Date : 30/09/2023

Relevance –

• GS Paper 1 – Post-Independence India,
• GS Paper 3 – Indian Economy – Agriculture

Keywords – Green Revolution, Food Security, Sustainable Agriculture, Biodiversity

Context

Mankombu Sambasivan Swaminathan (1925 to 2023), who recently passed away(on 28 september 2023), was instrumental in initiating the Green Revolution in India, a pivotal movement that contributed significantly to addressing the country's food security challenges.

Chronology of Dr. M. S. Swaminathan's Life:

• 1925: Born in Kumbakonam, Madras Presidency.
• 1940s: Pursued higher education in zoology and agriculture.
• 1947-1949: Joined the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI).
• 1954: Collaborated with Dr. Norman Borlaug on wheat research.
• 1979-1982: Appointed as the director-general of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).
• 1982: Became the Director General of the International Rice Research Institute.
• 1987: Awarded the first World Food Prize for his contributions to agriculture.
• 1988: Established the M. S. Swaminathan Research Foundation.
• 2002: Elected as the President of Pugwash Conferences, an international organization that promotes peace and disarmament.
• 2004: Appointed as the Chair of the National Commission on Farmers in India.
• 2007-2013: Served as a member of Rajya Sabha, where he introduced the Women Farmers’ Bill to address the concerns of female farmers.

Key Contributions of M. S. Swaminathan:

1. Alleviating Food Insecurity:

• Spearheaded the Green Revolution in India, significantly boosting food production and ensuring food security, pulling the nation out of the 'Hunger Trap.'

2. Advancements in Crop Research:

• Enhanced crop productivity by transferring genes for fertilizer response from Japonica to Indica varieties, thereby increasing agricultural output.
• Collaborated with Norman Borlaug to develop high-yielding dwarf wheat varieties suited for Indian conditions.
• Pioneered the development of high-yielding Basmati rice varieties, utilizing innovative mutation technology across various crops.

3. Advocacy for Sustainable Agriculture:

• Raised awareness about the significance of sustainable agriculture, genetics, and breeding to enhance crop varieties.
• Initiated programs like "lab to land," promoting the practical application of research in agricultural practices.

4. Ensuring Fair Support for Farmers:

• Headed the National Commission on Farmers, advocating for fair minimum support prices for crops, supporting the agricultural community.

5. Diversified Agricultural Initiatives:

• Emphasized nutrition, biofortification, increased funding for agriculture, precision farming, and the active participation of women in agriculture.

6. Leadership in Rice Cultivation:

• Led the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) with visionary leadership, contributing to advancements in rice cultivation, including innovations in C4 carbon fixation and the development of high-yielding Basmati rice varieties.

7. Recognition as a Visionary in Agriculture:

• Acknowledged as a true visionary and pioneer in the fields of agriculture and sustainable development, leaving a lasting impact on agricultural practices and policies.

Contributions to Kuttanad and Kerala's Biodiversity:

Kuttanad Package:

Dr. M.S. Swaminathan played a pivotal role in recommending the comprehensive Kuttanad Package, amounting to over ₹1,800 crores. This initiative, proposed by the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF), advocated for declaring the wetland system as a 'Special Agricultural Zone.' The package focused on safeguarding water spread areas, upgrading infrastructure, and promoting the cultivation of short-duration paddy varieties.

Biodiversity Conservation:

Dr. Swaminathan's contributions to biodiversity conservation were evident through the MSSRF's 2008 report on the Idukki District (known as the Idukki Package) and the establishment of the 'Community Agrobiodiversity Centre' in Wayanad. His commitment to biodiversity was underscored by his advocacy for public awareness, community participation, and economic incentives, encouraging the preservation of in situ and on-farm conservation traditions in Kerala.

Scientific Terminology Linked to Dr. M. S. Swaminathan's Research and the Green Revolution:

1. Agricultural Advancement in the 1960s:

• Green Revolution: A period marked by rapid agricultural progress in the mid-1960s, involving the cultivation of high-yielding, disease-resistant crop varieties. Dr. Swaminathan played a crucial role in driving this movement, primarily in Punjab, India.

2. High-Yielding Crops:

• High-Yielding Varieties of Crops (HYVs): Crops that yield significantly more per hectare than traditional variants. These varieties are often disease-resistant and possess increased tolerance to conditions such as drought. Examples include IR8 rice and Kalyan Sona wheat.

3. Productivity Focus:

• Yield Gap: The disparity between a crop's potential maximum yield and its actual realized yield for a specific area. Addressing this gap was a central objective of the Green Revolution, aiming to enhance agricultural productivity.

4. Genetic Study:

• Cytogenetics: The scientific study of chromosomes and their correlation with hereditary traits, including the identification of characteristics like disease resistance and drought tolerance in crops.

5. Wheat Varieties:

• Hexaploid Wheat: Scientifically known as Triticum aestivum, it comprises six sets of chromosomes and is extensively cultivated. Dr. Swaminathan conducted research on the cytogenetics of hexaploid wheat.

6. Photosynthesis and Carbon Fixation:

• Carbon Fixation: The process wherein crops absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and convert it into organic compounds through photosynthesis. This process is vital for plant growth and productivity.
• C3 and C4 Photosynthetic Pathways: Two distinct pathways for carbon fixation. C3 (Calvin cycle) operates slower and occurs when leaf pores are open. C4 is more efficient and takes place in both mesophyll and bundle sheath cells. Research on C4 rice was conducted during Dr. Swaminathan’s tenure.

Conclusion

His passing signifies the conclusion of a remarkable era characterized by transformative innovation in agricultural research, education, and extension. He is universally acknowledged as a figure deserving of profound admiration and respect, especially among those who have greatly benefited from his substantial contributions to food security and agriculture.

Source– The Hindu