Lend a Hand

(Source: The Indian Express, Editorial Page)

Also Read: The Indian Express Editorial Analysis: 14 July 2025
Also Read: The Hindu Editorial Analysis: 14 July 2025

Topic: GS2 – International Relations, Bilateral/Multilateral Aid, Soft Power Diplomacy GS3 – Agriculture, Science and Technology, Food Security

Context

The editorial focuses on the withdrawal of US funding from the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), a globally significant research institution, and the vacuum it creates. It advocates for India to step into this space, both to sustain global agricultural research and to reinforce its soft power as a leader in the Global South. This provides India a crucial opportunity to shape the future of food security amid mounting climate challenges.

Importance of CIMMYT in Global Agriculture

• CIMMYT is a global leader in maize and wheat research and has played a transformative role in food security by facilitating the Green Revolution, particularly in South Asia.
• The institution has developed climate-resilient, pest-resistant, and high-yielding crop varieties that benefit millions across Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
• With the US pulling out its $83 million support due to inward-looking foreign policies, institutions like CIMMYT are left underfunded, threatening global agricultural innovation.

Strategic Justification for India’s Intervention

• Geopolitical Influence Through Science Diplomacy: By stepping in to support CIMMYT and IRRI, India can reinforce its image as a responsible power that champions the needs of the Global South.
• Cost-Effective Leadership: India can offer impactful funding without straining its finances. Together, CIMMYT and IRRI require under $20 million—a minor allocation considering India’s $700+ billion forex reserves.
• Building Alliances in the Global South: Supporting these institutions provides India diplomatic leverage and reinforces strategic ties with Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America.

Reviving India’s Domestic Agri-Research Landscape

• Fragmented and Underfunded System: The ICAR and related research bodies lack coordinated focus and consistent investment. Unlike the Green Revolution era, today’s R&D is hampered by bureaucratic fragmentation.
• Lagging in Technology Adoption: Indian research has not fully leveraged modern technologies such as CRISPR, satellite farming, or AI-based precision agriculture.
• Dependency on Traditional Crops: India’s current support systems incentivize rice and wheat over diverse, climate-resilient crops like millets and maize.
• Policy Emphasis on Subsidies Over Innovation: The focus has largely remained on loan waivers and input subsidies instead of long-term investments in research, extension services, and post-harvest technologies.

Mutual Benefits of India-CIMMYT Partnership

Area of Impact	Explanation
Strategic Global Role	India gains a seat at the table in shaping agricultural research agendas for the Global South.
Climate Adaptation	Collaboration can fast-track the development of crops that are heat- and drought-tolerant.
Technology Transfer	India can benefit from advanced R&D methodologies and breeding programs developed globally.
Boost to Soft Power	By funding international research, India portrays itself as a benevolent and science-driven nation.
Revitalizing ICAR	Exposure to global best practices can improve efficiency, transparency, and outputs of Indian agri-R&D.

Conclusion

India’s support to institutions like CIMMYT is not merely an act of altruism but a strategic imperative. It aligns with the country’s domestic needs, global climate responsibilities, and foreign policy priorities. With the U.S. retreating from global scientific engagements, India must fill the leadership vacuum to ensure food security and uphold the principle of scientific internationalism.

Way Forward for India:

• India should announce a multi-year funding commitment to CIMMYT and IRRI and seek co-leadership roles in their governing councils.
• Develop a national strategy on Agricultural Science Diplomacy that ties foreign aid to joint research, capacity-building, and innovation transfer.
• Reform ICAR’s structure to promote partnerships with global institutions, encourage public-private R&D models, and boost outcome-based funding mechanisms.
• Promote diversification in India’s food security policy to include neglected but vital crops such as maize, pulses, and millets.

Practice Question: (GS-2 | 15 Marks | 250 Words) In the context of the U.S. withdrawing support from global agricultural research institutions like CIMMYT, critically examine the opportunity this presents for India to lead the Global South in food security and agricultural innovation.