M S. Swaminathan or Monkombu Sambasivan Swaminathan also known as the “Father of the Indian Green Revolution” passed away at the age of 98. He was a renowned agriculture scientist who made strategies for the Green Revolution in India.
Swaminathan’s research was initiated as a plant geneticist, which aimed to resolve the issues of farmers by fixing the problem of food insecurity through increasing yield and productivity. His revolutionary research has significantly influenced agricultural practices worldwide.
M.S. Swaminathan is often referred to as the “Father of the Green Revolution in India.” He played a pivotal role in introducing high-yielding varieties of wheat and rice in the 1960s. Together with cutting-edge agricultural inputs and techniques, these enhanced crop varieties considerably raised crop yields and assisted India in achieving food self-sufficiency.
He established the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF), an organisation that promotes sustainable farming, the preservation of biodiversity, and rural development. MSSRF’s research contributed to the development of draught-resistant crops and organic farming.
His advocacy work has influenced agricultural policies and programmes to prioritize small-scale farmers’ well-being and the welfare of vulnerable people.
Awards and honours
1971 – Ramon Magsaysay Award
1986 – Albert Einstein World Science Award
1987 – World Food Prize
1967 – Padma Shri (India)
1972 – Padma Bhushan (India)
1989 – Padma Vibushan (India)
2000- International Geographical Union – Humanity Medal
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Author: Achuth B S
Published: 28 September 2023, 22:55
Updated:
