Indo-US Cooperation in Agriculture

Background:

Green Revolution: The Green Revolution began in the mid-1960s and marked a significant turning point in Indo-US agricultural cooperation. The United States played a crucial role in introducing high-yielding varieties of crops, advanced farming techniques, and modern agricultural practices to India.
Technical Assistance: In the 1970s and 1980s, the United States provided technical assistance and expertise to India to enhance agricultural practices. This assistance included knowledge-sharing, training programs, and the introduction of innovative technologies and machinery, such as tractors, irrigation systems, and farm equipment.
Research Collaboration: Indo-US cooperation in agricultural research and development gained momentum during the 1990s and early 2000s. Joint research projects were initiated to address specific challenges related to crop improvement, pest management, soil fertility, and sustainable agriculture.
Trade and Market Access: Over the years, the United States and India have discussed trade and market access in the agricultural sector. Bilateral negotiations and dialogues have addressed issues related to tariffs, non-tariff barriers, sanitary and phytosanitary measures, and intellectual property rights.

Linkage:

International Agricultural Research Centers: India and the United States have collaborated with international agricultural research centres, such as the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) and the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI).
Global Agricultural Development Initiatives: India and the United States have jointly participated in global agricultural development initiatives, such as the Feed the Future program launched by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). These initiatives aim to address food security, poverty, and malnutrition in developing countries by promoting sustainable agricultural practices, improving market access, and enhancing agricultural productivity.
South-South Cooperation: India, a leader in agricultural development and technology transfer, has engaged in South-South cooperation with other countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Through various programs, India shares its experiences, expertise, and agricultural technologies with partner countries, often in collaboration with the United States.

Current Scenario:

Examining the historical involvement of the United States in the agricultural progress of independent India holds significance within the framework of the Prime Minister of India’s imminent visit to the US.
Like the Soviet Union’s role in independent India’s early industrialisation through the supply of capital equipment and technology, the United States (the institutions like Rockefeller and Ford Foundation) played a role in India’s agricultural development through the establishment of agricultural universities and the Green Revolution.

Impact:

Agricultural Productivity: Cooperation between India and the United States has led to adopting advanced agricultural technologies, improved farming practices, and introducing high-yielding crop varieties.
Technology Transfer: The collaboration has facilitated the transfer of agricultural technologies and innovations from the United States to India. This includes advancements in precision agriculture, farm mechanisation, post-harvest management, irrigation techniques, and crop protection practices.
Market Access and Trade: Collaboration in agriculture has contributed to the expansion of trade and market access opportunities between India and the United States. Discussions and negotiations on agricultural trade have helped address tariff and non-tariff barriers, sanitary and phytosanitary measures, and intellectual property rights.