The Green Revolution, initiated in India in the mid-1960s, was instrumental in transforming the country from a food-deficient nation to a food-surplus one, primarily through the introduction of High-Yielding Varieties (HYVs) of wheat and rice, coupled with chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and assured irrigation. While it undeniably achieved food security, its long-term implementation has incurred significant economic, social, and ecological costs.

Economically, the Green Revolution led to increased input costs for farmers, particularly for seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, and irrigation, often pushing small and marginal farmers into debt. The government also bore a heavy burden through subsidies for these inputs. It exacerbated regional disparities, with states like Punjab and Haryana benefiting disproportionately, while rain-fed and dryland regions lagged. The focus on monoculture also made farmers vulnerable to market fluctuations and pest outbreaks.

Socially, the revolution widened the gap between large and small farmers, as wealthier farmers could more easily adopt the new technologies. It led to the displacement of traditional farming practices and knowledge, and in some areas, increased rural-to-urban migration. Health issues emerged due to prolonged exposure to pesticides, affecting both farmers and consumers, and contributing to a decline in soil health that impacted future generations.

Ecologically, the costs have been profound. Intensive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides degraded soil quality, leading to loss of fertility, salinization, and alkalinity. Over-extraction of groundwater for irrigation caused severe depletion of water tables, particularly in the breadbasket regions. Chemical runoff polluted water bodies, affecting aquatic ecosystems and human health. The reliance on a few HYV strains led to a significant loss of indigenous crop biodiversity, making agriculture more susceptible to diseases and climate change. Furthermore, practices like stubble burning, a consequence of mechanized harvesting, contributed to air pollution. In essence, while the Green Revolution addressed immediate food needs, it created a legacy of environmental degradation and socio-economic challenges that continue to demand sustainable solutions.