The 2025 centenary of M.S. Swaminathan marks his very important role in India’s Green Revolution. His work transformed India from a food-deficient nation to self-sufficiency in food grains during the 1960s. This achievement remains a key example for India’s current aspiration of becoming a Viksit Bharat through scientific advancement and self-reliance in the digital economy. The following notes distil lessons from Swaminathan’s experience relevant to future scientific and agricultural progress.
Scientific Collaboration and Innovation
The Green Revolution was not the work of isolated scientists. It required collaboration and exchange of ideas across countries. Swaminathan’s interaction with Japanese and Mexican scientists was crucial in introducing dwarf wheat varieties suitable for Indian conditions. This shows that scientific progress depends on global cooperation and openness to new ideas. Bureaucratic delays in inviting Norman Borlaug to India show the need for faster, less restrictive scientific exchanges.
Political Support and Funding
Initial lack of funding for field trials delayed progress. Lal Bahadur Shastri’s appointment of C. Subramaniam as Agriculture Minister changed this. Subramaniam’s scientific background helped him understand and support the trials financially. This puts stress on the importance of political leaders who comprehend science and are willing to fund innovation promptly. Effective political backing can accelerate the translation of research into practical solutions.
Direct Scientist-Politician Communication
Swaminathan’s experience shows that scientists must communicate directly with political decision-makers. Relying solely on bureaucrats often distorts or delays scientific advice. Leaders like Subramaniam, with technical knowledge, better grasp complex scientific issues. For India to advance in science and technology, more ministers with scientific training are needed at central and state levels.
Managing Conflicting Opinions and Decision-Making
The Green Revolution faced opposition from finance and planning bodies, and ideological groups. Swaminathan convinced Shastri to assess the new seeds firsthand, which led to approval. This reveals the necessity of airing diverse views but also the need for decisive leadership when consensus is lacking. Once a decision is made, full support and independent monitoring are essential for success and adjustments.
Environmental Sustainability Challenges
While the Green Revolution increased yields dramatically, it caused environmental issues like groundwater depletion and soil degradation due to excessive fertiliser and water use. Swaminathan warned about these early on, but corrective measures remain incomplete. Sustainable agricultural practices must balance productivity with environmental health to ensure long-term food security.
Future of Agricultural Research in India
India’s agricultural research lags behind countries like China in global rankings and funding. Spending on agricultural R&D is less than half of China’s relative investment. Institutional autonomy and governance reforms are needed to attract and retain top scientists. Political access for researchers must be improved to ensure science informs policy effectively. Strengthening these areas honours Swaminathan’s legacy and is vital for meeting future challenges like climate change.
Questions for UPSC:
- Taking example of India’s Green Revolution, discuss the role of political leadership in promoting scientific innovation and agricultural development.
- Examine the impact of bureaucratic hurdles on scientific progress in India and suggest measures to improve scientist-government interactions.
- Analyse the environmental consequences of intensive agriculture and discuss sustainable practices with suitable examples from India and other countries.
- Critically discuss the importance of funding and institutional autonomy in agricultural research with reference to India’s position compared to China.
