Daily Current Affairs : 29-September-2023

India mourns the loss of a visionary leader, Mankombu Sambasivan Swaminathan, fondly known as M.S. Swaminathan, who breathed his last at the age of 98 in his Chennai residence. His passing marks the end of an era for Indian agriculture, as he was instrumental in shaping the country’s agricultural landscape.

Legacy of Excellence

M.S. Swaminathan’s contributions to Indian agriculture were immense. His expertise and dedication led to him being awarded the prestigious Padma Vibhushan and the first-ever World Food Prize. These accolades recognized his pivotal role in India’s Green Revolution, a transformative movement that skyrocketed wheat and rice production through the application of cutting-edge chemical and biological technology.

Partnerships for Progress

Collaborating closely with Union Agriculture Ministers C. Subramaniam and Jagjivan Ram during the crucial years of 1964-1977, Swaminathan played a pivotal role in the success of the Green Revolution. This revolutionary program not only significantly boosted agricultural productivity but also laid the foundation for India’s self-sufficiency in food production.

Leadership Journey

Swaminathan’s journey in the realm of agriculture was multifaceted. He held key positions across various departments, including Director of the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, Director General of ICAR, Principal Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, and Director General of the International Rice Research Institute in the Philippines. His extensive experience and innovative approaches were pivotal in shaping agricultural policies and practices in India and beyond.

National Commission on Farmers: A Turning Point

In 2004, recognizing the growing distress among farmers, Swaminathan was appointed as the chair of the National Commission on Farmers. This commission was established to address the pressing issues faced by farmers, including alarming suicide rates. The commission’s thorough research culminated in a comprehensive report in 2006. Among its recommendations, one standout proposal was to fix the Minimum Selling Price (MSP) at a level at least 50 percent higher than the weighted average cost of production. This recommendation, aimed at ensuring fair remuneration for farmers, continues to be a topic of national importance.

Important Points:

  • M.S. Swaminathan’s Legacy:
    • Renowned agricultural scientist known as the architect of India’s Green Revolution.
    • Passed away at the age of 98 in his Chennai residence.
    • Recipient of the Padma Vibhushan and the first World Food Prize for his contributions to agriculture.
  • Key Contributions to Indian Agriculture:
    • Played a vital role in the Green Revolution, significantly increasing wheat and rice production in India.
    • Collaborated closely with Union Agriculture Ministers C. Subramaniam and Jagjivan Ram during 1964-1977.
    • Utilized chemical and biological technology to enhance agricultural productivity.
  • Distinguished Career:
    • Held various important positions:
      • Director of the Indian Agricultural Research Institute.
      • Director General of ICAR (Indian Council of Agricultural Research).
      • Principal Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture.
      • Director General of the International Rice Research Institute in the Philippines.
  • National Commission on Farmers:
    • Appointed as the chair of the National Commission on Farmers in 2004.
    • Addressed farmer distress and alarming suicide rates.
    • Commission’s report in 2006 recommended setting the Minimum Selling Price (MSP) at least 50 percent higher than the weighted average cost of production to ensure fair remuneration for farmers.
  • Lasting Impact and Inspiration:
    • Swaminathan’s legacy includes his passion for agriculture, dedication to farmer welfare, and innovative spirit.
    • Continues to inspire generations and serves as a guiding light for the future of Indian agriculture.
Why In News

Mankombu Sambasivan Swaminathan, popularly known as M.S. Swaminathan, the legendary agricultural scientist and a key architect of the country’s ‘Green Revolution,’ passed away peacefully at his residence in Chennai, following age-related issues. He was 98, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the field of agriculture and inspiring generations of farmers and researchers worldwide.

MCQs about India’s Agricultural Transformation

  1. What was M.S. Swaminathan’s significant contribution to Indian agriculture?
    A. Leading the Green Revolution in India
    B. Pioneering organic farming techniques
    C. Introducing genetically modified crops
    D. Establishing agricultural education institutes
  2. Which prestigious award was M.S. Swaminathan honored with for his contributions to agriculture?
    A. Bharat Ratna
    B. Padma Vibhushan
    C. Nobel Prize in Agriculture
    D. Gandhi Peace Prize
  3. What key recommendation did the National Commission on Farmers, chaired by M.S. Swaminathan, propose in 2006?
    A. Increase agricultural subsidies
    B. Implement organic farming nationwide
    C. Set Minimum Selling Price (MSP) at least 50% higher than production cost
    D. Introduce export restrictions on agricultural products

Boost up your confidence by appearing our Weekly Current Affairs Multiple Choice Questions

Loading