1. Introduction Prof MS Swaminathan, India's eminent agricultural scientist and the driving force behind the Green Revolution, passed away at the age of 98.
2. Legacy and Transformative Contributions Swaminathan's legacy extends beyond grain production. He introduced scientific rigor to Indian agriculture and established pioneering institutions.
3. Distinguished Career Throughout his career, Swaminathan held key positions, including Director of IARI, Director General of ICAR, and Director General of IRRI in the Philippines.
4. The Green Revolution In the 1960s, he led India's efforts to combat food shortages. The Green Revolution focused on high-yielding varieties of wheat and rice, leading to significant production increases.
5. Transition to Evergreen Revolution Swaminathan's vision shifted towards sustainability and ecology, advocating for long-term agricultural progress without harming the environment.
6. National Commission on Farmers Appointed in 2004 to address farmer distress, Swaminathan's recommendations, including higher Minimum Support Prices (MSP), shaped Indian agricultural policy.
7. Awards and Recognition His contributions were recognized with prestigious awards, including the World Food Prize, Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Vibhushan.
8. Environmental Concerns and Sustainability Swaminathan emphasized water resources, ecology, and sustainability, establishing the MS Swaminathan Foundation.
9. Influence on MSP Policy His advocacy for favorable pricing policies influenced the cost norm for fixing MSP, ensuring fair returns to farmers.
10. Enduring Impact Swaminathan's contributions continue to shape agricultural research and policy, making him a legend in Indian agriculture.
11. Vision for the Future His vision for sustainable agriculture, addressing climate change, and transforming the Green Revolution into an Evergreen Revolution remains relevant today.
