THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Professor Mankombu Sambasivan Swaminathan, widely known as MS Swaminathan, played a pivotal role in architecting India’s ‘Green Revolution.’
As the ‘Father of the Green Revolution in India,’ his work focused on bringing about a significant social and agricultural transformation in the country.
During the 1960s, when India faced severe food scarcity, the late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi sought Swaminathan’s expertise to formulate agricultural policies. Rather than injecting policies on farmers, MS Swaminathan made the policies accessible and farmer-friendly.
Swaminathan’s research in cytogenetics, focusing on hexaploid wheat and rice, led to the development of high-yielding varieties, earning him the title ‘Father of the Green Revolution in India.’ His research into developing rice with C4 carbon fixation capabilities contributed to food security.
He also played a vital role in the creation of the world’s first high-yielding basmati rice. The development of high-yielding rice seeds suited to the Indian climate has ensured a wave of change at the grassroots level in the Indian agricultural space.
Recognizing his dedication to sustainable agricultural practices, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) honored Dr. Swaminathan as “Father of Economic Ecology.”
It can be signed off by PM Modi’s words on MS Swaminathan: ‘Beyond his revolutionary contributions to agriculture, Dr. Swaminathan was a powerhouse of innovation and a nurturing mentor to many. His demise is not only a loss to our country but to the entire world, as he dedicated his life to achieving the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) of ‘zero hunger’ worldwide.’
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