During the years following India’s independence, from 1947 to 1960, the nation grappled with a growing population and an impending famine. Food scarcity was a grave concern, with only 417 grams per person per day. Many farmers were burdened by debt, and landlessness was rampant. A challenging political landscape exacerbated the food shortage and hindered commercial crop cultivation.

In the 1960s, under the guidance of geneticist Dr. MS Swaminathan, the Green Revolution was initiated in India. This transformative period in agriculture witnessed the development and adoption of high-yielding seed varieties, increased usage of fertilizers and pesticides, enhanced irrigation facilities, and improved farming equipment and crop protection measures.

These changes led to a threefold increase in cereal crop production while expanding the cultivated land area by only 30 percent. The Green Revolution played a pivotal role in reducing poverty rates and stabilizing food prices. Without it, caloric availability would have declined by 11-13 percent. Under Swaminathan’s leadership, India transitioned from dependence on food imports to self-sufficiency.

Beyond the Green Revolution, Swaminathan’s contributions to sustainable agriculture are even more significant and relevant today. He advocated for farming practices that prioritize biodiversity conservation, natural resource preservation, and climate change mitigation.

Swaminathan’s vision for sustainable agriculture rested on three core principles: a deep understanding of scientific fundamentals, inclusivity benefiting all members of society, and strong institutions supporting research, development, and environmental protection. He championed organic farming methods like crop rotation and integrated pest management to improve soil health and reduce the reliance on chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Swaminathan also advocated for policies supporting sustainable agriculture, such as organic fertilizer subsidies and farmer training in sustainable practices. He played a pivotal role in establishing institutions like the MS Swaminathan Research Foundation and the National Commission on Farmers to promote sustainable and equitable agriculture.

In 2017, Swaminathan proposed an “Evergreen Revolution,” focused on perpetual productivity improvement without ecological and social harm. This approach aimed to address the negative environmental impacts of the Green Revolution, including pesticide overuse, water stress, soil depletion, and crop variety extinction. The Evergreen Revolution emphasizes nutritional and food security, regional crop suitability, ecological principles, and climate-resilient farming practices.

Swaminathan’s legacy inspires ongoing efforts to create a more sustainable and equitable food system, vital for addressing contemporary challenges like climate change, population growth, and resource scarcity. His forward-thinking vision continues to guide those working to protect the planet and foster a prosperous future.

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