CIMMYT’s Financial Crisis

The International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), a pivotal institution in the development of agricultural research for maize, wheat, and related crops, is facing significant financial strain following the closure of USAID (United States Agency for International Development). Historically, USAID contributed around 40% of CIMMYT's annual budget. For instance, in 2024, USAID provided $83 million out of CIMMYT's $211 million budget. However, after July 1, 2025, USAID ceased to function following former President Trump’s decision to shut it down, resulting in a financial gap that has left institutions worldwide, including CIMMYT, in a precarious position.

This crisis presents India with a unique opportunity to step forward and offer financial support to CIMMYT, which has played a monumental role in ensuring India’s food security and agricultural success, especially through the Green Revolution.

CIMMYT's Role in India’s Agricultural Transformation

CIMMYT’s contributions to India's Green Revolution have been extraordinary. The institution developed high-yielding wheat varieties such as Lerma Rojo 64A, Sonora 64, and Mayo 64 that were critical in transforming India’s agricultural output. In collaboration with Indian scientists, CIMMYT helped develop popular wheat varieties like Kalyan Sona (1967), Sonalika (1968), and PBW 343 (1995). These innovations were instrumental in boosting wheat production and turning India from a food-insecure nation dependent on imports to a food-secure exporter.

By the mid-20th century, India’s wheat yield skyrocketed from 1–1.5 tonnes/hectare to 4–7 tonnes/hectare. This transformation drastically improved food security and economic stability, making India a net exporter of food grains today.

Despite the immense benefits India has gained from CIMMYT's research, India’s financial contribution has been minimal. For example, India contributed just $0.8 million to CIMMYT in 2024, which is a tiny fraction of the aid it has received from the institution. Given CIMMYT’s financial crisis, India is now in a position of moral responsibility to contribute more significantly and help sustain the institution that contributed immensely to its agricultural prosperity.

Green Revolution:

The Green Revolution of the 1960s, often associated with M.S. Swaminathan, V.S. Mathur, and other prominent agricultural scientists, was a game-changing period for India. CIMMYT’s contributions, especially in wheat and maize varieties, played a pivotal role in the revolution.

Key Features of the Green Revolution:

• High-Yielding Variety (HYV) Seeds: HYVs, particularly for wheat and rice, were developed to respond well to fertilizers and irrigation, significantly increasing crop productivity.

• Chemical Inputs: The widespread use of fertilizers and pesticides helped boost productivity.

• Irrigation Systems: Expansion of irrigation infrastructure (e.g., tube wells, canals) ensured water availability for crops.

• Mechanization: Introduction of tractors, harvesters, and other machinery modernized farming practices.

• Government Support: Policies like subsidies, Minimum Support Prices (MSP), and investment in agricultural research helped facilitate adoption.

Achievements of the Green Revolution:

• Food Security: India moved from being a food-scarce, famine-prone nation to self-sufficiency in food grain production. Wheat production increased from 10 million tonnes in 1964 to 26 million tonnes by 1971.

• Economic Growth: Rural incomes surged in regions like Punjab and Haryana, and the country became a global agricultural exporter.

• Technological Advancements: The Green Revolution laid the foundation for mechanized farming and modern agricultural research.

Legacy

While the Green Revolution brought immense benefits, its legacy is mixed and accompanied by environmental and social challenges:

Positive Impacts:

• Sustained Food Security: India’s food grain production grew substantially, ensuring a buffer against famines.

• Agricultural Modernization: Mechanized farming techniques became more widespread, with institutions like IARI driving further research.

• Global Influence: India’s success became a model for other developing nations seeking to improve food security.

Negative Impacts:

• Environmental Degradation:

  • Soil Depletion: The intensive use of chemical fertilizers and monocropping led to a decrease in soil fertility.

  • Water Scarcity: Over-reliance on groundwater for irrigation, especially in Punjab and Haryana, led to falling water tables.

  • Pesticide Pollution: Excessive pesticide use harmed ecosystems and human health, particularly in Punjab, known as the “cancer belt”.

• Regional Disparities: The revolution primarily benefited regions with better infrastructure (e.g., Punjab), while rain-fed areas (e.g., Bihar and Eastern India) saw limited gains.

• Economic Inequality: Large farmers with better access to capital benefited more than small and marginal farmers, exacerbating rural income disparities.

• Monoculture Risks: Overfocus on wheat and rice made farmers vulnerable to market and climate risks.

Health Concerns:

• The overuse of chemicals has been linked to health problems, particularly in regions like Punjab, raising concerns over long-term sustainability.

The Future: Towards Sustainability and Inclusivity

India’s agricultural future demands a balanced approach—one that sustains food security while addressing environmental and social costs. A Second Green Revolution or Evergreen Revolution is necessary, focusing on:

• Sustainable Practices: Encourage organic farming, crop rotation, and integrated pest management.

• Climate-Resilient Crops: Focus on drought and flood-resistant varieties to cope with climate change.

• Inclusive Growth: Extend benefits to small farmers and rain-fed regions.

• Technology Integration: Embrace precision agriculture, AI, and drones to optimize resource use and boost yields sustainably.

India’s Opportunity and Responsibility

India's opportunity to support CIMMYT goes beyond mere financial aid. By repaying the debt owed to an institution that has been instrumental in transforming Indian agriculture, India can help ensure that CIMMYT’s pioneering agricultural research continues to benefit millions of farmers in the Global South, including those in India.

Given the institution’s role in securing India’s food sovereignty and the global agricultural community’s need for continued innovation, this is a moment for India to lead and demonstrate global agricultural leadership. By contributing financially and politically to CIMMYT, India can play a crucial role in continuing the legacy of the Green Revolution, ensuring that future generations continue to benefit from cutting-edge agricultural research and technology.