In a candid interview with Tafeem Siddiqui, Father of Green Revolution MS Swaminathan says the government should invest more public sector research which is transforming agriculture and gene editing technology is the new mantra for higher productivity
Son of a renowned surgeon (medical practitioner) envisaged to carry forward the legacy, but nature had different plans. How and why you become involved in food and agricultural issues?
Yes, my family has a medical background. My father, MK Sambasivan was a medical doctor, my daughter, Soumya Swaminathan is the head of Indian Council of Medical Research. I too was studying medical science. Then a number of problems came into my way. My family was a Gandhian family. My father was a close associate of Mahatma Gandhi. Gandhi ji also stayed in my father’s house when he used visit my place Kumbakonam. Just after Gandhi ji's Quit India Movement in 1942, in 1943-44, there was big famine in Bengal. Gandhi ji said, those who are hungry, God is bread. Therefore, we must see the God resides in every home and family. So I decided to get into agriculture. I changed my admission to the Coimbatore Agriculture College. Now it’s called Tamil Nadu Agriculture University. It was a momentary decision for me, useful for independent years. One thing was clear during 1943-44 that we are going to get independence soon. Science was there, but the question was what one can do for his country. After my B.Sc, I did my post graduate work in plant breeding and genetics from Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi.
How has the Gandhian ideology influenced your thoughts and actions towards agriculture?
This story is from the April 2017 edition of Rural & Marketing.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the April 2017 edition of Rural & Marketing.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Vision For Vision Eye Mitra Plans To Train 10,000 Opticians In Rural India By 2020
Eye Mitra Optician programme, run by 2.5 New Vision Generation (2.5 NVG), a division of Essilor India has trained and created 2,500 rural youth to be opticians in their villages in three years. 2.5 NVG plans to take the number to 10,000 by 2020. Milind Jadhav, head, 2.5 NVG - India, talks to Mohd Mustaquim about the programme and its impact.
Post Budget 2017-18 10 Strategies Companies Must Follow To Tap Rural Markets
Companies ranging from FMCG, Consumer durables to Auto, Budget 2017-18 has several reasons for them to smile as rural demand is expected to increase. Companies now gear up to capture the markets and preparations are on. BK Jha Reports.
Why should you invest in Rajasthan's Agriculture Sector
The state government is organising Rajasthan Global Agritech Meet (GRAM) in Jaipur on November 9-11 and it aims at doubling farmers' income by 2022.
Agri Enterprises Will Get Customised Policy for Different Investment Slabs
Rajasthan Government is organising an International Agritech Conference cum exhibition in Jaipur in November this year. Senior Cabinet Minister Yoonus Khan spearheaded the New Delhi Roadshow for the event. In an exclusive interview with BK Jha, he spoke about investment opportunities in the state.
Rabi Campaign Be Wise, Sow Wisely
The Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Radha Mohan Singh asks farmers to fix crop wise targets and to introduce new technologies & practices in the agriculture sector. BK Jha analyses the prospects of the forthcoming Rabi crops and achievement of Kharif season 2016.
Bone-numbing truth of Osteoporotic epidemic in India
The number of bone related cases and fractures occurring due to Osteoporosis problem is steadily increasing BK Jha
RPCAU Will Be The Prime Mover Of Second Green Revolution In Eastern India
The fourth oldest agricultural university in India, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agriculture University (RPCAU), formerly known as Rajendra Agricultural University (RAU) has played an important role in agricultural development in the eastern states. Located at Pusa in Samastipur, Bihar, the varsity has now upgraded to Central University in May 2015. It is seen as a big driver of second Green Revolution, expected to be taken place in the region. Dr. RC Srivastava, Vice Chancellor, RPCAU talks to Mohd Mustaquim on the various issues related to second Green Revolution and agricultural research in the region.
Take Over Tussle Takes Off
The Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) seeks complete control over organisations which do not come under its administrative control but has onus of developing business related to these agencies. Tussle with two other ministries has now reached to the highest level-PMO. An exclusive Report by Mohd Mustaquim.
Genetic editing Technology would replace GMOs for Agricultural Advancement
In a candid interview with Tafeem Siddiqui, Father of Green Revolution MS Swaminathan says the government should invest more public sector research which is transforming agriculture and gene editing technology is the new mantra for higher productivity
Demonetisation Dairy Dares
Diary organisations procure milk from lakhs of farmers. Some have been making payments to farmers through bank transfers while some are still disbursing cash. The demonetisation move has changed the way Indian dairy sector functions. Mohd Mustaquim reports on how dairy dares to take the challenge.
