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Introduction

The Green Revolution of the 1960s transformed India from a food-deficit to a self-sufficient nation, marking a turning point in agricultural history. It was not only a scientific breakthrough but also a triumph of political will over bureaucratic inertia and ideological resistance, saving India from perpetual dependence on PL-480 wheat imports from the U.S. (phased out post-1968 bumper harvest).

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Reasons behind the Success of the Green Revolution

• Scientific innovation and collaboration: Cross-border scientific collaboration enabled access to Mexican dwarf wheat varieties, adapted to Indian conditions.
  Eg: Norman Borlaug’s seeds, adapted with Swaminathan’s guidance, proved highly successful in Indian soils.
• Political prioritisation of agriculture: Top political leadership recognised food security as central to national sovereignty.
  Eg: Lal Bahadur Shastri’s slogan “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan” and his direct support to agricultural scientists.
• Breaking bureaucratic delays: Political will helped overcome red tape, accelerating trials and imports.
  Eg: C. Subramaniam(Agriculture Minister)  fast-tracked seed trials and approved funding despite bureaucratic hesitation.
• Direct engagement with scientists: Leaders engaged directly with technical experts rather than relying solely on bureaucracy.
  Eg: Subramaniam personally heard Swaminathan’s proposal, bypassing generalist officials.
• Overcoming ideological opposition: Despite objections from Left groups and Planning Commission, leadership backed scientific evidence.
  Eg: Former PM of India approved the historic import of 18,000 tonnes of seed in 1966.
• Independent monitoring and results: Leadership insisted on field trials and evidence before nationwide adoption.
• Visible outcomes ensured continuity: The quick success legitimised decisions and sustained reforms.
  Eg: The 1968 bumper wheat harvest enabled phasing out of U.S. food aid.

Key Lessons Learned from the Green Revolution

• Global Scientific Connectivity: Scientific progress thrives on international collaboration, where knowledge, germplasm, and research cross borders to solve food crises.
  Eg: Japanese dwarf wheat varieties and Borlaug’s Mexican seeds catalyzed India’s food revolution.
• Reduced Bureaucratic Delays: Time-sensitive scientific breakthroughs require quick decisions, as excessive bureaucracy can delay life-saving innovations.
• Science-Informed Policy Making: Policy grounded in expert scientific advice ensures practical solutions rather than bureaucratic compromise.
• Technically Informed Political Leadership: Leaders with technical or scientific literacy can better understand, evaluate, and adopt innovative policies.
  Eg: Subramaniam, a physics graduate, grasped the significance of seed trials unlike many predecessors.
• Handling Ideological Opposition: Scientific advancements often face political or ideological resistance, which must be managed in the national interest.
  Eg: Left parties opposed seed imports due to Rockefeller Foundation(US Institution) links, but leaders prioritized food security.
• Independent Monitoring & Corrections: Success must be followed by continuous evaluation to address unintended ecological and economic consequences.
  Eg: Swaminathan warned against overuse of water and fertilizers, but policy corrections lagged.
• Public Visibility of Scientific Success: Demonstrating tangible farmer-level results builds trust and encourages mass adoption of innovations.
  Eg: State-level farmer trials convinced both policymakers and cultivators of the new wheat’s potential.

Applying Lessons to Strengthen India’s Scientific Ecosystem for Viksit Bharat

• Promote Global Scientific Networking: Global breakthroughs require seamless collaboration, knowledge exchange, and mobility of scientists across borders.
• Ensure Direct Scientist–Policymaker Dialogue: Policy must be informed by scientific expertise through structured institutional platforms for dialogue.
  Eg: Subramaniam’s 1964 meeting with young agricultural scientists helped bypass bureaucratic skepticism.
• Invest in Science Leadership: Ministers and administrators with technical expertise ensure evidence-based, forward-looking policies.
  Eg: China’s edge in tech policymaking comes from leaders with engineering and scientific backgrounds.
• Increase R&D Funding: Adequate investment in research infrastructure and human capital is crucial to match global innovation levels.
  Eg: India spends only 0.43% of agricultural GDP on R&D, half the level of China.
• Build Independent Monitoring for New Science: Oversight bodies should review long-term impacts to prevent ecological or social harms.
• Link Science with National Missions: Scientific progress must align with strategic national goals of food security, digital growth, and climate resilience.
  Eg: Just as Green Revolution ensured food self-sufficiency, indigenous digital technologies can drive today’s aatmanirbharta.

Conclusion

The Green Revolution was not just a scientific breakthrough but a product of political will, scientist–leader synergy, and effective governance. For Viksit Bharat 2047, India must replicate this model by cutting bureaucratic hurdles, investing in science, empowering researchers, and ensuring strong political backing. Honouring M.S. Swaminathan’s legacy lies in applying these lessons to digital technology, climate resilience, and biotechnology to achieve self-reliance and global competitiveness.

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