The Green Revolution aimed to increase food production through the adoption of high-yield variety seeds, modern agricultural practices, and government subsidies. It led to a significant rise in agricultural productivity and contributed to food self-sufficiency in India. However, the narrative of success masks the profound socio-economic disparities and environmental challenges it brought about.

The victory narrative

1. Increased Food Production: The Green Revolution undeniably succeeded in boosting food production, particularly of wheat and rice.  Hanumantha Rao stated that  resulted in greater food security for the country’s burgeoning population.
2. Improved Living Standards:  According to T. K. Oommen green revolution resulted in increased rural employment and poverty decline in rural areas. The economic transformation in rural areas brought about an increase in living standards. Households acquired appliances and enjoyed improved access to education and healthcare, fostering social mobility.
3. Technological Advancement: The Green Revolution introduced modern agricultural technologies, which paved the way for further innovations and mechanization in the agricultural sector.

Critiques of victory narrative

• Social Inequality: Daniel Thorner argues that the Green Revolution exacerbated social and economic inequalities, as green revolution did not help poor as there is strong linkage between the  caste and classes in context of appropriating the benefits of green revolution .  The benefits were largely concentrated in the hands of dominant castes and big farmers, further marginalizing the vulnerable sections of society.
• Domestication of women:  Utsa Patnaik highlighted that women removed from the labour and glorification of gendered expressive role of women has exacerbated and also it has led to issue of missing women due to sex selective abortions. Nivedita Menon has attributed the feminisation of poverty to green revolution .
• Marginalization of Small Farmers: Utsa Patnaik criticizes the Green Revolution for its negative impact on small and marginal farmers. They could not afford the high costs of modern inputs and machinery, leading to increased indebtedness.
• Environmental Degradation : the environmental consequences of the Green Revolution includes the depletion of groundwater and the loss of biodiversity. These issues pose long-term challenges for sustainable development.
• Structural Problems Unaddressed: Gail Omvedt points out that the Green Revolution failed to address the underlying structural problems of Indian agriculture, such as landlessness and the exploitation of agricultural labor. These issues persist today.
• Vandana Shiva highlight that that first green revolution initiated a process of second green revolution which is driven by multinational and private interests . It made agriculture a costly and unsustainable affair .
• Loss of Biodiversity: Vandana Shiva argues that the Green Revolution led to the destruction of traditional farming systems and the loss of biodiversity. It also contributed to the overuse of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, causing further environmental harm.
• Social and Cultural Impacts: The Green Revolution promoted materialism and consumerism, leading to a rise in relative deprivation and social issues like substance abuse and prostitution.
• Ashok Rudra the Green Revolution for its focus on high-yielding varieties of crops, which require large amounts of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, leading to environmental degradation and health hazards.
• Additionally, it led to a decline in religiosity and traditional values, causing social tension, as seen in the rise of cults like Bhindranwale in Punjab.

It is essential to transition from the Green Revolution to an Evergreen Revolution as highlighted by M. S. Swaminathan. This shift should focus on sustainable farming practices, conserving biodiversity, and addressing socio-economic disparities.