Which concerns are associated with the Green Revolution and its sustainability?

• A. It increased yields without any environmental costs
• B. It expanded smallholder autonomy and reduced dependence on external inputs
• C. It raises concerns about environmental damage, inequality, reliance on inputs, and long-term sustainability
• D. It eliminated the need for farming communities

Answer: (C)

The question is about the sustainability implications of the Green Revolution. While this movement did boost crop yields through high-yield varieties, expanded irrigation, and greater use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, it also brought significant concerns that affect long-term sustainability. The best answer recognizes that these changes are not cost-free: environmental damage such as soil degradation, water depletion and pollution, and biodiversity loss can occur from intensified input use and monocropping. Socially, the benefits often favored those who could access modern seeds and inputs, potentially widening inequality and leaving some farmers dependent on external suppliers. Dependency on external inputs—seeds, chemicals, and credit—raised questions about resilience and long-term viability, as costs can rise and ecological and economic systems can become fragile. Taken together, these issues show why the Green Revolution raises concerns about environmental impact, social inequality, reliance on inputs, and sustainability over the long run.