Dr Arun Prakash
“The test of our progress is not whether we add more to the abundance of those who have much, it is whether we provide enough for those who have little” – Dr M.S. Swaminathan
Dr. Mankombu Sambasivan Swaminathan, renowned as the architect of India’s “Green Revolution,” passed away on September 28, 2023, at the age of 98. His groundbreaking work in agriculture transformed the lives of millions, ensuring food security for India and inspiring a new era of agricultural innovation.
Born on August 7, 1925, in Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu, Dr. Swaminathan was deeply influenced by his father’s dedication to Mohandas K. Gandhi’s principles of service to the nation. Initially drawn to medicine, he redirected his path after witnessing the devastating Bengal famine of 1943, which claimed millions of lives. This pivotal moment led him to pursue a career in agriculture.
Over the course of seven decades, Dr. Swaminathan held numerous key positions in government and scientific institutions, leaving an indelible mark on Indian agriculture. His relentless efforts brought industrial farming practices to India, particularly in the states of Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh.
In collaboration with American botanist Norman E. Borlaug, who had sparked the global Green Revolution, Dr. Swaminathan introduced high-yield crop varieties, modern irrigation methods, and fertilizers. The results were astounding, with India’s annual wheat crop skyrocketing from 10 million tons in 1964 to 17 million tons in 1968. This surge in production was so remarkable that schools were transformed into granaries to store the surplus wheat.
Dr. Swaminathan’s pioneering work instilled confidence in Indian farmers during a time when they faced widespread skepticism from experts. By the end of his career, India had become one of the world’s leading producers of wheat and rice, thanks in no small part to his visionary leadership.
In recognition of his monumental contributions, Dr. Swaminathan was named the inaugural laureate of the World Food Prize in 1987, solidifying his status as a global icon in the field of agriculture. He humbly shared credit with fellow visionaries like Chidambaram Subramaniam, India’s minister for food and agriculture in the 1960s, and Norman E. Borlaug, who received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1970.
While the Green Revolution was celebrated for its success in feeding millions, its long-term environmental consequences led Dr. Swaminathan to advocate for an “Evergreen Revolution.” He believed that agriculture needed to evolve to withstand the challenges of climate change while ensuring sustainable food production for the world’s growing population.
Throughout his life, Dr. Swaminathan demonstrated unwavering dedication to the cause of eliminating hunger and improving agricultural practices. He urged India to embrace scientific methods and technological advancements in agriculture. His vision extended beyond merely increasing yields; it aimed to enhance the quality of produce, uplift marginal farmers, and address critical issues such as malnutrition.
One of his key initiatives was the Soil Health Card Scheme, which faced initial resistance but eventually gained widespread acceptance due to Dr. Swaminathan’s advocacy. The scheme aimed to improve soil management, increase productivity, and enhance the value of agricultural products.
Dr. Swaminathan’s impact extended to policy-making as well. He served as principal secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation in India from 1979 to 1982 and later as chairman of the cabinet’s Science Advisory Committee. His contributions to India’s national environment policy and oversight of groundwater regulation demonstrated his commitment to holistic agricultural development.
In recent years, as India grappled with food shortages and the challenges posed by climate change, Dr. Swaminathan continued to emphasize the importance of agricultural innovation and sustainability. He believed that India possessed the necessary resources—water, arable land, and dedicated farmers—to address these challenges through scientific interventions.
Dr. Swaminathan’s legacy lives on not only through his groundbreaking work but also through his daughter, Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, who served as the former chief scientist of the World Health Organization. Her accomplishments reflect the family’s enduring commitment to improving lives on a global scale.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi aptly noted that Dr. M.S. Swaminathan’s groundbreaking work helped India avert starvation during critical periods in its history, transforming the lives of millions. His legacy will forever be etched in the annals of agricultural history, as he exemplified the idea that the true test of progress is whether we provide enough for those who have too little.
In the face of adversity and in honor of his vision, India must continue to build upon the foundations laid by Dr. M.S. Swaminathan, ensuring that his dream of an Evergreen Revolution becomes a reality, nourishing the nation and the world for generations to come.
Credits: M S Swaminathan research Foundation , Press Information Bureau
