MS Swaminathan, a prominent agricultural scientist and often referred to as the father of India’s Green Revolution, passed away in Chennai on September 28, 2023, at the age of 98.
- Contributions to Agriculture: Swaminathan played a pivotal role in bringing about a social revolution in India’s agriculture sector during the 1960s. His policies helped rescue India from famine-like conditions.
- Foundation: He founded the MS Swaminathan Research Foundation, which focused on agricultural research and development.
- Development of High-Yield Wheat Varieties: His work was instrumental in the development of high-yield variety seeds of wheat, a significant factor in the success of the Green Revolution in India.
- Professional Roles: Swaminathan held important positions in the field of agriculture, serving as the director general of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) from 1972 to 1980 and the director general of the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) from 1982 to 1988.
- International Recognition: He received several international awards and honors for his contributions to agriculture and environmental science, including the Albert Einstein World Science Award in 1986, the first World Food Prize in 1987, the Tyler Prize for Environmental Achievement in 1991, and the Planet and Humanity Medal of the International Geographical Union in 2000.
- National Honors: Swaminathan was also honored by the Indian government with prestigious awards like Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Vibhushan.
Q.: In which sector did MS Swaminathan bring about a social revolution in India during the 1960s?
a) Education
b) Healthcare
c) Agriculture
d) Technology
Answer : c) Agriculture
