Father of Green Revolution M S Swaminathan

Source Father of Green Revolution M S Swaminathan: The Hindu
GS II: Agriculture

Overview

1. News in Brief
2. About M S Swaminathan
3. About Green Revolution

Why in the News?

Known as the Father of India’s Green Revolution, renowned agricultural scientist Dr. M. S Swaminathan passed away.

News in Brief

• From leading India’s Green Revolution to pushing for recognition for India’s women farmers.
• A devoted adherent of Mohandas Gandhi, this young Tamilian abandoned the field of medicine for the less glamorous pursuit of agriculture.
• His mission in post-independence India was to guarantee an adequate food supply for its impoverished populace.
• He played a pivotal role in disseminating high-yield strains of rice and wheat.
  • It played a transformative role in shifting India from a nation heavily reliant on food imports.
  • India was often described as living on a precarious hand-to-mouth basis during the 1960s, to achieving self-sufficiency in rice and wheat production by the mid-1970s.

Father of Green Revolution M S Swaminathan

• He is a renowned Indian agricultural scientist and geneticist who played a significant role in India’s agricultural transformation during the mid-20th century.
• Dr M.S. Swaminathan’s pioneering work in the field of agriculture, particularly in wheat and rice production, helped India achieve self-sufficiency in food production.
• His research involved the development of high-yielding varieties of wheat and rice, which had a substantial impact on increasing agricultural productivity in India.
• This period of agricultural transformation, which began in the 1960s, is commonly referred to as the Green Revolution.
• Dr. Swaminathan’s contributions not only led to increased food production but also helped alleviate food scarcity and hunger in India.
• His work in agriculture and food security has earned him recognition and awards both nationally and internationally.
• It’s important to note that Dr. Swaminathan’s role as the “Father of the Green Revolution” is specific to India, and similar efforts in other countries have their own notable figures associated with them.
• The Green Revolution was a global movement that aimed to increase agricultural productivity and food security worldwide, with significant contributions from various scientists and researchers in different regions.

Honours and Recognition

• Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Award in 1961
• Ramon Magsaysay Award in 1971
• Padma Vibhushan in 1989
• UNESCO Mahatma Gandhi Gold Medal in 1999

About Green Revolution

• The Green Revolution in India was a period of significant agricultural transformation that began in the 1960s and continued into the 1970s.
• It was marked by the adoption of modern farming techniques, including the use of high-yielding varieties of seeds, increased use of fertilizers and pesticides, and improved irrigation methods.
• The Green Revolution aimed to increase agricultural productivity, ensure food security, and reduce poverty and hunger.

Key facts of the Green Revolution

• Introduction of High-Yielding Varieties (HYVs)
  • The Green Revolution in India is often associated with the introduction of high-yielding varieties of wheat and rice.
  • These new varieties were developed through extensive research and breeding efforts.
  • The wheat variety “Kalyan Sona” and the rice variety “IR8” were among the first high-yielding varieties introduced.
• Increase in Crop Yields
  • The adoption of HYVs led to a significant increase in crop yields.
  • For example, the introduction of HYV wheat varieties resulted in yield increases of 2 to 3 times compared to traditional varieties.
• Impact on Food Production
  • The Green Revolution had a profound impact on food production. India’s food grain production, particularly of wheat and rice, increased substantially.
  • Between 1965 and 1970, wheat production increased from 11 million tons to 17 million tons, and rice production increased from 35 million tons to 45 million tons.
• Food Security
  • The increase in food production contributed to improved food security in India.
  • It helped meet the growing food demands of the population and reduced the country’s reliance on food imports.
• Reduction in Hunger and Poverty
  • The Green Revolution played a role in reducing hunger and poverty by increasing agricultural incomes and providing surplus food for distribution to vulnerable populations.
• Challenges
  • While the Green Revolution brought significant benefits, it also faced challenges.
  • There were concerns about the environmental impact of increased pesticide and fertilizer use.
  • Additionally, the benefits of the Green Revolution were not evenly distributed, leading to income disparities in rural areas.
• Expansion of Irrigation
  • To support high-yielding crop varieties, the Green Revolution promoted the expansion of irrigation infrastructure.
  • This led to increased water use in agriculture.
• Continued Efforts
  • The Green Revolution was not a one-time event but an ongoing process.
  • Subsequent phases of the Green Revolution involved the development and adoption of new crop varieties and technologies, such as the cultivation of hybrid crops.
• Legacy
  • The Green Revolution’s legacy includes the development of a strong agricultural research and extension system in India.
  • It also highlighted the importance of science and technology in agriculture.
• Global Influence
  • India’s success in the Green Revolution had a global influence, inspiring similar efforts in other countries facing food security challenges.

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