<P> Due to traditional agricultural practices, low productivity, and a growing population, often food grains were imported--draining scarce foreign reserves . It was thought that with the increased production due to the Green Revolution, the government could maintain buffer stock and India could achieve self - sufficiency and self - reliability . </P> <P> Agriculture was basically for subsistence and, therefore, less agricultural product was offered for sale in the market . Hence, the need was felt to encourage the farmers to increase their production and offer a greater portion of their products for sale in the market . The new methods in agriculture increased the yield of rice and wheat, which reduced India's dependence on food imports . </P> <P> Criticism of the effects of the green revolution include the cost for many small farmers using HYV seeds, with their associated demands of increased irrigation systems and pesticides . A case study is found in India, where farmers are buying Monsanto BT cotton seeds--sold on the idea that these seeds produced' natural insecticides' . In reality, they need to still pay for expensive pesticides and irrigation systems, which might lead to increased borrowing to finance the change from traditional seed varieties . Many farmers have difficulty in paying for the expensive technologies, especially if they have a bad harvest . </P> <P> Indian environmentalist Vandana Shiva writes that this is the "second Green Revolution". The first Green Revolution, she suggests, was mostly publicly funded (by the Indian Government). This new Green Revolution, she says, is driven by private (and foreign) interest--notably MNCs like Monsanto . Ultimately, this is leading to foreign ownership over most of India's farmland . </P>

Explain the harmful effects of green revolution in indian farming