India’s remarkable progress has been driven by an unwavering dedication to scientific advancement, exemplified by transformative initiatives like the Green Revolution, the White Revolution, space program, nuclear program, etc., The nation’s current standing is a testament to its ability to harness innovation and adopt a cohesive approach to science through collaborative efforts between the central and state governments. However, concerns arise about whether India’s scientific prowess is being undermined by irrational and questionable narratives fuelled by vested interests, potentially jeopardizing the country’s aspirations for the Amrit Kaal and its vision of becoming a developed nation, Viksit Bharat. 

One Nation One Science: Unified Scientific Perspective

India’s proactive approach to technological advancement presents a stark contrast between different sectors. While the nation eagerly embraces cutting-edge innovations like hydrogen fuel, bullet trains, and hyperloop systems, its stance on modern agricultural technologies appears regressive and tech averse. This dichotomy is particularly evident in the ongoing debate surrounding innovations in agriculture, especially Biotechnology based progress including Genetically Modified (GM) crops that have the potential to revolutionize farming practices and improve farmer livelihoods. The ostensible reluctance to adopt scientifically proven technologies in agriculture stands in sharp contrast to the enthusiasm for technological progress in other areas, highlighting a need for a more consistent and forward-thinking approach to innovation across all sectors. 

Further, the lack of a unified scientific perspective is evident for example, in the conflicting views on hybrid technology and Bt cotton. Hybrid rice offers up to 20% higher yields and 30% less water use than traditional varieties, potentially boosting farmer incomes by Rs 8,000-10,000 per acre and aiding stubble management. Despite the Prime Minister’s active voice of support for hybrid technology, some States are questioning the science behind hybrids, causing confusion and slowing progress. It is particularly baffling when the premier state research institutions, tasked with upholding scientific principles and providing evidence-based guidance to the government, adopt an unscientific stance. This raises questions about whether the two engines of progress are working at cross-purposes, pulling in opposite directions. 

Another example for the glaring dissonance between various Ministries within the Government is Bt cotton. Bt cotton helped increase India’s cotton production by 158% (13.6 million bales in 2002 to 35.2 million in 2015), with exports rising from 0.08 million bales in 2002 to 5.77 million in 2014/15, valued over Rs 20,000 crore annually. Yields jumped 67% from 302 kg/ha in 2002 peaking at 504 kg/ha in 2012, adding nearly Rs 108,550 crore to farmer incomes between 2002-2013. Reduced insecticide use has saved farmers money, helping them invest in improved lifestyles and in education and insurance. The Central Institute for Cotton Research (CICR) in Nagpur, an institution under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), has conducted field-level analyses that consistently demonstrate the positive impact of Bt cotton adoption on Indian farmers. However, Unscientific statements about Genetically Modified (GM) crops are circulating within the Indian government, contradicting decades of proven technology validated by data and evidence. These statements undermine the potential benefits of GM crops, such as increased yields, reduced pesticide use, and improved farmer livelihoods. 

One Nation One Priority: Atma-Nirbharta beyond cereals

India is facing enormous challenges like climate change on agriculture front and solutions for them cannot be found without the help of science and technology. The country’s natural resources, such as water and soil, are depleting at an alarming rate, with groundwater levels dropping at an alarming pace and soil degradation affecting nearly a third of the total land area. Moreover, crop losses due to pests, diseases, and weeds remain a major concern, with estimates suggesting that these losses can range from 40% to 90% across different crops, resulting in huge economic losses running to several billion dollars. This represents not only a loss in potential income for millions of farmers but also a significant reduction in the overall food security of the country.

In response to these pressing issues, the Central Government has recently announced three important missions focused on key crops: Cotton, Oilseeds, and Pulses. These missions are designed to enhance productivity through scientific and technological interventions and reduce dependency on imports, which is particularly critical for oilseeds and pulses. For example, the mission on oilseeds aims to increase domestic production to meet the rising demand for edible oils in India, which is largely met through imports. Situation in maize is poised to become a major cause for concern in the near future. 

Maize demand is increasing sharply due to the increasing need for animal protein, which in turn boosts the demand from the feed industry, coupled with a growing requirement from the bioethanol sector. India’s maize production is expected to reach 35 million tonnes by 2025, but this may still fall short of the projected demand of 40 million tonnes, highlighting the need for significant investments in research and development to improve yields and meet the growing demand.

But the dichotomous stance on science is more puzzling that the country for example, allows the import of edible oils derived from GM soya and GM soymeal, while Indian farmers being denied the opportunity to cultivate these crops domestically and benefit. By permitting the import of GM-derived products while restricting their cultivation, India is missing out on the potential benefits of GM crops for its own farmers and economy. This discrepancy not only undermines public trust in scientific institutions and our regulatory bodies but also hampers the adoption of beneficial technologies. 

To overcome this challenge, India must adopt a culture of open dialogue, knowledge sharing, and joint research initiatives. Thus, the principle of “One Nation One Science�?will lead to better-informed policy decisions and improved outcomes. Science should be treated as a unifying force, without divisions based on public or private sectors based on a shared vision of progress and prosperity, with a focus on removing barriers to growth and innovation.

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Views expressed above are the author's own.

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