M.S. Swaminathan, known as the father of India’s Green Revolution, has passed away. The International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) expressed deep sadness over his death and highlighted his partnership with CIMMYT founder Norman Borlaug in saving countless lives from hunger. The power of their collaboration is evident in their life’s work..
CIMMYT is deeply saddened by the passing of M.S. Swaminathan, the father of India’s Green Revolution. M.S. Swaminathan saved countless lives from hunger along with CIMMYT founder, Norman Borlaug. Their lives demonstrate the power of partnership. https://t.co/FtZRcBpjNi pic.twitter.com/o9ZOtNLH3f
— CIMMYT (@CIMMYT) September 28, 2023
Obituary – Death News : We are deeply saddened to report the passing of M.S. Swaminathan, widely regarded as the father of India’s Green Revolution. Mr. Swaminathan, a renowned agricultural scientist and visionary, dedicated his life to combating hunger and improving food security in India and beyond. His groundbreaking work, in collaboration with CIMMYT founder Norman Borlaug, has saved countless lives and revolutionized agricultural practices worldwide.
Born on August 7, 1925, in Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu, M.S. Swaminathan exhibited a passion for agriculture from a young age. He pursued his education at the prestigious Indian Agricultural Research Institute in New Delhi and later earned a Ph.D. in Plant Genetics from the University of Cambridge, UK.
Mr. Swaminathan’s tireless efforts in the field of agriculture were driven by a deep-rooted commitment to alleviating poverty and hunger. His groundbreaking research on high-yielding varieties of wheat, known as the Green Revolution, transformed India’s agricultural landscape in the 1960s. By implementing innovative farming techniques and introducing hybrid seeds, he successfully increased crop yields and ensured food security for millions of people.
Throughout his illustrious career, M.S. Swaminathan held numerous esteemed positions, including serving as the Director General of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research and as the Secretary to the Government of India in the Ministry of Agriculture. He was also a member of the Indian Parliament, where he actively advocated for policies that prioritized sustainable agriculture and rural development.
Mr. Swaminathan’s contributions extended far beyond India’s borders. He played a pivotal role in establishing the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR), a global partnership of agricultural research organizations. Through his leadership, he facilitated international collaboration and knowledge sharing to address the pressing challenges of hunger and malnutrition.
His groundbreaking work earned him numerous accolades and recognition. M.S. Swaminathan was the recipient of several prestigious awards, including the World Food Prize, the Tyler Prize for Environmental Achievement, and the Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament, and Development. He was also bestowed with the highest civilian honors in India, including the Padma Vibhushan and the Bharat Ratna.
M.S. Swaminathan’s legacy will forever be etched in history as a champion of sustainable agriculture and a staunch advocate for the welfare of farmers. His visionary ideas and relentless efforts have laid the foundation for a more food-secure and sustainable future. As we mourn his loss, let us remember his invaluable contributions and strive to carry forward his mission to eradicate hunger and poverty from our world.
At the time of this reporting, the cause of M.S. Swaminathan’s death has not been disclosed.
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@CIMMYT wrote
CIMMYT is deeply saddened by the passing of M.S. Swaminathan, the father of India's Green Revolution. M.S. Swaminathan saved countless lives from hunger along with CIMMYT founder, Norman Borlaug. Their lives demonstrate the power of partnership. rb.gy/sr9qc