Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :

Prelims level: Green Revolution

Mains level: Green Revolution and Contributions and the significant roles played by MS Swaminathan

What’s the news?

Monkomb Sambasivan Swaminathan, the legendary agricultural scientist widely regarded as the Father of the Green Revolution, passed away at the age of 98 on September 28. His contributions to agriculture in the 1960s and ’70s transformed India’s farming landscape, ushering in an era of food security.

Central idea

The passing of MS Swaminathan marks the end of an era in Indian agriculture. His unwavering commitment to the welfare of farmers and his pioneering efforts in the Green Revolution have left an indomitable legacy. This op-ed is dedicated to the father of the Green Revolution.

Born on August 7, 1925, in Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu
Initially, I aimed for a career in the civil services and even cleared the civil services examination.
He switched to agriculture due to his passion, inspired by the Quit India Movement and the Bengal famine of 1942–43.
He enrolled in the Agriculture College in Coimbatore to pursue his interest in agriculture.

Swaminathan held various significant positions related to agriculture, both in India and abroad.
His roles included Independent Chairman of the Food and Agricultural Organization Council (1981–85), President of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (1984–90), and President of the World Wide Fund for Nature (India) from 1989–96.
He also served as the Director General of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), among other positions.

Swaminathan’s mission was to transform Indian agriculture.
Introduced high-yielding crop varieties, improved irrigation facilities, and promoted fertilizer use.
Wheat production in India surged from 6 million tonnes in 1947 to 17 million tonnes between 1964 and 1968.
The Green Revolution bolstered India’s food security and reduced dependence on imports.

Swaminathan worked on enhancing crop varieties, particularly rice and wheat.
He pioneered the development of semi-dwarf wheat varieties to reduce lodging and boost yields.
Collaboration with Norman Borlaug resulted in the introduction of dwarfing genes into wheat varieties, leading to the “Wheat Revolution.”
Swaminathan recognized the challenges of the Green Revolution, including the displacement of local crop varieties, soil fertility conservation issues, and indiscriminate pesticide use.
He also noted the risks of overexploiting groundwater.

As the head of the National Commission on Farmers from 2004 to 2006, Swaminathan advocated for the welfare of farmers.
He recommended that the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for agricultural produce should be at least 50% more than the cost of production, ensuring fair compensation to farmers.

Swaminathan was awarded the first World Food Prize Laureate in 1987 for his contributions to India’s wheat and rice production.
He received the Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan, two of India’s highest civilian honors.

As we remember the Father of the Green Revolution, we must also reflect on the challenges that persist in Indian agriculture and work towards a sustainable and equitable future. Swaminathan’s vision and dedication will continue to inspire generations of agricultural scientists and policymakers in their pursuit of a food-secure India.