MS Swaminathan, Father of Green Revolution in India, Dies at 98

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MS Swaminathan, Father of Green Revolution in India, Dies at 98
Image Source: thehindubusinessline.com

M.S. Swaminathan (7 August 1925 – 28 September 2023) was an Indian agronomist, agricultural scientist, plant geneticist, administrator, and humanitarian. He is widely regarded as the “Father of the Green Revolution in India” for his role in introducing high-yielding varieties of wheat and rice that helped India achieve self-sufficiency in food production.

Swaminathan was born in Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu, India. He studied agriculture at the University of Madras and then went on to earn a Ph.D. in genetics from the University of Cambridge. After his return to India, he worked for the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (ICAR) and the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI).

In the 1960s, Swaminathan played a key role in introducing high-yielding varieties of wheat and rice to India. These varieties were more resistant to pests and diseases, and they produced significantly higher yields than traditional varieties. As a result of the Green Revolution, India’s food production increased dramatically, and the country was able to achieve self-sufficiency in food production.

Swaminathan was also a strong advocate for sustainable agriculture. He believed that it was important to increase food production while also protecting the environment. He worked to develop new agricultural technologies that would allow farmers to produce more food without using more land or water.

Swaminathan received numerous awards and honors for his work, including the World Food Prize, the Ramon Magsaysay Award, and the Indira Gandhi Prize. He was also nominated to the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of the Indian Parliament.

Swaminathan was a visionary leader who made a significant contribution to global food security. His work helped to save millions of lives from starvation and poverty. He was also a strong advocate for sustainable agriculture and environmental protection.

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