CHENNAI, Sept 28: M S Swaminathan, renowned agricultural scientist and a lifelong crusader against hunger who bet on sustainable farming passed away here on Thursday.
He was 98 and is survived by three daughters including Dr Soumya Swaminathan, the former chief scientist of the World Health Organisation.
Madhura Swaminathan and Nitya Rao are his other two daughters and his wife Mina Swaminathan predeceased him.
A staunch advocate of food and nutrition security, it was his path-breaking work that warded off famine during the 1960s.
A Padma Vibushan awardee, he is also the recipient of the first World Food Prize for his leadership in India’s green revolution and numerous other national and international awards including the prestigious Ramon Magsaysay award.
The celebrated agriculture icon, who was being treated for age-related illness for quite some time passed away today at 11.15 AM at his residence here.
Condolences poured in with President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailing Swaminathan’s yeoman service to the nation.
Murmu said Swaminathan left behind a rich legacy which would serve as a “guiding light to steer the world towards a safer and hunger-free future for humanity”.
Modi said his groundbreaking work transformed lives of millions, ensured India’s food security. Indian Agricultural Research Institute Director A K Singh said an era of agricultural research, education and extension marked by disruptive innovations has come to an end with the death of Swaminathan. (PTI)
Tamil Nadu Governor R N Ravi, Chief Minister M K Stalin, leaders of farmers’ bodies including P R Pandian condoled Swaminathan’s death.
The Congress party described him as the key scientific architect of the Green Revolution and hailed his contribution to the agriculture sector.
Modi said on X: “Deeply saddened by the demise of Dr MS Swaminathan Ji. 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.”
Follow our WhatsApp channel
