Chennai: M S Swaminathan, a known figure in India’s agricultural sector and a driving force behind the country’s Green Revolution, passed away at the age of 98 on Thursday. Swaminathan made contributions by developing yielding paddy varieties that greatly enhanced agricultural productivity for India’s farmers with lower incomes. His final ceremonies are expected to be held on Sunday.
Throughout his career, Swaminathan held important positions in various departments. He served as the Director of the Indian Agricultural Research Institute from 1961 to 1972. Also, as the Director General of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and Secretary to the Government of India in charge of Agricultural Research and Education from 1972 to 1979. Furthermore, he played roles such as Principal Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture (1979 80), Acting Deputy Chairman, and later Member (Science and Agriculture) of the Planning Commission (1980 82). From 1982 to 1988, he served as Director General at the International Rice Research Institute in the Philippines.
In 2004 Swaminathan was appointed as chairman of a commission called National Commission on Farmers that aimed to address issues related to farmer distress and the alarming rate of farmer suicides.
The report from the commission was presented in 2006. It proposed that the Minimum Selling Price (MSP) should be established at a level that’s at least 50 percent higher than the average cost of production.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared his condolences expressing his sadness over the passing of Dr. MS Swaminathan Ji. During a phase in our country’s history, his pioneering contributions in agriculture made an impact on the lives of countless individuals and played a vital role in ensuring food security for our nation.