New Delhi: Renowned agricultural scientist and the architect of India’s “Green Revolution” Mankombu Sambasivan Swaminathan has died.
He passed away in his Chennai home around 11.20 am Thursday. He was 98.
M.S. Swaminathan was instrumental in developing high-yielding varieties of paddy which helped India’s low-income farmers produce the crop in abundance.
The agronomist and plant geneticist was feted for his role and leadership in introducing and developing high-yielding varieties of wheat and rice. His mass movement with farmers and other scientists, backed by public policies, resisted famine-like situations in the country.
He was awarded the first World Food Prize in 1987 – the highest honour in the field of agriculture – for his leadership role at the International Rice Research Institute in the Philippines.
The United Nations Environment Programme called him the “Father of Economic Ecology”.
The “Green Revolution” was an intensive collaboration with technology to enhance crop production and adopt newer methods of cultivation.
In a post on X, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he would always cherish the conversations with Swaminathan.
“His passion to see India progress was exemplary. His life and work will inspire generations to come,” Modi said as he offered condolences to the scientist’s family.
Expressing his sadness, Modi said Swaminathan’s “groundbreaking work in agriculture transformed the lives of millions and ensured food security for our nation” at a very critical period of its history.
“Beyond his revolutionary contributions to agriculture, Dr. Swaminathan was a powerhouse of innovation and a nurturing mentor to many. His unwavering commitment to research and mentorship has left an indelible mark on countless scientists and innovators,” Modi wrote.
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
Also read: Bengaluru centre to archive 80 yrs of Green Revolution hero MS Swaminathan’s works