M S Swaminathan, father of India's Green Revolution, passes away at the age of 98

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On 28 September 2023, famous farmer and 'Father of India's Green Revolution' M.S. Swaminathan died at the age of 98.

An Overview of the News

• M. S. Swaminathan's agricultural journey began in 1949 when he began researching crop genetics, which included important crops like potato, wheat, rice, and jute.

Green Revolution:

• During a critical period in India's history, Swaminathan collaborated with scientist Norman Borlaug and others to develop high-yielding varieties of wheat and rice.

• This collaboration marked the beginning of the 'Green Revolution', a transformative initiative aimed at significantly increasing crop productivity through the use of chemical-biological technology.

Honors and Awards for Outstanding Contribution:

• Swaminathan received several prestigious awards, including the first World Food Prize in 1987 for introducing high-yielding wheat and rice varieties into India.

• He established the MS Swaminathan Research Foundation in Chennai.

• He was also awarded the Ramon Magsaysay Award in 1971 and the Albert Einstein World Science Award in 1986.

National Recognition:

• In India, Swaminathan received several high civilian awards, including the Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan.

• He was also a recipient of the HK Firodia Award, the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Award and the Indira Gandhi Award.

Typical Careers in Administration:

• Swaminathan served as the Director General of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research.

• He also headed the International Rice Research Institute.

• In 1979, he became Principal Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture.

Global Environmental Leadership:

• In 1988, Swaminathan became President of the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources, highlighting his dedication to environmental protection.

• His influence extended globally, contributing to various international agricultural and environmental initiatives.

• Time magazine recognized him as one of the 20 most influential Asians of the 20th century.