M S Swaminathan, architect of India's Green Revolution, passes away

Eminent agricultural scientist M S Swaminathan, regarded as the chief architect of India’s Green Revolution, passed away on Thursday. He was 98.

Swaminathan, who breathed his last at 11.20 am, is survived by three daughters Soumya Swaminathan, Madhura Swaminathan and Nitya Rao. His wife Mina Swaminathan predeceased him.

“With profound sadness, we convey that our Founder - Professor M S Swaminathan passed away this morning at 11.15 am at his residence in Chennai. Let's all pray for the departed soul. May our beloved Professor rest in peace,” the M S Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF) said in a statement. 

The last rites of Swaminathan will be held in Chennai on September 30. His mortal remains will be kept for public viewing at the MSSRF campus in Taramani here from 8.30 am on September 29 to 10 am on September 30. 

Tamil Nadu government announced that Swaminathan’s funeral will be held with police honours in recognition of his contributions to the country.

Swaminathan was credited with the country’s Green Revolution which helped attain a huge jump in production of rice and wheat in the 1960s and 1970s. 

Born on August 7, 1925, in Kumbakonam in the fertile Cauvery Delta region in Tamil Nadu to M K Sambasivan, a General surgeon, and Parvati Thangammal, Swaminathan studied at the University College in Thiruvananthapuram and Tamil Nadu Agricultural University from 1940. 

In 1947, he moved to the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) in New Delhi to study genetics and plant breeding. After being abroad for a while, Swaminathan returned to India in 1954 and was associated with several path-break agriculture schemes of various governments. 

He also established MSSRF in 1988 as a not-for-profit trust with proceeds from the First World Food Prize that he received in 1987. The Foundation’s aim is to accelerate the use of modern science and technology for agricultural and rural development to improve the lives and livelihoods of communities. 

Condolences poured in for Swaminathan, who dedicated his life for the welfare of farmers and the agriculture community. 

“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,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi 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, he added.

Chief Minister M K Stalin said Swaminathan’s pioneering work in the field of sustainable food security has had a profound impact worldwide. 

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge said Swaminathan’s “unmatched contribution” to the field of agricultural science and his transformative intervention in making India self-sufficient in food grains shall always be cherished. 

“India will not only miss a great scientist but a national icon who was also instrumental in shaping a scientific temper amongst our people,” he added.