Question

indias green revolution
in 1963, india was on the brink of a devastating famine. hoping to avert it, the indian government invited norman borlaug, who had developed high - yielding wheat in mexico, to assess this crops feasibility in india. the result was the development and use of enhanced seeds for wheat, rice, and some other crops. these seeds made harvests much larger than previous ones, necessitating advances in the use of modern farming equipment and the expansion of farmlands. because the new high - yielding crop varieties (hyvs) needed plenty of water, irrigation devices were
what does the phrase double - edged sword on page 4 convey about the authors view of the green revolution?
it suggests that profits from the green revolution will outweigh damage to the environment.
it suggests that the techniques used in the green revolution have both strengths and drawbacks.
it implies that the sustainable farming practices introduced by the green revolution have minimized environmental effects.
it implies that the expansion of irrigation and farmlands through the green revolution has helped the government as much as the farmers.

Explanation:

The phrase "double - edged sword" means something that has both positive and negative aspects. The Green Revolution's techniques (like HYVs) increased harvests (strength) but also had drawbacks (like needing more water and farmland expansion, which could have negative environmental or social impacts). The first option says profits outweigh damage, which is not what a double - edged sword implies. The third option says sustainable practices minimized effects, but the Green Revolution's practices weren't all sustainable and a double - edged sword isn't about minimizing. The fourth option is about helping government and farmers equally, not about dual - nature. Only the second option says the techniques have both strengths and drawbacks, which matches the meaning of "double - edged sword".

Answer:

B. It suggests that the techniques used in the Green Revolution have both strengths and drawbacks.