Alongside increased yields, what were some downsides of the Green Revolution?

Alongside increased yields, what were some downsides of the Green Revolution?

• A. It led to universal poverty.
• B. It caused complete environmental restoration.
• C. It increased yields but also increased inequality and environmental concerns.
• D. It eliminated the need for pesticides.

Answer: (C)

The main idea here is that the Green Revolution boosted crop yields but did not come without costs. Wealthier farmers could invest in high‑yield seeds, fertilizers, and irrigation, which often widened income and landholding gaps with poorer farmers who couldn’t afford these inputs. Environmentally, heavy use of chemicals and irrigation led to problems such as soil degradation, water depletion, pesticide pollution, and loss of biodiversity, raising concerns about sustainability and long-term productivity. This combination of higher output alongside growing inequality and environmental worries is why this option is the best fit. The other statements aren’t accurate: poverty did not become universal, the environment was not completely restored, and pesticides were not eliminated—in fact, usage tended to rise.

The main idea here is that the Green Revolution boosted crop yields but did not come without costs. Wealthier farmers could invest in high‑yield seeds, fertilizers, and irrigation, which often widened income and landholding gaps with poorer farmers who couldn’t afford these inputs. Environmentally, heavy use of chemicals and irrigation led to problems such as soil degradation, water depletion, pesticide pollution, and loss of biodiversity, raising concerns about sustainability and long-term productivity. This combination of higher output alongside growing inequality and environmental worries is why this option is the best fit. The other statements aren’t accurate: poverty did not become universal, the environment was not completely restored, and pesticides were not eliminated—in fact, usage tended to rise.