• UGI USER
  • Sep 29, 2023
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MS Swaminathan- Architect of India’s Green Revolution.

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  • GS Paper 3: Agricultural produce and issues and related constraints; e-technology in the aid of farmers.
  • Public Distribution System- objectives, functioning, limitations, revamping; issues of buffer stocks and food security; Technology missions; economics of animal-rearing.
  • Tags: #greenrevolution #swaminathan #selfreliance #currentaffairs #upsc.

Why in the News?

Dr. MS Swaminathan’s enduring legacy continues to inspire students and scientists in the field of agriculture. His pivotal role in the Green Revolution in India during the mid-1960s, alongside Norman Borlaug, saved millions from starvation during a period of drought and food scarcity.

Early Life & Education

  • Born on August 7, 1925, in Kumbakonam, Madras Presidency, MS Swaminathan was the second son of Dr. M. K. Sambasivan and Parvati Thangammal Sambasivan.
  • He began his schooling at the local high school and later transferred to the Catholic Little Flower High School in Kumbakonam, where he successfully passed the matriculation examination at the young age of 15.
  • His decision to dedicate his life to ensuring India’s food security was inspired by the devastating impact of the Bengal famine of 1943 during World War II and the recurring rice shortages in the subcontinent.
  • MS Swaminathan pursued his undergraduate studies in zoology, and subsequently, he delved into Agricultural science and genetics as he continued his academic journey.

Agricultural Transformation 

  • Under Dr. Swaminathan’s leadership, India underwent a significant wheat and rice revolution, bolstering its food security. India evolved from an importer to a major exporter of cereals, contributing significantly to global food security.

Dr. MS Swaminathan held several prominent positions in the field of agriculture, both within India and internationally. His notable roles included:

  • Independent Chairman of the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) Council from 1981 to 1985.
  • President of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) from 1984 to 1990.
  • President of the World Wide Fund for Nature (India) from 1989 to 1996.
  • Director General of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), in addition to various other significant positions. 

The Green Revolution

  • India, facing severe droughts and a food crisis, was known as a “ship to mouth” economy, heavily reliant on wheat imports from the US under the PL.480 scheme.
  • As an agriculture scientist, he harnessed his knowledge and expertise to initiate agricultural transformation in India.
  • Swaminathan focused on teaching Indian farmers innovative techniques to enhance their agricultural productivity, including the cultivation of high-yielding wheat varieties, the use of fertilizers, and the adoption of modern farming practices designed to reduce the burden on farmers.
  • In collaboration with Norman Borlaug and fellow scientists, he actively worked on the development of High-Yielding Variety (HYV) wheat seeds in the 1960s. These seeds were promoted vigorously among farmers across the country.
  • Swaminathan’s efforts led to the importation of 18,000 tonnes of high-yielding dwarf wheat varieties, Lerma Rojo and Sonora-64, from Mexico.
  • These seeds were adapted to local conditions, resulting in the indigenization of wheat production with Kalyan Sona and Sonalika varieties.
  • Swaminathan organized numerous exhibitions in northern India in 1965, aimed at educating small-scale farmers about the potential of genetically engineered grains to yield higher crop outputs on the same land. These demonstrations were groundbreaking, tripling crop yields within the first year of the Green Revolution.
  • Overcoming the challenge of illiteracy among many farmers, Swaminathan provided training on the implementation of these new agricultural techniques.
  • Thanks to his efforts, agricultural production in India surged from 12 million tonnes to 23 million tonnes in just four crop seasons.
  • Subsequently, Dr. Swaminathan collaborated with Prime Minister Indira Gandhi to formulate agricultural programs and policies aimed at ensuring India’s self-sufficiency in agriculture for years to come.

Honors and Awards

  • Swaminathan received numerous accolades, including the first World Food Prize in 1987, awarded by Norman Borlaug, who had received the Nobel Peace Prize.
  • He was also honored with the Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Vibhushan, among other prestigious awards.

Legacy 

  • Even in his late 80s, Dr. Swaminathan remained an energetic and inspiring figure, passionately advocating for agriculture. His work extended beyond technology, as he chaired the National Commission on Farmers (NCF) and emphasized minimum support prices (MSP) for farmers, ensuring their profitability.

Unfulfilled Dreams

  • Despite his remarkable contributions, some of Dr. Swaminathan’s dreams, like achieving fair pricing policies for farmers, remain unfulfilled.
  • The younger generation must carry forward his legacy by researching ways to enhance productivity and profitability in agriculture, especially in the face of climate change and depleting natural resources.

Dr. MS Swaminathan’s indomitable spirit, dedication to agriculture, and vision for a food-secure India continue to guide and inspire generations. His legacy is a testament to the transformative power of science and humanity in agriculture.

Green Revolution in India: Key Points

· Introduction: The Green Revolution in India was a period of agricultural transformation that began in the mid-1960s, aimed at increasing agricultural productivity and food production.

· Initiated by Borlaug and Swaminathan: The Green Revolution in India was spearheaded by renowned scientists Norman Borlaug and MS Swaminathan.

· High-Yielding Varieties (HYV) of Crops: A significant aspect of the Green Revolution was the introduction of high-yielding varieties (HYV) of crops, such as wheat and rice. These varieties had greater yield potential compared to traditional crops.

· Role of Technology: The adoption of modern agricultural technologies played a crucial role in the Green Revolution. This included the use of fertilizers, pesticides, and improved irrigation methods.

· Government Support: The Indian government provided support in the form of subsidies, credit facilities, and research funding to promote the adoption of new farming practices.

· Increased Agricultural Output: The Green Revolution led to a substantial increase in agricultural output, particularly in wheat and rice production. India transitioned from a food-deficient nation to self-sufficiency and surplus production.

· Food Security: The Green Revolution contributed significantly to India’s food security by ensuring a steady and adequate food supply for its growing population.

· Economic Impact: The increase in agricultural productivity had a positive economic impact, boosting rural incomes and reducing poverty to some extent.

· Challenges: The Green Revolution also faced challenges, including concerns about the environmental impact of intensive farming practices, the need for sustainable agriculture, and disparities in the distribution of benefits.

· Continued Relevance: The principles and technologies introduced during the Green Revolution continue to be relevant in modern agriculture as India strives to meet the food demands of its population.

· Global Influence: India’s success in the Green Revolution served as a model for other countries facing food security challenges, influencing agricultural practices worldwide.

· Ongoing Agricultural Innovation: India continues to invest in research and development in agriculture to address new challenges such as climate change, water scarcity, and sustainable farming practices.

· Legacy: The Green Revolution in India remains a significant milestone in the country’s agricultural history and has left a lasting impact on food production and rural livelihoods.

Sources: Indian Express

Mains Question

“M.S. Swaminathan is often credited as one of the key architects of the Green Revolution in India. Discuss his contributions, the impact of the Green Revolution on Indian agriculture, and the contemporary challenges and opportunities in ensuring sustainable food security in India.” 250words.