Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya (1860-1962), a renowned Indian engineer and statesman, is celebrated for his pioneering work in water resource management and irrigation. Simultaneously, Dr. Manmohan Singh Swaminathan (1925-2023), a distinguished agricultural scientist, is hailed as the ‘Father of the Green Revolution’ in India. Both figures played pivotal roles in shaping modern India, addressing critical challenges related to water scarcity and food security respectively. Their contributions were instrumental in laying the foundation for India’s development, particularly in the post-independence era, and continue to influence policy and practice today.
Sir M. Visvesvaraya and Water Engineering
Visvesvaraya’s contributions to water engineering were transformative. Recognizing the importance of water resource management for agricultural prosperity and industrial growth, he advocated for and implemented large-scale irrigation projects.
- Krishna Raja Sagara (KRS) Dam (1924): As the Chief Engineer of Mysore State, Visvesvaraya conceptualized and oversaw the construction of the KRS dam across the Cauvery River. This dam provided irrigation to a vast area, boosting agricultural production and transforming the region into a fertile agricultural belt.
- Block System of Irrigation: He introduced the ‘block system’ of irrigation, dividing irrigation areas into smaller blocks to ensure equitable water distribution and minimize wastage.
- Visvesvaraya Iron & Steel Ltd (VISL): He established VISL in Bhadravati, demonstrating the link between water resources and industrial development, as the plant required substantial water supply.
- Flood Control Measures: Visvesvaraya also designed and implemented flood control measures, protecting agricultural lands and settlements from the devastating effects of floods.
Dr. M.S. Swaminathan and Agricultural Science
Dr. Swaminathan’s work revolutionized Indian agriculture, averting widespread famine and establishing India as a food-secure nation. His focus was on developing high-yielding varieties of wheat and rice, coupled with improved agricultural practices.
- Green Revolution (1960s-1970s): Swaminathan is credited with introducing and adapting high-yielding varieties (HYVs) of wheat and rice, particularly from Mexico and the Philippines, to Indian conditions. This, combined with the use of fertilizers and irrigation, dramatically increased food production.
- Development of Wheat Varieties: He played a crucial role in developing wheat varieties like ‘Janaki’ and ‘Sneha’ which were resistant to diseases and adapted to Indian climate.
- Focus on Plant Breeding: Swaminathan emphasized the importance of plant breeding and genetic improvement to enhance crop yields and resilience.
- Advocacy for Farmers’ Rights: He was a strong advocate for farmers’ rights and sustainable agricultural practices, emphasizing the need for ecological balance and biodiversity conservation.
- National Commission on Farmers (2004-2006): Chaired by Swaminathan, this commission recommended the ‘Swaminathan Report’ which advocated for a holistic approach to agriculture, including price support, irrigation, credit, and insurance for farmers.
Comparative Impact
| Sir M. Visvesvaraya | Dr. M.S. Swaminathan |
|---|---|
| Focused on infrastructure development for water management. | Focused on scientific advancements in crop production. |
| Impacted irrigation, industrial growth, and flood control. | Impacted food security, agricultural productivity, and farmer welfare. |
| KRS Dam, Block Irrigation System are key contributions. | Green Revolution, HYV development, Swaminathan Report are key contributions. |
Conclusion
The contributions of Sir M. Visvesvaraya and Dr. M.S. Swaminathan are inextricably linked to India’s progress. Visvesvaraya laid the groundwork for harnessing water resources, while Swaminathan ensured food security for a burgeoning population. Their legacies continue to inspire engineers and scientists, and their principles of sustainable development and farmer welfare remain relevant in addressing contemporary challenges like climate change and agricultural sustainability. Recognizing and building upon their work is crucial for ensuring a prosperous and resilient future for India.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.