Father of Green Revolution: Norman Ernest Borlaug, M.S.Swaminathan

Father of Green Revolution: The Green Revolution changed how the world grows food. It helped many countries grow more crops and reduce hunger. Norman Ernest Borlaug is called the father of the Green Revolution in the world because his science and hard work helped farmers grow more food in a short time.

In India, M.S. Swaminathan played a big role. He used new seeds and farming methods to help Indian farmers. That is why he is known as the father of the Green Revolution in India.

Who Was the Father of Green Revolution in World?

Norman Ernest Borlaug is known as the father of the Green Revolution in the world. He was an American scientist born in 1914. He created special wheat seeds that grew more food and did not get sick easily.

He worked for many years in Mexico and developed wheat that gave bigger harvests, even in tough conditions. His ideas helped many countries stop food shortages. Because of his great work, he won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1970.

So, the father of the Green Revolution in the world is Norman Ernest Borlaug.

About Norman Ernest Borlaug

Norman Borlaug studied plant pathology and genetics. He believed that science could solve hunger. His research in Mexico produced high-yielding wheat strains that grew well with fertilizers and irrigation.

Key facts about Norman Ernest Borlaug:

• Born: March 25, 1914

• Field: Agronomy, genetics, plant pathology

• Main work: High-yielding wheat varieties

• Major award: Nobel Peace Prize 1970

• Contribution: Improved food security worldwide

His work spread to many developing nations, including India and Pakistan. His seeds helped these countries increase wheat production and reduce dependence on imported grains.

Norman Borlaug continued his work for decades and trained many scientists globally. His dedication earned him the title father of green revolution.

Father of Green Revolution in India

While Borlaug laid the foundation, M.S. Swaminathan is known as the father of Green Revolution in India. He worked with Indian scientists and farmers to adapt Borlaug’s wheat seeds to Indian soil and climate.

M.S. Swaminathan played a major role in:

• Introducing high-yielding wheat and rice varieties

• Improving irrigation systems

• Promoting use of fertilizers

• Supporting agricultural research

• Guiding policymakers to improve food production

The Green Revolution in India began around 1965–66, during a time when the country faced food shortages. With support from the government and global research institutions, new seed varieties were introduced in Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh. This increased food production and helped India move from food scarcity to food stability.

Green Revolution in India: Background

Before the Green Revolution, India faced serious food shortages. The Bengal Famine of 1943 caused millions of deaths. After independence, the population grew quickly, but food production did not. By the 1960s, India needed urgent solutions to avoid hunger.

The Green Revolution in India started with support from:

• M.S. Swaminathan

• Norman Borlaug

• Government of India

• Ford Foundation

• Rockefeller Foundation

The goal was to increase crop production using modern farming methods. This included HYV seeds, irrigation, chemical fertilizers, tractors, and pesticides.

With these changes, India increased wheat production sharply. Wheat output rose more than three times between 1967–68 and 2003–04. Rice production also improved. This change shifted India from a food-deficient country to a major producer.

Objectives of the Green Revolution

The Green Revolution had both short-term and long-term objectives:

Positive & Negative Impacts of the Green Revolution

Mentioned here are some of the positive and negative impacts of the green revolution. Check the table below for complete detailed information: