Two Blades of Grass: The Impact of the Green Revolution

54 Pages Posted: 25 Jun 2018 Last revised: 10 Feb 2023

See all articles by Douglas Gollin

Douglas Gollin

Oxford Department of International Development; Williams College; Yale University

Casper Worm Hansen

University of Copenhagen - Department of Economics; University of Copenhagen

Asger Moll Wingender

University of Copenhagen - Department of Economics

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Date Written: June 2018

Abstract

We examine the economic impact of high-yielding crop varieties (HYVs) in developing countries 1960-2000. We use time variation in the development and diffusion of HYVs of 10 major crops, spatial variation in agro-climatically suitability for growing them, and a differences-in-differences strategy to identify the causal effects of adoption. In a sample of 84 counties, we estimate that a 10 percentage points increase in HYV adoption increases GDP per capita by about 15 percent. This effect is fully accounted for by the direct effect on crop yields, factor adjustment, and structural transformation. We also find that HYV adoption reduced both fertility and mortality.

Suggested Citation

Gollin, Douglas and Hansen, Casper Worm and Hansen, Casper Worm and Wingender, Asger Moll, Two Blades of Grass: The Impact of the Green Revolution (June 2018). NBER Working Paper No. w24744, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3202047

Douglas Gollin (Contact Author)

Oxford Department of International Development ( email )

Queen Elizabeth House
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Williams College ( email )

Fernald House
Williamstown, MA 01267
United States

Yale University ( email )

28 Hillhouse Ave
New Haven, CT 06520-8264
United States

Casper Worm Hansen

University of Copenhagen - Department of Economics ( email )

Øster Farimagsgade 5
Copenhagen K, DK 1153
Denmark

University of Copenhagen ( email )

Nørregade 10
Copenhagen, København DK-1165
Denmark

Asger Moll Wingender

University of Copenhagen - Department of Economics ( email )

Øster Farimagsgade 5
Bygning 26
1353 Copenhagen K.
Denmark

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