Previous Year Question
With reference to Western Uttar Pradesh, which of the following statements is/are correct?
Western region of U.P. is much more developed compared to other regions.
The region has witnessed the Green Revolution.
Select the correct answer from the code given below:
Only 1
Both 1 and 2
Only 2
Neither 1 nor 2
Correct Answer: B
Detailed Solution
Statement 1 is correct. Western Uttar Pradesh has traditionally been among the relatively more developed regions of the State. Fertile alluvial soils, developed irrigation facilities, high agricultural productivity, large urban centres, proximity to Delhi-NCR and industrial development have contributed to its economic development.
The regional description of the Government of Uttar Pradesh also characterises the Western Region as economically developed and having larger urban centres. Regional disparity within the State has partly reflected differences in development between western Uttar Pradesh and regions such as eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bundelkhand.
Statement 2 is also correct. The initial impact of the Green Revolution in India was concentrated mainly in the irrigated regions of Punjab, Haryana and Western Uttar Pradesh. High-Yielding Variety seeds, assured irrigation, chemical fertilisers, farm mechanisation and intensive wheat-rice cultivation substantially increased agricultural productivity in western Uttar Pradesh.
As a result of the Green Revolution, productivity of wheat and other foodgrains and market-oriented agriculture expanded in western Uttar Pradesh, with a wide impact on its rural economy.
Current status: Owing to this Green Revolution legacy, Western Uttar Pradesh continues to be identified by the Government of India as part of the “Original Green Revolution States/Region.” At the same time, problems such as groundwater depletion and intensive rice-wheat cultivation have led to the implementation of the Crop Diversification Programme in the region.