As Prime Minister Narendra Modi prepares for his upcoming visit to the United States, it is crucial to understand the historical context of the US role in independent India’s agricultural development. This partnership between the two countries aims to strengthen their “global strategic partnership.” In this essay, we will delve into the key milestones that have shaped India’s agricultural progress, with the US playing a significant role.
The Birth of Agricultural Universities
In 1950, Major H.S. Sandhu and Chief Secretary A.N. Jha visited the United States and were inspired by the land-grant universities there. These institutions not only provided agricultural education but also engaged in research and extension activities. In contrast, Indian agricultural and veterinary colleges primarily focused on teaching and producing graduates. Recognizing the need for a comprehensive approach, Sandhu and Jha recommended the establishment of a US land-grant model agricultural university in the Tarai region of Uttar Pradesh, near the Himalayan foothills.
To realize this vision, the state government allocated 14,255 acres of land and passed the UP Agricultural University Act in December 1958. On November 17, 1960, Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru inaugurated the UP Agricultural University, later renamed as the G.B. Pant University of Agriculture & Technology. This initiative led to the establishment of eight agricultural universities within eight years, mostly driven by the chief ministers themselves. The US Agency for International Development provided crucial assistance to all eight universities, including faculty training, equipment provision, and access to books. Moreover, each university was linked to a US land-grant institution, further strengthening the collaborative efforts.
The Seeds of the Green Revolution
Around 1957-58, scientist M.S. Swaminathan reached out to Norman Borlaug, who arrived in India in March 1963 following a request made to the Rockefeller Foundation in the US. Borlaug sent four Mexican wheat varieties that he had developed, which were first sown in the trial fields of the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) and the new agricultural universities in Pantnagar and Ludhiana. By 1966-67, farmers were extensively cultivating these varieties, transforming India from a wheat importer to a self-sufficient nation.
Significance of the US-India Agricultural Collaboration
The partnership between the US and India in agricultural development carried immense significance beyond national boundaries. It fostered a spirit of competition to tackle global issues, particularly in combating world hunger. This collaboration also emphasized the sharing of knowledge and plant genetic material as valuable global public goods. Contrary to popular perception, India remained non-aligned with either bloc, at least until the 1960s, leveraging this independence to seek out fruitful collaborations with multiple nations.
Important Points:
- 🌱 The establishment of agricultural universities: In the 1950s, the US land-grant university model inspired the creation of agricultural universities in India, focusing on education, research, and extension activities.
- 🏫 The birth of G.B. Pant University of Agriculture & Technology: In December 1958, the UP Agricultural University Act was passed, leading to the inauguration of the university by Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru in November 1960.
- 🌍 Expansion of agricultural universities: Within eight years, eight agricultural universities were established in India, largely driven by the chief ministers themselves. These universities received assistance from the US Agency for International Development.
- 🔗 Collaboration with US land-grant institutions: Each Indian agricultural university was linked to a US land-grant institution, strengthening the ties and facilitating knowledge exchange and cooperation.
- 🌾 The introduction of high-yielding wheat varieties: Scientist M.S. Swaminathan connected with Norman Borlaug, who sent Mexican wheat varieties to India in the 1960s. By 1966-67, widespread cultivation of these varieties led to India’s self-sufficiency in wheat production.
- 🌎 Global impact and sharing of knowledge: The collaboration between the US and India in agricultural development extended beyond national boundaries. It emphasized addressing global challenges such as fighting world hunger and promoting the sharing of knowledge and plant genetic material as valuable global public goods.
- ⚖️ Non-alignment of India: Despite Cold War dynamics, India maintained its non-aligned stance and sought fruitful collaborations with multiple nations, leveraging its independence in pursuing agricultural progress.
Why In News
A brief history of the US role in independent India’s agricultural development is invaluable in the context of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to the US, as it presents an opportunity to enhance and deepen the “global strategic partnership” between the two nations, particularly in the realm of sustainable farming practices and technology transfer. By revisiting this historical perspective, both countries can further explore avenues for collaboration, exchange knowledge, and foster innovation to address the pressing challenges faced by the agricultural sector in India and contribute to its long-term growth and food security.
MCQs about US-India Agricultural Collaboration
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Which model inspired the establishment of agricultural universities in India?
A. Land-grant model
B. British model
C. Chinese model
D. Soviet model
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What impact did the US-India agricultural collaboration have on global efforts?
A. Increased competition in fighting world hunger
B. Expansion of land-grant universities worldwide
C. Enhanced reliance on US agricultural support
D. Decreased sharing of plant genetic material
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What was India’s stance during the Cold War era?
A. Aligned with the US
B. Aligned with the Soviet Union
C. Remained non-aligned
D. Shifted alliances based on agricultural interests
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