The father of India's Green Revolution, M.S. Swaminathan, passes away

Chennai: Renowned agricultural scientist and the "Father of India's Green Revolution," M.S. Swaminathan, passed away this morning in Chennai at the age of 98. Dr. Swaminathan's unparalleled contributions to agriculture revolutionized food security in India and earned him global recognition. Swaminathan's father was a doctor, and his family initially wanted him to pursue a medical career like his father. However, he chose agriculture over medicine. Swaminathan was born on August 7, 1925, in Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu. His work in the field of agriculture had a profound impact on the agricultural landscape of India, earning him national and international recognition. Swaminathan's journey in agriculture began with a strong educational foundation. He earned his undergraduate degree in agriculture from the Agricultural College and Research Institute in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. His thirst for knowledge led him to pursue further studies at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) in Delhi, where he obtained his master's degree and later a Ph.D.

High-Yielding Varieties (HYVs): Dr. Swaminathan played a crucial role in introducing high-yielding varieties of crops, especially wheat and rice, which significantly increased crop production. Varieties like IR8, often called the "miracle rice," led to a substantial increase in crop yields. Farmer Welfare: Dr. Swaminathan emphasized the importance of improving the livelihoods of Indian farmers. His advocacy for fair price determination, access to credit, and agricultural education has benefited countless farmers. Dr. Swaminathan's journey marked a transformative era in Indian agriculture, shaping the path for the Green Revolution. His advocacy for sustainable farming practices turned him into a global leader in ensuring food security. His relentless efforts resulted in India becoming self-sufficient in food production within 25 years, addressing hunger on a global scale.

During the time of India's independence, annual wheat production in the country was 6 million tons. By 1962, it had reached 10 million tons. However, between 1964 and 1968, annual wheat production surged to 17 crores (170 million) tons, a period referred to as the "Green Revolution." Between 1972 and 1979, Dr. Swaminathan served as the Director-General of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and later as the Secretary of the Indian Ministry of Agriculture and Education. His remarkable contributions earned him several prestigious awards, including the Ramon Magsaysay Award for community leadership in 1971 and the World Food Prize in 1987. He was honored with the Padma Shri in 1967, Padma Bhushan in 1972, and Padma Vibhushan in 1989.

As the Chairman of the National Commission on Farmers, Dr. Swaminathan played a vital role in addressing the challenges faced by Indian farmers, aiming to reduce their hardships. Additionally, Dr. Swaminathan chaired the UNESCO Chair in Ecotechnology at the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation in Chennai, where his work continued to impact sustainable agricultural practices. He was nominated to the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of the Indian Parliament, as a Member of Parliament between 2007 and 2013. Dr. Swaminathan's influence extended beyond borders, and Time magazine recognized him as one of the most influential Asians of the 20th century. In 2013, he was honored with the Greatest Global Living Legend Award by NDTV. He once said, "The future belongs to countries with grain, not guns. Reaching the (level of) food security and enabling the legal right to food for Indians is not easy.