Reviving Agri-Research

Syllabus Areas:

GS II - Economy (Agriculture and Food Security)

Origin of the term “Green Revolution”: Coined by William S. Gaud, Administrator of USAID, in a 1968 speech.

  • The revolution aimed to combat hunger via high-yielding varieties of crops, better irrigation, and fertilizers.
  • It succeeded mainly in India and not in most developing countries due to strong institutions like ICAR and scientists like S. Swaminathan.

 Key Indian Institutions Behind the Green Revolution

  • ICAR (Indian Council of Agricultural Research)
  • IARI (Indian Agricultural Research Institute)
  • PAU (Punjab Agricultural University)
  • CIMMYT (Mexico-based, collaborated on wheat research)

Importance of International Collaboration

  • India benefited from international collaboration, especially USAID and Rockefeller Foundation.
  • CIMMYT (Mexico) provided germplasm and breeder seeds for wheat development.
  • Philanthropic and aid-based models like Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR), International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) supported India’s agri-research ecosystem.

What is Germplasm?

Germplasm = the raw genetic material of plants used in breeding better crops.

It includes: Seeds, DNA, Pollen, Tissues (from roots, shoots, etc.)

Top 10 Wheat Varieties in India (Cultivated Area-wise):

Reviving Agri-Research

What is USAID?

USAID stands for the United States Agency for International Development.

  • Founded: 1961 (by an executive order of President John F. Kennedy)
  • Headquarters: Washington, D.C., USA
  • Type: Independent agency of the U.S. federal government
  • Motto:"From the American People"

USAID’s Role in the Green Revolution (India-specific):

  • USAID funded agricultural research programs in India.
  • Collaborated with Indian institutions like ICAR and IARI.
  • Supported the import of high-yield wheat varieties from Mexico’s CIMMYT, facilitating India’s wheat revolution in the 1960s.
  • Brought in technical expertise and scientific exchange, helping India solve its food security crisis post-Independence.

Recent Challenges

  • US support via USAID has slowed.
  • Funding and institutional support for ICAR institutes, especially wheat-breeding centers, are now uncertain.
  • Scientists and institutions seek more autonomy and funding control domestically.

The Argument for More Indian Ownership

  • India now has strong internal capacity, including experienced scientists and world-class institutions.
  • Government is urged to increase funding and global leadership in agri-research.
  • Concerns: India shouldn’t just be a testing ground; it must also influence global agricultural research priorities.

Future Needs

  • Climate-resilient and high-yield varieties are needed to adapt to changing monsoon and temperature patterns.
  • Indian institutes are releasing new varieties (e.g., HD 3410, HD 3717, HD 3755, WB 373).
  • Continued R&D is essential for food security and export potential.

Prelims Questions:

  1. Which of the following correctly explains the role of USAID in India’s Green Revolution?
    1. USAID provided subsidies for fertilizers and irrigation to Indian farmers.
    2. USAID directly implemented land reforms in India during the 1960s.
    3. USAID funded the import of high-yield wheat varieties and collaborated with Indian research institutions.
    4. USAID partnered with NABARD to provide rural credit.

    2. Answer: c) USAID funded the import of high-yield wheat varieties and collaborated with Indian research institutions.

    Explanation: USAID (United States Agency for International Development) was instrumental in supporting India’s Green Revolution by facilitating research partnerships and funding seed imports from CIMMYT.

  2. Consider the following statements about germplasm:
    1. Germplasm includes only the seeds of plants used for breeding.
    2. It is used for developing disease-resistant and high-yielding crop varieties.
    3. Germplasm conservation is vital for preserving agricultural biodiversity.

    Which of the above statements is/are correct?

    1. 1 and 2 only
    2. 2 and 3 only
    3. 1 and 3 only
    4. 1, 2 and 3

    3. Answer: b) 2 and 3 only

    Explanation: Germplasm includes all forms of genetic material—seeds, tissues, even DNA—and is crucial for crop improvement and biodiversity.

  3. Match the following international institutions with their primary focus:
    1. CGIAR 1. Policy research on agriculture and food systems
    2. IRRI 2. Global partnership of agricultural research centers
    3. IFPRI 3. Rice-specific research and seed development

    Options:

    1. A-2, B-3, C-1
    2. A-1, B-2, C-3
    3. A-3, B-1, C-2
    4. A-2, B-1, C-3

    4. Answer: a) A-2, B-3, C-1

    Explanation:

    • CGIAR: umbrella body for international agri-research centers.
    • IRRI: focused on rice.
    • IFPRI: food policy research.

Mains Question:

  1. What is the role of agricultural R&D in mitigating the impact of climate change on food production? 150 Words 10 Marks