Solving the Problem of Hunger : An examination of a Mexico-Indian history of Scientific Innovation

In the mid-1960s concerns over population growth and the ability to feed a "hungry world" dominated global policy. The elimination of hunger via science, specifically agricultural science, was seen as a plausible solution. The global solution came to be known as the Green Revolution and it was pushed from Mexico, where it originated, across the globe. Only later would we come to understand that a single, global solution had significant environmental, social, and economic impacts, especially for already vulnerable populations. This tale of development aid, however, could have been a significantly different one.

In this talk, Gabriela Soto Laveaga examines why it is important to study the histories of India and Mexico together to question why a solution such as the Green Revolution was not the adequate one for primarily agrarian nations.

In particular she examines the life of Pandurang Khankhoje, an Indian native in Mexico, to further underline the importance of global histories that embrace both nations.

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Want to know more about Pandurang Khankhoje? Have a look at this exhibit -