M.S. Swaminathan, the renowned Indian agricultural scientist and the driving force behind India's Green Revolution, passed away on Thursday, at the age of 98.

Known as the "Father of Economic Ecology" by the United Nations Environment Programme, Swaminathan's groundbreaking work in the 1960s and 1970s revolutionised Indian agriculture, helping the country to stave off widespread famine and achieve self-sufficiency in food production.

Swaminathan's pioneering efforts involved the development and introduction of high-yielding varieties of wheat and rice, which significantly increased food grain production across India.
Swaminathan's pioneering efforts involved the development and introduction of high-yielding varieties of wheat and rice, which significantly increased food grain production across India.

His innovative approach to agriculture, combining modern scientific techniques with a deep understanding of local conditions and needs, transformed the lives of countless low-income farmers and contributed to the nation's economic growth.

In recognition of his monumental contributions, Swaminathan was awarded the first World Food Prize in 1987. He used the prize money to establish the MS Swaminathan Research Foundation in Chennai, further cementing his commitment to sustainable and inclusive agricultural practices.
His other notable accolades include the Ramon Magsaysay Award in 1971 and the Albert Einstein World Science Award in 1986. He was honored with the Padma Shri in 1967, Padma Bhushan in 1972, and Padma Vibhushan in 1989.

M.S. Swaminathan was nominated to the Rajya Sabha as MP between 2007 and 2013.
He served as the director general of Indian Council of Agricultural Research and later International Rice Research Institute. He also served as the principal secretary of the ministry of agriculture in 1979.