Sardara Singh Johl, a prominent figure in the realm of agriculture and economics, was born on
8th February 1928 into a humble farmers’ family in Lyalpur, which is now known as
Faisalabad, situated in present-day Pakistan. His early education took place at the local
village school, where he exhibited a keen interest in learning. Fueled by curiosity and a
desire to bring about positive changes in the agricultural sector, he embarked on a
remarkable academic journey that would shape the course of his life and leave an enduring
legacy.
Johl’s thirst for knowledge led him to pursue higher education in agriculture and economics
at Punjab University, where he excelled in his studies. He earned a Bachelor of Science
(BSc) degree in agriculture and a Master of Science (MSc) degree in agricultural economics.
Undeterred by challenges, he continued his pursuit of academic excellence and attained a
Master’s degree (MA) in economics, followed by a Doctoral degree (PhD) from Punjabi
University in 1952. His commitment to learning and research paved the way for a career that
would be dedicated to transforming agriculture and rural development in India.
In the early years of his professional journey, Johl worked tirelessly in the hilly regions
of Punjab, focusing on agriculture and rural development. His dedication and expertise soon
caught the attention of academia, and in 1965, he joined Punjab Agricultural University
(PAU) as an assistant professor. Over time, he ascended the ranks and reached the
prestigious position of a professor, while simultaneously taking on the role of the Head of
the Department of Economics and Sociology at PAU. Johl’s work at the university proved to be
influential, as he contributed significantly to the development of agricultural economics in
the region.
Johl’s academic prowess and leadership abilities did not go unnoticed, and he was entrusted
with various noteworthy positions throughout his career. He had the distinct honor of
serving as the vice-chancellor of not just one, but three esteemed institutions – Punjabi
University, Punjab Agricultural University, and Haryana Agricultural University. His tenure
as the chancellor of the Central University of Punjab in 2012 marked a significant
milestone, as he became the first chancellor of the university, further solidifying his
reputation as a visionary and trailblazer in the field of agriculture.
Beyond his academic pursuits, Johl played a vital role in shaping agricultural policies at
both the state and national levels. He chaired the Commission for Agricultural Costs and
Prices, a crucial body responsible for determining the Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for
various agricultural commodities. Additionally, he was a prominent member of the Central
Board of Governors of the Reserve Bank of India, where his insights and expertise were
instrumental in shaping economic policies.
Johl’s dedication to fostering agricultural growth and rural development extended beyond the
borders of India. As a visiting professor at esteemed institutions such as Ohio State
University and London School of Economics, he shared his knowledge and experiences with the
global academic community. Furthermore, during an international agricultural economics
conference held in Minsk, Belarus (erstwhile USSR), in 1970, he chaired three sessions,
showcasing his stature as a respected scholar on the world stage.
One of Johl’s most significant contributions to agricultural policy was the formulation of
the “Johl Plan.” While serving as the head of the Advisory Committee on Agriculture Policy
of the Government of Punjab, he proposed a revolutionary approach to encourage crop rotation
and diversification among wheat and rice farmers. The plan involved offering subsidies to
farmers who shifted to cultivating other crops, a move that proved instrumental in
mitigating the risks of over-reliance on particular crops and enhancing agricultural
sustainability.
Johl’s influence extended beyond the confines of academia and policy formulation. He actively
engaged in socio-political discussions, fearlessly expressing his views on various social
and political issues. His commitment to effecting positive change and uplifting the farming
community remained unwavering throughout his life.
An accomplished writer, Johl’s scholarly contributions extended to over 200 articles
published in esteemed national and international journals. Moreover, he chronicled his
remarkable life journey in an autobiography titled “Ranga di Gagar,” originally written in
Punjabi and later translated into Hindi and Urdu, allowing readers to delve into the
insights and experiences that shaped his extraordinary career.
Johl’s exceptional accomplishments did not go unnoticed, as he received numerous awards and
honors for his outstanding contributions to agriculture and academia. He was elected a
fellow of the prestigious Punjab Academy of Sciences and the National Academy of
Agricultural Sciences, a testament to his profound impact on agricultural research and
Development. In 2004, the Government of India bestowed upon him the Padma Bhushan, one of
the nation’s highest civilian awards, recognizing his exemplary service to the nation.
Additionally, Punjab University honored him with the degree of DLitt (honoris causa) in
2005, acknowledging his exceptional contributions to the field of agriculture and
economics.
The accolades continued to pour in for Johl, as he received honorary doctorates from Punjabi
University and Guru Nanak Dev University, further highlighting his influence in the academic
community. The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) appointed him as the National
Professor of Eminence, a title befitting his exceptional scholarly achievements. He was also
inducted as a life member of Punjab Sahit Akademi, an esteemed recognition for his literary
contributions.
Johl’s journey was marked by a plethora of awards, including the Chief Khalsa Diwan Centenary
Award, the Punjab Agricultural University Golden Jubilee Outstanding Alumni Award, the Mahan
Punjabi Award from the Professor Mohan Singh Foundation, and the Dr. Madan Gold Medal Award.
Each accolade served as a testament to his unwavering commitment to transforming
agriculture, fostering rural development, and contributing to the progress of the
nation.
Sardara Singh Johl’s life and career remain an inspiring testament to the power of education,
research, and dedication in driving positive change and shaping the future of a nation. His
visionary leadership, pioneering policies, and academic contributions have left an indelible
mark on India’s agricultural landscape, ensuring that his legacy continues to thrive,
benefiting generations to come.