MS Swaminathan, a geneticist who spearheaded India's effort to produce excess grain in the 1960s by advocating the use of hybrid varieties and chemical fertilisers, passed away at his home in Chennai. He was 98.
Swaminathan convinced the government that the high yielding dwarf wheat which US scientist Norman Borlaug introduced in Mexico was the answer to India’s grain shortage. He instructed farmers in their cultivation and modified the seeds to fit Indian circumstances. Because of this, Punjab saw a five-fold rise in wheat production in just five years, from 1.91 million tonnes in 1965–1966 to 5.15 million tonnes in 1970–1971.
Swaminathan was lauded as the ‘Father of the Green Revolution’. Even yet, he was aware that the heavy use of fertiliser was only a temporary solution to the nation's near-famine conditions.
Swaminathan advocated for an "Evergreen Revolution" through organic farming in his final years.
In a series of post on X, PM Narendra Modi said, “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.” “Beyond his revolutionary contributions to agriculture, Swaminathan was a powerhouse of innovation and a nurturing mentor to many... His passion to see India progress was exemplary. His life and work will inspire generations to come,” the PM said.
President Droupadi Murmu said: “A visionary who worked endlessly to achieve food security, he was rightly called the Father of Green Revolution that ensured our country’s self-reliance in foodgrains.”