From Mysore to Cambridge and Back: The Education of a Groundnut Breeder

• Through the biography of V.K. Badami, this article contributes to debates about genetics and plant breeding in the history of science. Badami, an accomplished breeder in the Mysore Department of Agriculture, took a leave to study genetics at the University of Cambridge. His professors nearly failed him, yet Badami’s groundnut breeding experiments proved influential for Indian farmers as well as advances in crop science. This history adds a proviso to the thesis that scientific institutions of academic genetics varied in support of professional plant breeding by demonstrating the struggles of a student studying abroad. • The argument is developed by comparing notes from Badami’s student records with his groundnut breeding accomplishments in South India. • The study connects the disciplinary history of genetics to plant breeding for the British empire. • Badami’s experience at Cambridge is indicative of the geographical relationship between academic genetics and colonial plant breeding in the early 20th century. In this case, the commitments of an Indian agricultural officer conflicted with office work devoted to theoretical quantitative analysis