Final answer:
The Green Revolution increased agricultural yields through the development of high-response varieties of crops, expansion of irrigation, and the use of artificial fertilizers and pesticides, led by Norman Borlaug. Despite its success in preventing famine, it has been critiqued for causing social inequality and unsustainable practices.
Step-by-step explanation:
Green Revolution Methods to Increase Crop Yields
The methods employed by the Green Revolution to increase crop yields were revolutionary and multi-faceted. Central to this transformation was the development of high-response varieties (HRV) of crops like wheat, rice, maize, and millet by Norman Borlaug and others. These dwarf varieties had multiple benefits including increased seed production, enhanced disease resistance, and greater tolerance to environmental stressors such as drought and excessive rain. Additionally, the methods included expanding irrigation systems, utilizing artificial fertilizers and pesticides, and increasing the intensity of farming with machinery.
These advancements not only increased crop yield dramatically but also altered traditional agricultural practices significantly. The Green Revolution's introduction of hybrid seeds and the need for agrochemicals and machinery led to social and economic changes, with larger farms often benefiting more than small-scale subsistence farmers. Despite criticism for creating social inequality and contributing to unsustainable practices such as over-irrigation, the Green Revolution is acknowledged for preventing global famines and enhancing food security for a growing global population.