Green Revolution: past and current challenges

Abstract

This article uses the methodological procedure of an exploratory and descriptive study,
with the objective of analyzing the impacts or negative externalities of the Green
Revolution, although it is recognized that it has generated positive results such as: the
geographical expansion of agriculture and increased productivity; supply of food to the
domestic market; export of agricultural commodities; development of agro-industry
and input industry; among others. On the other hand, the Green Revolution resulted
in land concentration and rural exodus; simplification of production systems through
monoculture and reduction in the number of cultivated species; deforestation and
degradation of natural biomes and biodiversity; dependence on pesticides and synthetic
fertilizers; and increased greenhouse gas emissions. Even the expansion of the use of
genetically modified organisms, or transgenic organisms, did not solve the negative
externalities of the Green Revolution. Therefore, the need for profound transformations
in agricultural production processes and in the structure and functions of public policies
cannot be ruled out in order to face the new challenges of food security and nutritional
quality in line with the principles of sustainability: increased productivity; conservation 

and recovery of natural resources; increase in income and in quality of life, and social inclusion of producers; resilience of communities
and agroecosystems in relation to climate change; and effective and responsible governance mechanisms. At the end, challenges are
presented to drive these transformations towards sustainability.