Which event is credited with enabling developing countries to produce higher-yielding, disease-resistant varieties of small grain?

The Green Revolution is the pivotal event credited with enabling developing countries to produce higher-yielding, disease-resistant varieties of small grain. This movement, which began in the mid-20th century, introduced new agricultural techniques, including the use of high-yielding varieties (HYVs) of staple crops such as wheat and rice, along with increased use of fertilizers, pesticides, and irrigation. These methods transformed food production in many developing countries, significantly enhancing crop productivity and food security.

The focus on breeding disease-resistant varieties helped mitigate the vulnerabilities inherent in agriculture, allowing farmers to withstand pest invasions and diseases that previously could devastate large portions of their harvests. Consequently, the Green Revolution not only increased the quantity of food produced but also improved the quality and resilience of crops, significantly benefiting rural economies and reducing hunger in many regions.

Other options like Agricultural Expansion and Industrial Farming do touch on aspects of agricultural development but don’t specifically address the introduction of disease-resistant varieties or the significant innovations in crop genetics that characterized the Green Revolution. The Food Security Initiative pertains more to policies aimed at ensuring the availability of food rather than the specific agricultural advancements that led to higher yields through crop improvements.