Late Agricultural Scientist MS Swaminathan Honored with Bharat Ratna by PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced the posthumous conferral of the Bharat Ratna on the late Indian agricultural scientist MS Swaminathan, as well as former Prime Ministers PV Narasimha Rao and Chaudhary Charan Singh. The announcement was made on February 9th, recognizing the monumental contributions of Dr. MS Swaminathan to the nation's agriculture and farmers' welfare.

PM Modi in his tweet wrote, “It is a matter of immense joy that the Government of India is conferring the Bharat Ratna on Dr. MS Swaminathan Ji, in recognition of his monumental contributions to our nation in agriculture and farmers’ welfare. He played a pivotal role in helping India achieve self-reliance in agriculture during challenging times and made outstanding efforts towards modernizing Indian agriculture. We also recognize his invaluable work as an innovator and mentor and encourage learning and research among several students. Dr. Swaminathan’s visionary leadership has not only transformed Indian agriculture but also ensured the nation’s food security and prosperity. I knew him closely, and l always valued his insights and inputs.”

In his other series of tweets, PM Modi emphasized the government's honor in conferring Bharat Ratna on Chaudhary Charan Singh, recognizing his incomparable contributions to the country, particularly his dedication to the rights and welfare of farmers.

Reflecting on MS Swaminathan being honored with the Bharat Ratna, Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, former Chief Scientist and daughter of MS Swaminathan, expresses that her father, motivated by on-ground results, would have appreciated the recognition even more if it had come during his lifetime.

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Chairman of Dhanuka Group, Mr. R G Agarwal, on the occasion of Bharat Ratna being awarded to Choudhary Charan Singh and MS Swaminathan, lauds it as a recognition of the tireless efforts of farmers. He emphasizes the long-standing demand fulfillment by the government and the continuous dedication of both recipients to the welfare of farmers.

Mr. Binod Anand, MSP Committee member, pledges to carry forward the initiatives of late Dr. MS Swaminathan, especially in altering crop patterns to align with the country's evolving needs. He envisions making the value chain more democratic and farmer-centric, with the World Cooperation Economic Forum working towards integrating global stakeholders for participatory global value chains.

Mr. Mohan Kumar Mishra, Secretary of National Council of Cooperative Training (NCCT), acknowledges the significant contribution of M S Swaminathan to Indian agriculture. He highlights the pivotal role of the Swaminathan Committee report in establishing NCCT, aiming to enhance skills in the cooperative sector. The moment is celebrated as a joyous occasion for NCCT and the cooperative sector at large.

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MS Swaminathan, widely known as the 'Father of the Green Revolution,' passed away on September 28, 2023, at the age of 98. His influential role in the agricultural changes of the 1960s and '70s significantly contributed to India's food security. Beyond India, Swaminathan served in various capacities, including as an Independent Chairman of the Food and Agricultural Organisation Council, President of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources, and Director General of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research.

Reflecting on his journey into agriculture, Swaminathan recounted how the Bengal famine of 1942-43 and Mahatma Gandhi's Quit India Movement influenced his decision to study agriculture instead of pursuing medicine. This pivotal moment led him to focus on agricultural research, particularly in genetics and breeding, emphasizing the impact of good crop strains on farmers.

Swaminathan's excellent research on rice, transferring genes for fertilizer response, paved the way for the development of high-yielding varieties. His collaboration with Norman Borlaug in Mexico further enhanced productivity for wheat crops, contributing to the Green Revolution. The reduction in plant height achieved through Swaminathan's work addressed lodging issues, transforming traditional varieties and ensuring better yields.

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