Dr. M.S. Swaminathan, known as the Father of economic ecology and the green revolution, has passed away. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) expressed deep condolences to his family and mourned his loss. Dr. Swaminathan’s leadership on food security greatly impacted the lives of impoverished farmers. His extraordinary service was recognized and appreciated by many..
Deep condolences to the family of #MSSwaminathan. We @UNEP mourn his passing. Father of economic ecology & green revolution, Dr Swaminathan’s leadership on food security enhanced the lives some of the poorest farmers in the world. We give thanks for his extraordinary service. pic.twitter.com/CDqbRoXIad
— Inger Andersen (@andersen_inger) October 1, 2023
Obituary – Death News : Renowned scientist and agricultural pioneer, Dr. MS Swaminathan, passed away on October 1, 2023, leaving behind a profound legacy that has transformed the lives of countless farmers and revolutionized the field of economic ecology. The news of his demise has saddened not only his family but also the international community, with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) expressing deep condolences and mourning his passing.
Dr. Swaminathan’s contributions to food security and sustainable agriculture have been nothing short of extraordinary. Often referred to as the “Father of Economic Ecology,” he dedicated his life to improving the livelihoods of some of the world’s poorest farmers. His visionary leadership and groundbreaking research played a pivotal role in the development of the green revolution, a movement that aimed to combat global hunger and increase agricultural productivity.
Born on August 7, 1925, in Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu, India, Dr. Swaminathan’s passion for agriculture and farming stemmed from his family’s agricultural background. He completed his education at Madras Christian College and obtained a Ph.D. in Genetics from the University of Cambridge in 1952. Driven by a deep-rooted desire to address the challenges faced by farmers, he embarked on a lifelong journey that would shape the future of agriculture.
Dr. Swaminathan’s groundbreaking research and innovations focused on developing high-yielding varieties of wheat and rice, which significantly increased crop production and helped alleviate food scarcity in many developing nations. His pioneering work not only boosted agricultural productivity but also ushered in a new era of sustainable farming practices.
Throughout his illustrious career, Dr. Swaminathan held numerous prominent positions, including serving as the Director-General of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research and as the Chairman of the International Rice Research Institute. He was a recipient of numerous prestigious awards and honors, including the World Food Prize and the Tyler Prize for Environmental Achievement.
Beyond his scientific achievements, Dr. Swaminathan was a passionate advocate for social justice and rural development. He firmly believed that empowering farmers and ensuring their access to resources and knowledge was essential for achieving global food security. His tireless efforts to bridge the gap between science and society earned him immense respect and admiration worldwide.
Dr. Swaminathan’s impact on agriculture and sustainable development will be felt for generations to come. His visionary ideas and unwavering commitment to improving the lives of farmers have left an indelible mark on the world. As we mourn his loss, we must also celebrate his extraordinary service and the enduring legacy he leaves behind. His contributions serve as a guiding light for future generations, inspiring them to continue working towards a more sustainable and equitable future for all.
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@andersen_inger wrote
Deep condolences to the family of #MSSwaminathan. We @UNEP mourn his passing. Father of economic ecology & green revolution, Dr Swaminathan’s leadership on food security enhanced the lives some of the poorest farmers in the world. We give thanks for his extraordinary service.