Obituary: Prof. M.S.Swaminathan – India’s Architect of Green Revolution

With profound sorrow, we announce the passing of Prof. Monkombu Sambasivan Swaminathan, the revered agricultural scientist and the architect of India’s Green Revolution. His demise marks the end of an era of dedication to eradicating hunger and malnutrition and leaves an irreplaceable void in the world of agricultural science.

Born on August 7, 1925, in Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu, to parents hailing from Monkombu, Kuttanad in Kerala, Prof. Swaminathan was a beacon of hope and inspiration for millions of farmers and a guiding spirit in agricultural science and policy.

Distinguished roles and contributions

His foundational research in the fields of potato, wheat, and rice, particularly in cytogenetics, ionizing radiation, and radiosensitivity, has been instrumental in advancing agricultural science. Prof. Swaminathan served with distinction as the Director General of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) in the Philippines. His leadership at these institutions was pivotal in advancing agricultural research and developing high-yielding varieties of crops, transforming India from a food-deficient nation to a food-surplus country.

He played a significant role in the sustainable agricultural development of Kuttanad, Kerala, emphasising ecological balance and the preservation of the region’s unique below sea level farming system, recognised globally as an Agricultural Heritage System.

Advocacy and vision

As the chair of the National Commission on Farmers and a President of the Pugwash Conferences and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), he has been a strong advocate for agricultural reforms, global peace, and environmental conservation. Prof. Swaminathan coined the term ‘Evergreen Revolution’ to articulate his vision of achieving ‘productivity in perpetuity without associated ecological harm’. He founded the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation to further his mission of promoting pro-nature, pro-poor, and pro-women sustainable development.

Author and thought leader

A prolific author and thought leader, Prof. Swaminathan contributed extensively to agricultural literature, penning numerous research papers, articles, and seminal works such as “In Search of Biohappiness: Biodiversity and Food, Health and Livelihood Security” and “From Green to Evergreen Revolution: Indian Agriculture, Performance and Challenges.” His writings have been instrumental in shaping global perspectives on sustainable agriculture, food security, and biodiversity conservation.

National honours and global recognition

Serving as a nominated member of the Parliament of India from 2007 to 2013, he championed the cause of women farmers in India. Recognised by TIME magazine as one of the ’20 Most Influential Asian People of the 20th Century’, he has received numerous prestigious awards, reflecting his unparalleled contributions to science and humanity.

India honoured him with its highest civilian awards, including the Padma Shri, the Padma Bhushan, and the Padma Vibhushan, acknowledging his invaluable contributions to the nation and humanity. His relentless pursuit of a hunger-free world earned him international accolades, including the Ramon Magsaysay Award, the World Food Prize, and the UNESCO Gandhi Prize.

Enduring legacy

Prof. Swaminathan’s enduring legacy is his unwavering commitment to leveraging science and technology for social change and his visionary approach to sustainable and inclusive agricultural development. The global community extends its deepest condolences to his family in this hour of grief. His ideals and mission to eradicate hunger and promote ecological conservation will continue to inspire generations to come.