MS Swaminathan, known as the ‘Father of Green Revolution’ was born on August 7, 1925. Swaminathan developed high-yielding varieties (HYV) of wheat and later, promoted sustainable development which he called, the ‘evergreen revolution’
Some unknown facts you must know about MS Swaminathan:
- In 1960s, India was on the verge of a mass famine. MMS Swaminathan along with Norman Bolaug and other scientists, developed HYV seeds of wheat
- This development led to Green Revolution in India and Indian geneticist, Swaminathan was known as ‘The Father of Green Revolution’
- MS Swaminathan did his Bachelor’s in Science in both Zoology and Agricultural Science.
- Swaminathan made his decision of entering the field of Agriculture after experiencing the 1943 Bengal famine and the shortage of food in the country.
- He has been credited for his research on potato, rice, wheat, jute etc.
- Swaminathan served as the Director General of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (from 1972-1979) and International Rice Research Institute (1982-88)
- In 1979, he was the Principal Secretary of Ministry of Agriculture
- In 1988, MS Swaminathan became the President of International Union of the Conservation of Nature and Natural resources
- In 1986, he was awarded Albert Einstein World Award of Science in 1986
- In 1999, Time magazine listed Swaminathan in the list of most influential Asian people of the 20th century
- The Indian government awarded Swaminathan, Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan, in 1967 and 1972
