7 types of food revolutions and how they impacted the food industry

Food not only connects people, it also brings revolution to the world of mankind. If we look at history, there have been path-breaking food revolutions that have played a key role in defining the present state of the food world. In India and around the world, these food revolutions have been identified by colours, representing a specific agricultural sector such as grains, dairy, fisheries, or horticulture. The motive of these revolutions has been to improve production, support farmers, and ensure a stable food supply chain. Take a look at these most prominent ones and how they impacted the system at large.

It is one of the most significant revolutions associated with the food industry. It took place in the 20th century in the 1960s and this agricultural movement focused on increasing the production of food grains, particularly wheat and rice. It helped improve irrigation methods, fertilizers, and modern farming equipment dramatically increased agricultural productivity. In India, it helped overcome severe food shortages.

Also known as Operation Flood, this revolution transformed India into one of the world’s largest producers of milk. It empowered the dairy farmer and helped improve milk collection, processing, distribution systems, and fair pricing.

Also known as Neel Kranti Mission, it was associated with the rapid development of fisheries and aquaculture. This was started during the 7th Five-Year Plan (1985-1990), and was later renamed in 2015-16 as "Blue Revolution: Integrated Development and Management of Fisheries." It helped increase fish production and provided livelihood opportunities to millions of fishermen across the country.

It was launched in 1986-87 with a motive of increasing the production of oilseeds. The key motive of this revolution was to reduce dependence on imported edible oils and strengthen domestic oilseed farming. It also lead to the launch of Oilseeds Technological Mission (OTM) during the launch year 1986.

This one took place between 1991-2003 and focused on the development of horticulture, including fruits, vegetables, honey, and flowers. It encouraged farmers to cultivate high-value crops such as apples, mangoes, bananas, and spices.

This revolution was associated with the rapid growth of the poultry sector. It helped in the production of eggs and chicken through better breeding techniques, improved feed, and modern poultry farming practices.

It began in the 1980s and continued until 2008. It referred to the growth in meat production and improvements in livestock farming.

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