India's Green Revolution

In the 1960s, India witnessed a significant increase in wheat production through the adoption of crossbreeding techniques. Dr. MS Swaminathan played a vital role in this agricultural revolution, collaborating with American scientist Dr. Norman Borlaug and importing the Mexican dwarf variety of wheat. These genetically modified crops showed higher yields and disease resistance. As a result, India's wheat production skyrocketed from 10-12 million tonnes in the early 1960s to over 110 million tonnes today. Similar efforts were made to address the rice shortage problem. Dr. Swaminathan's contributions earned him the title 'father of the green revolution'. However, the indiscriminate use of fertilizers has led to concerns about desertification, soil degradation, and food security, calling for an 'evergreen revolution' that combines science with ecology.