ICRISAT Co-Founder MS Swaminathan’s Book on 50 Years of Green Revolution Released by Prime Minister

At the book launch. L-R: Prof MS Swaminathan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Minister of Agriculture, Radha Mohan Singh. Photo: PMO

A two-part book series titled ‘MS Swaminathan: The Quest for a World without Hunger’ was recently released in New Delhi. The series contains an anthology of 42 research papers describing Prof Swaminathan’s work and a detailed evolution of the green revolution. The second part analyzes Prof Swaminathan’s specific contributions to improve productivity and resistance of agricultural crops.

Praising the work and commitment of Prof Swaminathan, the Prime Minister described him as ‘farmer’s scientist’ rather than an ‘agricultural scientist’. “One of the biggest challenges in realizing an evergreen revolution in a sustainable manner is the gap between scientific breakthroughs and their application on farmer’s fields. Lab to land should be our main focus,” announced Mr Modi.

Prof MS Swaminathan has played a significant role in agricultural research and his relationship with ICRISAT goes back to the Institute’s inception in 1972. Being aco-founder of ICRISAT and Vice-Chair of the Governing Board from 1972 to 1980, he has been deeply associated with the growth of ICRISAT. For example, he set up a committee to explore possibilities of extending the work of ICRISAT to farmers, established a quarantine station and developed the genebank at ICRISAT.

In addition, Prof Swaminathan played an integral role in establishing ICRISAT’s collaboration with the Government of India and his association with ICRISAT continues through the Institute’s collaboration with the MS Swaminathan Research Foundation.

He is currently, ICRISAT’s Ambassador of Goodwill and promotes the Institute’s mission for science-based agricultural solutions to improve livelihoods and attain food and nutritional security.

The two-part book series launched at the Prime Minister’s residence in New Delhi on 19 May are:

• 50 years of Green Revolution: An Anthology of Research Papers by Dr MS Swaminathan
• MS Swaminathan: Legend in Science and Beyond by Prof PC Kesavan.

Dr Bergvinson, Director General ICRISAT and Dr Padhee, Director, Country Relations and Business Affairs with Prof
Swaminathan during his book launch. Photo: ICRISAT

Dr Bergvinson reaffirming Mr Modi on ICRISAT’s commitment to double farmer’s income through demand driven innovation based on solid science and partnerships. Photo: ICRISAT