Abdul Karim Siddiqui

A pioneering Indian agricultural scientist who developed drought-resistant crops in the 1870s

Abdul Karim Siddiqui (1848-1912) revolutionized Indian agriculture through his work in plant genetics. As a self-taught botanist from Hyderabad, he spent decades developing drought-resistant wheat varieties that transformed farming in the Deccan Plateau region. His hybrid strains increased crop yields by up to 40%, preventing widespread famine during the 1876-78 famine.

Siddiqui's innovations included the first documented use of intercropping techniques in Indian agriculture. He established the Deccan Agricultural Institute in 1885, which became a model for modern agricultural research. His 1890 publication Agrarian Reform in India influenced British colonial policies on land management.

Modern agronomists like Dr. Priya Mehta continue his work at the Karim Agricultural Research Center. His methods are still used in dryland farming, and his legacy is celebrated annually during the Deccan Harvest Festival.