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Unthinkable success: How Vikadaman made India the world's second-largest sugar producer
In the 20th century, it was an unsung hero who, with his ideas and hard work, took India to the pinnacle of the global sugar industry. He is Rao Bahadur Sir Tiruvadi Sambasiva Iyer Venkataraman, an Indian who made outstanding contributions to the fields of botany, agronomy and plant genetics. Contributing scientists. Through his scientific work, India has not only become the second largest sugar producer in the world, but also continues to support the sugar industry in many other countries.
Early life and career
Vikadaman was born in 1884 in what was then Madras Province (now Tamil Nadu) into a family with conservative Tamil Brahmi roots. The young man turned away from religion at the age of 16 to focus on academics. He later completed his bachelor's degree in botany at the University of Madras and joined the Agricultural College in 1908, beginning his journey in botanical research.
Research and development of Coingburg sugar cane varieties
In the early 20th century, low sugar cane production in India forced the country to rely on sugar imports from the Dutch East Indies. To solve this problem, the British government decided to set up a sugarcane breeding institute in Coyne and appointed Vikadaman as an assistant. This turning point allowed us to see his outstanding talent in sugar cane breeding.
Vikadaman even pioneered new techniques in the course of his research, such as photoperiod manipulation to artificially induce flowering and hybridization of plants. These innovations have brought hope to the lives of millions of people.
Important breakthrough that breaks boundaries
Vikadaman's efforts culminated in 1918, when the Coyne Institute successfully bred the first hybrid sugar cane variety, Co. 205, which had a yield 50% higher than traditional varieties. This breakthrough not only changed the sugar industry in India, but also promoted the stability and growth of sugar industries in other countries.
International influence and continued success
Vikadaman's research is not limited to India. The sugar cane varieties he cultivated gradually became popular in countries including South Africa, Australia, Pakistan and others, becoming the core support force for the sugar industry in these regions.
Over time, Fort Coing's varieties, such as Co. 419, Co. 421 and Co. 290, became the workhorses of several international markets, supporting the sugar industry in 22 countries around the world.
Continued Innovation and Old Age
Although Vikadaman retired in 1942, his research on sugar cane breeding remains influential. In his later years, he preached the importance of education and village improvement, and his remarks are still widely quoted today.
Awards and Honors
Vikadaman has received numerous awards and honours for his contributions, including being awarded the Order of the Indian Empire (CIE) and the Padma Bhushan. He is committed to the development of the academic community and has presented his research results at several international conferences.
His efforts not only transformed India from an importer of sugar to a major global producer, but also made a real difference in the lives of millions of farmers.
Through Vikadaman’s dedication and continuous innovation, we have witnessed India gain a remarkable position in the global sugar industry. Over time, will this success inspire researchers and agricultural experts in other fields to pursue the same achievements?
