MS Swaminathan's 100th birth anniversary honors his legacy in sustainable agriculture, food security, biodiversity, and empowering women farmers, shaping worldwide policies for ecological and nutritional well-being.

Why in the News?

Prime Minister addressed the M.S. Swaminathan Centenary International Conference in New Delhi.

More on the News

The theme of the conference is "Evergreen Revolution: The Pathway to Biohappiness", reflecting Swaminathan's lifelong dedication to food security.
The "M. S. Swaminathan Award for Food and Peace" was instituted in his honor.
- This international award will be presented to individuals from developing countries who have made significant contributions in the field of food security.
- The first award was conferred to Nigerian scientist Prof. Ademola A. Adenle.

Key contribution of MS Swaminathan

Evergreen Revolution

It is pro-nature and pro-poor, linking livelihood security with ecological security.
Key components include Ecoagriculture, Biovillages, Village Knowledge Centres, and Ethics and Equities in economic, social, and gender divides.

Green Revolution Architect (1960s–70s): Focused on increasing food production through the adoption of advanced breeding & modern techniques.
- He along with Norman Borlaug initiated a breeding program that incorporated dwarfing genes into wheat, producing shorter, stronger plants that boosted yields.
- Introduced semi-dwarf Mexican wheat (Sonora, Lerma Rojo 64) and high-yielding Indica rice varieties.
- Played a key role in the development of Pusa Basmati (1989), which was the world's first semi-dwarf and high-yielding basmati variety.
Championing the Evergreen Revolution: Swaminathan supported the Green Revolution but cautioned against its side effects like chemical overuse, monoculture, and soil damage. He proposed the "Evergreen Revolution" for lasting productivity without ecological harm.
- This represented a paradigm shift from a commodity-centric to a "systems approach".
Ecological Foundations and Practices
- Advocated Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) to reduce chemical reliance and maintain soil fertility.
- Stressed rainwater conservation and renewable energy (e.g., biogas, solar, wind) in farming.
- Focused on climate-resilient crops (drought/salt-tolerant) and championed millets (Shree Anna),

Key Achievements and Prizes

Bharat Ratna (2024, posthumously).
Padma Shri (1967), Padma Bhushan (1972), Padma Vibhushan (1987), Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Award (1961), Lal Bahadur Shastri National Award (1999), Indira Gandhi Prize (2001).
World Food Prize (1987): Inaugural recipient.
Ramon Magsaysay Award (1971).
Albert Einstein World Science Award (1986).
Named "Father of Economic Ecology" by the United Nations Environment Programme.
International Orders: Order of Golden Heart (Philippines), Order of Agricultural Merit (France), Order of the Golden Ark (Netherlands), Order of Cambodia.

demonstrating foresight on climate adaptation.
Underlined biodiversity conservation: By influencing acts like the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers' Rights Act – 2001 and the Biological Diversity Act-2002.
Introduced the idea of 'biohappiness': Biohappiness is the state of well-being and fulfilment that arises when biodiversity is conserved and utilized in ways that enhance human health, nutrition, and livelihoods, creating harmony between people and nature.
Women in Agriculture: The Women Farmers' Entitlements Bill, 2011, a private member bill, was introduced by MS Swaminathan.
- It aims to provide for the gender specific needs of women farmers, to protect their legitimate needs and entitlements and to empower them with rights over agricultural land, water resources etc.
Focus on Nutritional Security: Advocated shifting from "food security" to "nutrition security," targeting protein hunger, calorie hunger, and hidden hunger (micronutrient deficiencies).
- Promoted bio-fortified and nutrition-rich crops.
Leading National Agricultural Initiatives
- Chaired National Commission on Farmers (NCF) from 2004-2006, producing five reports on farmer distress. A key recommendation was setting Minimum Support Price (MSP) at least 50% above the weighted average cost of production.
- He founded the National Academy of Agricultural Sciences (NAAS) in 1990 for unbiased agricultural policy guidance.

Conclusion

MS Swaminathan worked until his passing to empower small farmers, particularly rural women, through economic growth strategies. His dedication to science, society, and nature left an indelible mark on global agricultural development and human well-being.