Question

Assertion [A]: Green Revolution increased the toxicity of components of the environment.
Reason [R]: High inputs of fertilisers and pesticides are very harmful to the environment.

• A. Both A and R are true and R explains A
• B. Both A and R are true R does not explain A
• C. A is true and R is false
• D. Both A and R are false

Answer 1

The correct option is A Both A and R are true and R explains A

Green Revolution involves increased deployment of technologies including the use of pesticides, herbicides, fertilisers as well as new breeds of high-yielding crops to greatly increase global food production. These fertilizers and pesticides used in large scale have made the soil and the water bodies toxic.
1. Synthetic fertilisers especially those containing phosphorus and nitrogen also contain toxic impurities like cadmium, lead, arsenic and even uranium. These elements, when released into the soil, lead to pollution of underwater reservoirs by leaching through the soil.
2. Pesticides like endosulfan used for killing the tea mosquito bug affecting the cashew and tea plantation, polluted the air inhaled by humans and animals. As a result of this, people started developing cancers, endocrine or hormonal dysfunctions, infertility etc., and children were born with cerebral palsy, severe deformities, cleft palates, mental retardation and other debilitating and fatal diseases.