M. S. Swaminathan

Indian scientist who pioneered the Green Revolution to combat hunger through agricultural innovation

Scientific Innovator

M. S. Swaminathan (born 1925) revolutionized farming through his work with high-yield crop varieties. As architect of India's Green Revolution, he developed dwarf wheat strains that increased production from 12 million to 70 million tons between 1965-1972. His 1968 breakthrough averted famine during the Indo-Pakistan war. His book The Green Revolution and Ecological Imperatives details his philosophy of sustainable agriculture.

Global Impact

Swaminathan's principles influenced global food policies, including the FAO's Sustainable Development Goals. He founded the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation, which trains farmers in organic practices. His Gene Bank and Biodiversity Conservation research protects 100,000 plant species. The BBC documentary 'Seeds of Change' profiles his work.

Modern Relevance

Despite criticism for promoting chemical use, his focus shifted to ecological farming post-1990s. He received the Right Livelihood Award in 2007. His writings in Reinventing Agriculture: Ecological and Social Justice Perspectives remain influential. The Wikipedia page chronicles his 70-year career.