Which statement describes the Green Revolution?

• A. It involved rapid diffusion of high-yield seeds, fertilizers, and GMOs
• B. It focused on organic farming
• C. It relied on wind-powered irrigation
• D. It halted after the 20th century

Answer: (A)

The Green Revolution refers to the rapid spread and adoption of modern agricultural technologies that dramatically increased crop yields. Central to this shift were high-yield varieties of staple crops, along with greater use of chemical fertilizers, improved irrigation, and other input-intensive farming practices. This combination allowed farmers to produce far more food per acre, helping to avert famines in many developing countries during the mid- to late-20th century.

Why this statement fits best is that it highlights the key driver of the revolution: the diffusion of high-yield seeds, paired with fertilizers, which together pushed yields upward and transformed agricultural production. Biotechnology and genetic improvements have also played a role in subsequent decades, reinforcing the idea that modern farming relies on advanced seed varieties and inputs to boost output.

Context helps: the movement began around the 1940s–1960s and spread widely to Asia, Latin America, and beyond, often through international research and government-supported programs. It brought huge gains in productivity but also raised concerns about environmental impact, reliance on chemical inputs, and equity among farmers.

Other ideas don’t fit as well because the Green Revolution is about industrial-scale input use and yield increases, not organic farming; it isn’t defined by wind-powered irrigation; and it did not simply end after the 20th century—the changes continued to evolve with new biotech and agrochemical developments.