MS Swaminathan, father of India’s Green Revolution, passes away at 98

Chennai: Renowned agricultural scientist MS Swaminathan, the driving force behind the nation’s Green Revolution, passed away here on Thursday. He was 98 and is survived by three daughters.

The celebrated agriculture icon was being treated for age-related illness for quite some time, MS Swaminathan Research Foundation sources said.

Swaminathan was instrumental in developing high-yielding varieties of paddy that helped ensure India’s low-income farmers produce more yield.

He has received 84 honorary doctorate degrees from universities around the world. He is a Fellow of many of the leading scientific academies including the Royal Society of London and the U S National Academy of Sciences.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday expressed grief at the death of the eminent scientist and said his groundbreaking work in agriculture transformed the lives of millions and ensured India’s food security.

“Deeply saddened by the demise of Dr MS Swaminathan Ji. At a very critical period in our nation’s history, his groundbreaking work in agriculture transformed the lives of millions and ensured food security for our nation,” Modi said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

The PM further said, “Beyond his revolutionary contributions to agriculture, Dr Swaminathan was a powerhouse of innovation and a nurturing mentor to many. His unwavering commitment to research and mentorship has left an indelible mark on countless scientists and innovators.” Modi said he would always cherish his conversations with Swaminathan and added that his passion for seeing India progress was exemplary.

“His life and work will inspire generations to come. Condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti,” Modi wrote.

Deeply saddened by the demise of Dr. MS Swaminathan Ji. At a very critical period in our nation’s history, his groundbreaking work in agriculture transformed the lives of millions and ensured food security for our nation. pic.twitter.com/BjLxHtAjC4

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 28, 2023

An era of agricultural research, education and extension marked by disruptive innovations has come to an end with the death of MS Swaminathan, Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) director A K Singh said on Thursday.

“In passing away of Prof Swaminathan, ends an era of agricultural research, education and extension that was full of disruptive innovation. If God appears to poor and hungry in the form of bread as said by Mahatma Gandhi, that God is Dr Swaminathan who should be worshipped by every citizen while taking daily meals,” Singh said in a statement.