Father of India’s Green Revolution and Great Scientist Swaminathan Dies
MS Swaminathan’s death is a major loss for India and the world. He was a visionary leader who made significant contributions to agriculture, food security, and social justice.
MS Swaminathan's death is a major loss for India and the world. (Image: Wikipedia)
The father of India’s Green Revolution, MS Swaminathan, died on Thursday at the age of 98. He was a world-renowned agricultural scientist who is credited with helping to transform India from a food-deficient nation into a major agricultural producer.
Swaminathan was born in Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu, India, in 1922. He studied agriculture at the University of Madras and then went on to earn a Ph.D. in genetics from Cambridge University in England.
After returning to India in 1954, Swaminathan joined the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) in New Delhi. He quickly rose through the ranks and was appointed Director of IARI in 1967.
During his time at IARI, Swaminathan led a team of scientists who developed new high-yielding varieties of wheat and rice. These new varieties were resistant to pests and diseases and could be grown with less water and fertilizer.
Swaminathan Role in Modern Agriculture
Swaminathan also played a key role in promoting the use of modern agricultural inputs, such as fertilizers and pesticides. He also advocated for irrigation and land reforms. His efforts helped to transform India’s agricultural sector. In the 1960s, India was facing a severe food crisis. However, thanks to the Green Revolution, India was able to achieve self-sufficiency in food production by the 1970s. His work has had a profound impact on the lives of millions of people in India. He is credited with helping to lift India out of poverty and hunger.
In addition to his scientific work, he was also a passionate advocate for social justice. The scientist believed that agriculture should be used to benefit the poor and marginalized. He was also a strong supporter of environmental protection.
The man behind the green revolution was awarded numerous honors and awards for his work. He was a Fellow of the Royal Society and a member of the National Academy of Sciences. He was also awarded the Padma Bhushan and the Padma Vibhushan, two of India’s highest civilian honors.
Swaminathan’s death is a major loss for India and the world. He was a visionary leader who made significant contributions to agriculture, food security, and social justice. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also posted a condolence message on his X account.
Deeply saddened by the demise of Dr. MS Swaminathan Ji. At a very critical period in our nation’s history, his groundbreaking work in agriculture transformed the lives of millions and ensured food security for our nation. pic.twitter.com/BjLxHtAjC4
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 28, 2023
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