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Father of Agriculture: Dr. M.S. Swaminathan & Norman Borlaug

The title 'Father of the Green Revolution in India' is held by renowned agricultural scientist Dr. M.S. Swaminathan, while American agronomist and Nobel laureate Dr. Norman Borlaug is recognized globally as the 'Father of the Green Revolution'. Dr. Swaminathan's pioneering work in introducing and breeding semi-dwarf, high-yielding wheat and rice varieties transformed India from a ship-to-mouth food-deficit country into a self-sufficient agricultural exporter. Their scientific legacy continues to guide modern Indian agricultural research and farmer welfare policies.

Last reviewed: 10 November 2026

Dr. M.S. Swaminathan: Architect of India's Green Revolution

  • Semi-dwarf wheat varieties: Collaborated with Norman Borlaug to introduce Norin-10 dwarfing genes, developing semi-dwarf wheat cultivars that responded to fertilizer without lodging.
  • Basmati rice breeding: Spearheaded genetic research leading to high-yielding, aroma-rich Pusa Basmati rice varieties at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI).
  • National Commission on Farmers: Chaired the landmark Swaminathan Commission, recommending the MSP formula of Comprehensive Cost (C2 + 50 percent).
  • Evergreen Revolution: Championed sustainable, ecologically sound farming practices that enhance productivity without environmental harm.

Dr. Norman Borlaug and the global Green Revolution

  • Nobel Peace Prize: Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for developing disease-resistant, high-yielding wheat varieties that saved millions from starvation.
  • Shuttle breeding: Pioneered shuttle breeding between contrasting agro-climatic zones in Mexico, developing day-length insensitive wheat crops.
  • International institutions: Instrumental in establishing the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) and supporting IRRI.

Modern evolution of Indian agricultural science

Today, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) builds upon this scientific foundation, focusing on climate-resilient crop varieties, biofortified crops rich in zinc and iron, water-saving direct-seeded rice (DSR), and digital agronomy through the National Agricultural Research System.

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Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) ↗

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Common questions

Who is considered the Father of the Green Revolution in India?

Dr. M.S. Swaminathan is widely celebrated as the Father of the Green Revolution in India.

Who is known as the Father of the Green Revolution globally?

Dr. Norman Borlaug, the American agronomist and Nobel Peace laureate, is known as the Father of the Green Revolution globally.

What was the key recommendation of the Swaminathan Commission regarding MSP?

The National Commission on Farmers recommended that Minimum Support Price (MSP) should be at least 50 percent above the comprehensive cost of production (C2 + 50%).

General guidance, not personal advice. For your farm, ask your local Krishi Vigyan Kendra or agriculture officer.

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