
C. Digital India
D. Skill India

✅ Answer: B. Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan

Explanation:

The slogan “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan”, given by Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri, highlighted the importance of both soldiers and farmers in nation-building.

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30. Which statement best summarises the Green Revolution in India?

A. It only increased industrial output.
B. It transformed Indian agriculture by increasing food grain production through modern technology, while also creating environmental and regional challenges.
C. It eliminated all agricultural problems permanently.
D. It was limited only to plantation crops.

✅ Answer: B. It transformed Indian agriculture by increasing food grain production through modern technology, while also creating environmental and regional challenges.

Explanation:

The Green Revolution marked a major turning point in Indian agriculture by:

• Increasing food grain production.
• Improving food security.
• Promoting modern farming methods.
• Reducing dependence on imports.

However, it also led to challenges such as:

• Soil degradation.
• Groundwater depletion.
• Excessive use of fertilisers and pesticides.
• Regional disparities in agricultural development.

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Quick Revision Table

Topic	Key Fact
Green Revolution Began	Mid-1960s (1966–67)
Main Objective	Increase food grain production
Father of Green Revolution in India	Dr. M. S. Swaminathan
Father of Global Green Revolution	Dr. Norman Borlaug
Key Crop	Wheat
Second Major Beneficiary	Rice
Major Beneficiary States	Punjab, Haryana, Western Uttar Pradesh
Key Technology	High-Yielding Variety (HYV) seeds
Essential Inputs	Irrigation, fertilisers, pesticides, mechanisation
Key Research Organisation	ICAR
Rural Development Bank	NABARD
Major Achievement	Food self-sufficiency
Major Drawback	Environmental degradation and regional inequality
Famous Slogan	Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan
Modern Alternative	Sustainable agriculture