MS Swaminathan, known as the Father of India’s Green Revolution, helped India move from a hunger-stricken nation to one of the world’s top food producers. His scientific work in developing high-yield wheat and rice transformed agriculture and made India self-sufficient in food. Combining science with compassion, he dedicated his life to improving farmers’ lives and promoting sustainable farming practices.
MS Swaminathan: India’s Food Hero and Agricultural Pioneer
Key Points
- MS Swaminathan (1925–2023) was an Indian geneticist and agricultural scientist.
- Known as the Father of the Green Revolution in India.
- In the 1960s, India faced severe food shortages and relied on wheat imports from the US.
- Swaminathan introduced high-yield dwarf wheat varieties from Mexico with the help of Norman Borlaug.
- The new wheat varieties, Kalyan Sona and Sonalika, doubled India’s crop yields within four years.
- By 1971, India became self-sufficient in food production.
- His approach focused on “farmer-first” – valuing farmers’ knowledge and field experience.
- Served as the Chairman of the National Commission on Farmers (2004–2006), addressing farmer distress and suicides.
- Founded the MS Swaminathan Research Foundation in Chennai, promoting sustainable and inclusive farming.
- Promoted the idea of an “Evergreen Revolution” – increasing productivity without harming nature.
- Worked globally – spreading high-yield crops across Asia and Africa.
- Received several awards, including the World Food Prize (1987) and Ramon Magsaysay Award (1971).
- Supported farmers’ protests and spoke for pro-women, pro-poor, pro-nature agricultural models.
- Passed away in 2023 at the age of 98, leaving behind a lasting legacy of food security and sustainability.
Question & Answer
Q1. Who is known as the “Father of India’s Green Revolution”?
(a) APJ Abdul Kalam
(b) MS Swaminathan
(c) Norman Borlaug
(d) C. Subramaniam
Answer: MS Swaminathan
Q2. In which decade did the Green Revolution begin in India?
(a) 1940s
(b) 1950s
(c) 1960s
(d) 1970s
Answer: 1960s
Q3. What was the main aim of the Green Revolution in India?
(a) To promote industrialization
(b) To increase food production
(c) To boost exports
(d) To control inflation
Answer: To increase food production
Q4. Which high-yield wheat varieties were developed under Swaminathan’s guidance?
(a) IR8 and Pusa Basmati
(b) Kalyan Sona and Sonalika
(c) Swarna and Jaya
(d) Sharbati Sonora and IR36
Answer: Kalyan Sona and Sonalika
Q5. What concept did MS Swaminathan introduce to promote sustainable farming?
(a) Digital Revolution
(b) Blue Revolution
(c) Evergreen Revolution
(d) Bio Revolution
Answer: Evergreen Revolution
Q6. Which international scientist worked closely with Swaminathan during the Green Revolution?
(a) Norman Borlaug
(b) Albert Einstein
(c) C.V. Raman
(d) Verghese Kurien
Answer: Norman Borlaug
Q7. In which year did MS Swaminathan receive the World Food Prize?
(a) 1985
(b) 1987
(c) 1990
(d) 1992
Answer: 1987
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