A country that cannot feed itself cannot have self-pride, and in the mid-'60s 20 percent of all the wheat produced in America came into India. We were agriculturally a basket case. And 15 years later, 20 years later, we have become an agricultural power. This is the famous Green Revolution.

The quote by Jairam Ramesh highlights the critical connection between a country’s ability to feed itself and its sense of self-pride. He points out that in the mid-1960s, India was heavily dependent on imports, with 20 percent of all the wheat produced in the United States being sent to India. This dependence painted India as an "agriculturally a basket case," struggling to sustain its own population through farming.

Ramesh emphasizes the remarkable transformation that followed over the next 15 to 20 years, as India became an agricultural power. This change was largely due to the Green Revolution, a series of innovations and reforms in agriculture that introduced high-yield crop varieties, improved irrigation, and modern farming techniques. The Green Revolution is famous for significantly increasing food production and reducing India's reliance on food imports.

The origin of this quote is tied to Ramesh’s work as an Indian politician and environmentalist who has often spoken about India's development and challenges. His words serve as both a reflection on a pivotal moment in Indian history and a celebration of the country’s achievements in food security.

Overall, the quote underscores the importance of agricultural self-sufficiency for national pride and stability. It reminds us how scientific and technological advancements can transform a nation’s fortunes and ensure the well-being of its people.