MS Swaminathan: The scientist who saved India from hunger – BBC

Report on the Life and Work of M.S. Swaminathan in the Context of the Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction: A Legacy Aligned with Global Development

This report analyzes the career of Dr. M.S. Swaminathan, an Indian agricultural scientist whose work was fundamental in addressing global food security. His contributions, particularly the “Green Revolution,” directly correspond to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), primarily SDG 2 (Zero Hunger). Motivated by the 1943 Bengal Famine, Swaminathan dedicated his life to applying plant genetics to prevent mass starvation, establishing a legacy centered on sustainable, farmer-focused agriculture.

The Green Revolution: A Direct Response to SDG 2 (Zero Hunger)

In the mid-1960s, India faced a severe food crisis, characterized by low agricultural yields, depleted soils, and dependency on foreign grain imports. This situation represented a critical failure to meet the objectives now outlined in SDG 2. Dr. Swaminathan’s scientific intervention, known as the Green Revolution, was a direct and successful effort to achieve food security and improved nutrition.

Key Interventions and Outcomes

• Scientific Innovation: In collaboration with Nobel laureate Norman Borlaug, Swaminathan introduced high-yielding dwarf wheat varieties from Mexico to India. He adapted these strains to local conditions, creating disease-resistant and culturally suitable varieties such as Kalyan Sona and Sonalika.
• Increased Productivity: The implementation of these new seeds, alongside modern farming techniques, led to a rapid increase in agricultural output. Wheat yields doubled in just a few years, transforming India from a food-deficient nation into a self-sufficient one.
• Achieving Food Security: This agricultural transformation averted widespread famine and established a buffer against future food shortages, directly fulfilling the core mission of SDG 2.

Socio-Economic Impact and Alignment with Multiple SDGs

Dr. Swaminathan’s work extended beyond crop yields, creating a multi-faceted impact that aligns with several other SDGs.

1. SDG 1 (No Poverty) & SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth): The increased productivity from the Green Revolution enhanced the livelihoods of millions of smallholder farmers, providing economic stability and lifting communities out of poverty. His “farmer-first” philosophy and later work as Chair of the National Commission on Farmers advocated for fair pricing and policies to address farmer distress, promoting decent work within the agricultural sector.
2. SDG 5 (Gender Equality): Swaminathan actively promoted a “pro-women” model of development. His work included specific projects with tribal women in Odisha to improve rice varieties and later focused on enhancing digital literacy for women in agriculture, empowering them as key agents in rural development.

Global Collaboration and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals)

Dr. Swaminathan’s influence was global, exemplifying the importance of SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). His career was marked by international collaboration to achieve common development objectives.

• He served as the Director-General of the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) in the Philippines, where he was instrumental in spreading high-yield rice technology across Southeast Asia.
• He advised governments in Asia and Africa, aiding Cambodia in rebuilding its rice gene bank and assisting African agronomists during the Ethiopian drought.
• His work influenced China’s hybrid-rice program and supported agricultural training for women farmers in North Korea.

The Evergreen Revolution: Addressing SDG 12, 13, and 15

Dr. Swaminathan was cognizant of the negative environmental externalities of the Green Revolution, including groundwater depletion, soil degradation, and loss of biodiversity. In response, he championed an “Evergreen Revolution” to integrate ecological principles with productivity, a vision that directly addresses modern sustainability challenges.

• SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production): The Evergreen Revolution called for high productivity without ecological harm, promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
• SDG 15 (Life on Land): His later work focused on conserving natural resources, including soil, water, and seeds, and restoring coastal biodiversity.
• SDG 13 (Climate Action): He advocated for the development of climate-resilient crops, such as salt-tolerant varieties, to mitigate the impacts of climate change on agriculture.

Conclusion: A Framework for Sustainable Agriculture

Dr. M.S. Swaminathan’s life’s work provides a comprehensive model for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals within the agricultural sector. His initial focus on averting hunger (SDG 2) evolved into a holistic, “pro-poor, pro-women, pro-nature” approach that encompasses poverty reduction (SDG 1), gender equality (SDG 5), and environmental stewardship (SDG 12, 13, 15). His legacy is a testament to the power of science, when guided by compassion and global partnership (SDG 17), to create a world free from hunger.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

