Which renowned Indian scientist was conferred the title 'Father of India's Green Revolution' for introducing high-yielding varieties of wheat and rice, transforming India from a food-deficient to a self-sufficient nation?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Explanation
Solution: The correct answer is M.S. Swaminathan.
Explanation:
☛ Mankombu Sambasivan (M.S.) Swaminathan was an eminent Indian agronomist and geneticist widely acclaimed as the 'Father of India's Green Revolution'.
☛ In the 1960s, he collaborated with American scientist Norman Borlaug to introduce High-Yielding Varieties (HYVs) of semi-dwarf wheat and rice seeds to Indian agriculture.
☛ This transformation significantly multiplied crop yields, especially in Punjab, Haryana, and western Uttar Pradesh, rescuing India from severe food shortages and famine risks.
☛ He also served as the Director General of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) in the Philippines.
Extra Exam-Relevant Facts:
☛ Norman Borlaug: Known as the 'Father of the Green Revolution in the World'; he received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1970 for developing high-yielding, disease-resistant wheat varieties.
☛ C. Subramaniam: Served as the Union Minister for Food and Agriculture in the 1960s and provided key political and administrative support to implement the Green Revolution policies.
☛ Verghese Kurien: Known as the 'Father of the White Revolution' in India; he spearheaded Operation Flood, turning India into the largest milk producer in the world.
☛ In 1987, M.S. Swaminathan became the first recipient of the prestigious World Food Prize.
☛ In 2024, M.S. Swaminathan was posthumously conferred India's highest civilian honour, the Bharat Ratna.
Important One-Liners for Upcoming Exams:
☛ In which year was the High Yielding Varieties Programme (HYVP) launched in India? → 1966
☛ Who coined the term 'Green Revolution'? → William S. Gaud (in 1968)
☛ Which food crop recorded the most dramatic increase in production during the initial phase of the Green Revolution? → Wheat
☛ Who chaired the National Commission on Farmers (2004) that recommended MSP at cost plus 50%? → M.S. Swaminathan
☛ Where is the headquarters of the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) located? → Los Baños, Philippines