Previous Year Question

Dr. M. S. Swaminathan is known as the “Father of the Green Revolution in India.” The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) explicitly describes him as the “father of Indian Green Revolution.” During the 1960s, his scientific leadership and his role in adapting high-yielding varieties of wheat and rice to Indian conditions helped pave the way for a rapid increase in the country's food-grain production.

The Green Revolution did not involve only the introduction of new seeds; it involved the combined use of HYV seeds, irrigation, fertilisers, agricultural research and improved farming practices. According to official records of the President of India, Swaminathan recognised the potential of high-yielding semi-dwarf wheat varieties at IARI, and at his initiative Dr. Norman Borlaug visited India in 1963. Subsequent testing and expansion of these wheat varieties played an important role in India's Green Revolution.

Important distinction: M. S. Swaminathan = Father of the Green Revolution in India, whereas Dr. Norman Borlaug = Father of the Green Revolution at the global level. Official records of ICAR and the President of India describe Norman Borlaug as the father of the Green Revolution worldwide.