The green revolution in Korea

The history of Korea dates back 5,000 years. Korea has endured through foreign invasions while maintaining the rich heritage. However, Korea could not free itself from the shackles of food shortage. Therefore, for Koreans, increasing the volume of food production was a long cherished-desire. Starting from the early 1960s, Korea set out the first National Economic Development Plan in order to pursue self-sufficiency in food production, making it the priority in national agenda. Under the strong presidential leadership of the time, food self-sufficiency was one of the major challenges of state affairs. Hence, various policies to increase food productivity were actively promoted at the government level. As a result of these tireless efforts, by late 1970 Korea was able to achieve 100% self-sufficiency in rice production which is the main staple in Korea. The Green Revolution refers to the Korea’s achievement of self-sufficiency in rice production. (The rest omitted)