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

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?