Golden Revolution
Topic: Rural Development: Diversification, Allied Sectors and Organic Farming · NCERT: Class 11, Ch 5 "Rural Development"
Meaning
The Golden Revolution means the rapid growth of horticulture (fruits, vegetables, flowers, spices and plantation crops) in India during 1991-2003. In this period, planned investment made horticulture a sustainable livelihood option for many rural families. Horticulture is diversified and high-value, and it suits India's varied climate and soils. The term is sometimes also used for honey.
Example
Horticulture now provides nearly one-third of the value of agricultural output and 6% of GDP (Class 11). India is the second-largest producer of fruits and vegetables, after China. Horticultural output has exceeded foodgrain output every year since 2012-13.
Don't confuse with
- Golden Fibre Revolution: this refers to jute, not horticulture. It is a common UPSC trap.
- Green Revolution: this began in the mid-1960s and focused on high-yielding wheat and rice for foodgrain self-sufficiency. The Golden Revolution was about diverse, high-value crops.