Produced by: Tarun Mishra
Designed by: Manoj Kumar
M.S. Swaminathan, known as the pioneer of India's Green Revolution, passed away on Thursday at the age of 98. Swaminathan's groundbreaking work in the development of high-yielding rice varieties significantly contributed to enhancing the productivity of India's small-scale farmers. His final rites are expected to take place on Sunday.
The United Nations Environment Programme bestowed upon M.S Swaminathan the distinguished title of the "Father of Economic Ecology" in acknowledgment of his extraordinary contributions to environmental and agricultural science.
M.S Swaminathan's pioneering work in the 1960s and 1970s sparked a revolution in Indian agriculture. His innovative approaches and strategies played a pivotal role in averting widespread famine and steering India towards self-sufficiency in food production.
One of M.S Swaminathan's most influential accomplishments was the development and introduction of high-yielding varieties of wheat and rice. These agricultural breakthroughs led to a remarkable increase in food grain production, bolstering food security across India.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid his respects to the late scientist, recognising his instrumental role in transforming the agricultural landscape during a critical period in India's history. M.S Swaminathan's visionary work ensured the well-being of millions.
Despite physical challenges that limited his mobility in recent years, M.S Swaminathan remained an active advocate for farmers and agriculture until just a month ago. His unwavering commitment to the welfare of farmers remained undiminished.
M.S Swaminathan's contributions earned him the title of the "architect of India's green revolution." His innovative strategies paved the way for India's emergence as a global agricultural powerhouse.
TIME magazine hailed M.S Swaminathan as one of the twenty most influential Asians of the 20th century, positioning him alongside luminaries such as Mahatma Gandhi and Rabindranath Tagore. The United Nations Environment Programme celebrated his leadership in the "ever-green revolution" in agriculture.
M.S Swaminathan's illustrious career spanned various prestigious roles, including Director of the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, Director General of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, and Secretary to the Government of India for the Department of Agricultural Research and Education.
Beyond his lifetime, M.S Swaminathan's legacy endures through the MS Swaminathan Research Foundation, an institution that continues to advance agricultural research and innovation in India.
M.S Swaminathan's passing represents the conclusion of an era marked by transformative innovations in agricultural research, education, and extension. His contributions to India's agricultural development remain an inspiration for future generations.