Which of the following statements about Dr. M. S. Swaminathan is correct?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
Answer — The statement that he initiated the Green Revolution in India is correct.
Explanation —
Dr. M.S. Swaminathan (1925–2023) is known as the 'Father of the Green Revolution in India.' In the 1960s, when India was grappling with a severe food crisis, he collaborated with Norman Borlaug to develop and introduce high-yielding varieties of wheat. Thanks to his efforts, India was able to achieve self-sufficiency in food grain production. He was awarded the inaugural World Food Prize in 1987. Recently, the Government of India announced that it would posthumously confer upon him India's highest civilian honor, the 'Bharat Ratna' (2024).
Additional Points —
National Commission on Farmers: He chaired the National Commission on Farmers, constituted in 2004, which submitted the 'Swaminathan Report' (famous for the C2+50% formula).
Honors: He was conferred with all three Padma awards—the Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Vibhushan.
Correction of Options: He did not serve as the Vice President (that was Dr. S. Radhakrishnan), nor did he formulate the nuclear doctrine (which is associated with experts such as K. Subrahmanyam).
Potential Exam Questions and Answers
Question: Who was the first Chief Scientist of the WHO?
Answer: Dr. Soumya Swaminathan.
Question: Who coined the term 'Evergreen Revolution'?
Answer: Dr. M.S. Swaminathan (referring to increasing productivity without causing environmental damage).