In the 1960's, Green Revolution methods were transplanted to Asia, but the emphasis of hybrid research was on wheat and rice. The results were impressive:
OUTPUT (metric tons)
China South Asia
rice wheat maize rice wheat maize
1961-1965 72.2 19.1 20 72.7 15.5 6
1986-1990 176.9 90.1 80 135.9 63.5 10
Critics claim that these methods foster dependence on expensive inputs, diminish the natural genetic diversity and resilience of "natural" seed, and promote the intensive use of fertilizers, herbicides, and insecticides, which can lead to pollution of soil and groundwater. There is some evidence that only the wealthiest farmers with large farms and the resources to acquire expensive inputs were able to benefit from Green Revolution methods.
