What was the primary outcome of the Green Revolution?

The primary outcome of the Green Revolution was the development of new varieties of grain that produce larger yields in the same amount of land. This agricultural movement, which began in the mid-20th century, focused on increasing food production to combat hunger and feed the growing global population. Researchers and agronomists developed high-yielding varieties (HYVs) of staple crops like wheat and rice, which were specifically bred to maximize production in various regions.

These new grain varieties were accompanied by advancements in agricultural practices, including the use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and irrigation techniques, which further enhanced productivity. The significant increase in crop yields allowed countries, especially in Asia and Latin America, to achieve food security and reduce poverty levels. While genetically modified organisms (GMOs) have since become more prevalent in agriculture, they were not a primary or defining characteristic of the Green Revolution itself, which revolved around traditional breeding techniques rather than genetic engineering. Additionally, while the Green Revolution had some impact on pest and disease management, its main achievement was the spectacular increase in the quantity of food produced per acre.