Renowned agricultural scientist and the "Father of India's Green Revolution," MS Swaminathan, passed away at the age of 98 in Chennai. His groundbreaking contributions to agriculture revolutionised food security in India and gained global recognition. His three daughters are his only surviving family members, and he dedicated his life to sustainable agriculture.
Dr. Swaminathan's journey as a plant geneticist paved the way for the Green Revolution, transforming Indian agriculture. His advocacy for sustainable farming practices made him a world leader in sustainable food security. He served as the Director General of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research and Secretary to the Government of India, Department of Agricultural Research and Education.
His remarkable contributions earned him prestigious awards such as the Ramon Magsaysay Award for Community Leadership in 1971 and the inaugural World Food Prize in 1987. The Padma Shri award was given to him in 1967, the Padma Bhushan in 1972, and the Padma Vibhushan in 1989. As the Chair of the National Commission on Farmers, he played a crucial role in addressing farmer distress by recommending a minimum selling price at least 50% higher than the weighted average cost of products.
Dr. Swaminathan's influence extended beyond India. He held the UNESCO Chair in Ecotechnology at the MS Swaminathan Research Foundation in Chennai, where his work continued to impact sustainable agricultural practices. He was nominated to the Rajya Sabha as an MP between 2007 and 2013. His impact was recognised globally, with news magazines considering him one of the most influential Asians of the 20th century. In 2013, he received the Greatest Global Living Legend Award.
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