There is no doubt that it is the introduction of the dwarf wheat variety that saved millions from the prospect of famine for which Agriculture Minister C. Subramaniam deserves to be remembered (Tamil Nadu, “The man who saved millions from famine”, Aug.18). Unfortunately, we seem to be squandering these gains. Shrinking cultivable space due to unbridled conversion of agricultural lands into construction sites, and the mindless use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides have affected soil quality and polluted water and air. We have stopped converting garbage into organic manure. Water bodies are now deteriorating as they have become dumping yards.
Kumaran Appuchami,
Salem, Tamil Nadu
I recall the days in India when people were forced to skip supper once a week due to a foodgrain shortage. India was then forced to import wheat from the U.S. It was C. Subramaniam, backed by eminent agricultural scientists, who turned things around But for CS and Indira Gandhi’s strong trust in him, India would have faced problems.
S. Balasubramanian,
Chennai