1. SDG 2: Zero Hunger
   • The entire article is centered on this goal. It details India’s journey from being on the “brink of famine” and having a “ship-to-mouth” existence to achieving “food self-sufficiency” through the Green Revolution led by MS Swaminathan. The core issue addressed is ending hunger and ensuring food security for a massive population.
2. SDG 1: No Poverty
   • The article connects agricultural stagnation to poverty, noting that before the Green Revolution, “millions of farmers [were] landless or in debt.” It also mentions Swaminathan’s later work chairing the National Commission on Farmers, which examined “the roots of farmer distress and rising suicides,” issues directly linked to poverty and economic instability in the agricultural sector.
3. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • The article highlights extensive international collaboration. This includes Swaminathan’s work with American agronomist Norman Borlaug, using Mexican wheat strains, and his time at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) in the Philippines. His influence extended globally, as he “advised governments” from Asia to Africa and “mentored generations across Asia,” showcasing a commitment to global partnerships for development.
4. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • While the initial Green Revolution had negative environmental impacts, the article discusses Swaminathan’s later advocacy for an “Evergreen Revolution.” This concept, defined as “high productivity without ecological harm,” and his warning that future progress would rely on “conserving water, soil, and seeds,” directly aligns with the principles of sustainable production.
5. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • The article explicitly mentions the negative ecological consequences of the Green Revolution, stating that intensive farming “degraded soil and contaminated fields with pesticides, while wheat and rice monocultures eroded biodiversity.” Swaminathan’s later focus on biodiversity and an “Evergreen Revolution” shows a direct connection to protecting terrestrial ecosystems.
6. SDG 5: Gender Equality
   • The article makes specific mention of Swaminathan’s inclusive approach. It notes that “In Odisha, he worked with tribal women to improve rice varieties” and that his research foundation focused on a “pro-women… model of development,” indicating a connection to empowering women in agriculture.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. Under SDG 2 (Zero Hunger):
   • Target 2.1: End hunger and ensure access by all people to safe, nutritious and sufficient food. The article’s main narrative of transforming India from a nation facing famine, where the average person had only 417g of food daily, to one with a food surplus directly addresses this target.
   • Target 2.3: Double the agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers. The article states that the Green Revolution led to “doubling wheat yields in just a few years.” Swaminathan’s “farmer-first” philosophy and his work on the National Commission on Farmers aimed to address the economic well-being and productivity of farmers.
   • Target 2.4: Ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices. Swaminathan’s call for an “Evergreen Revolution” to achieve “high productivity without ecological harm” and his emphasis on conserving water and soil directly support this target.
   • Target 2.5: Maintain the genetic diversity of seeds and cultivated plants. The article mentions Swaminathan’s work to “rebuild Cambodia’s rice gene bank” and acknowledges that “monocultures eroded biodiversity,” highlighting the importance of genetic diversity in agriculture.
2. Under SDG 1 (No Poverty):
   • Target 1.4: Ensure that all men and women, in particular the poor and the vulnerable, have equal rights to economic resources. The work of the National Commission on Farmers, which examined “farmer distress” and debt, is a direct attempt to improve the economic security of agricultural workers, who are often among the most vulnerable.
3. Under SDG 5 (Gender Equality):
   • Target 5.a: Undertake reforms to give women equal rights to economic resources, as well as access to… resources… for agriculture. The article’s mention of Swaminathan working with “tribal women to improve rice varieties” and promoting a “pro-women… model of development” aligns with efforts to enhance women’s roles and access to resources in agriculture.
4. Under SDG 12 & 15 (Responsible Production & Life on Land):
   • Target 12.2 & 15.3: Achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources & combat desertification, restore degraded land and soil. The article points out that the Green Revolution “drained groundwater” and “degraded soil.” Swaminathan’s later advocacy for conserving “water, soil, and seeds” is a direct response aimed at meeting these targets.
5. Under SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals):
   • Target 17.6: Enhance North-South, South-South and triangular regional and international cooperation on and access to science, technology and innovation. The entire Green Revolution narrative is an example of this, from Swaminathan working with Norman Borlaug and using Mexican seeds, to his leadership at the IRRI spreading high-yield rice across Southeast Asia, and advising numerous governments worldwide.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

1. Quantitative Indicators:
   • Food Availability: The article provides a baseline indicator of food scarcity before the Green Revolution: “the average Indian survived on just 417g of food a day.” An increase from this value would measure progress towards Target 2.1.
   • Agricultural Productivity: The article explicitly states that “yields had doubled” and refers to “high-yielding grains.” This directly measures progress for Target 2.3 (Indicator 2.3.1: Volume of production per labour unit).
   • Seed Imports: The figure “India imported 18,000 tonnes of these seeds” serves as an indicator of the scale of the technological intervention and international partnership (Target 17.6).
2. Qualitative and Proxy Indicators:
   • Food Security Status: The shift from “ship-to-mouth’ survival” and “brink of famine” to “food self-sufficiency” and “surplus” are powerful qualitative indicators of achieving food security (Target 2.1).
   • Farmer Distress: The mention of “rising suicides” among farmers is a tragic proxy indicator for extreme poverty, debt, and lack of economic security (Target 1.4).
   • Environmental Degradation: Descriptions like “drained groundwater,” “degraded soil,” and “monocultures eroded biodiversity” serve as qualitative indicators of the negative environmental impact, highlighting the need for sustainable practices (Targets 12.2, 15.3, 15.5).

4. Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: bbc.com