Contributions to Agriculture and Allied Sectors
Agriculture has been the cornerstone of the Indian economy for centuries, and several individuals and institutions have played pivotal roles through various innovations, practices, and research in enhancing agricultural productivity and sustainability.Contributions to Agriculture and Allied Sectors | |
MS Swaminathan (1925-2023)
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- M.S. Swaminathan (Monkombu Sambasivan Swaminathan) was an Indian agronomist and agricultural scientist and was renowned for his leading role in India’s “Green Revolution”.
- Role in Green Revolution:
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Benjamin Peary Pal (1906-1989)
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- He was a famous Indian agronomist and plant breeder. He served as the first Director General of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research from 1965-72. - He was known for his work in wheat genetics and breeding, but he also had an interest in different rose varieties. - He was one of the first scientists to demonstrate the advantages of heterosis breeding in a self-pollinated cereal such as wheat. - He created the bread wheat variety NP 809, which was resistant to all three types of rust, a plant disease. - He also founded the Rose and Bougainvillaea Societies of India and was the editor of the journal of the Indian Society of Genetics and Plant Breeding. - Awards: Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan |
Verghese Kurien (1921-2012)
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- He is often referred to as the "Milkman of India" and the "Father of the White Revolution".
- White Revolution: From 1965 to 1998, he was the founder Chairman of the National Dairy Development Board. He is the architect of India's White Revolution, which helped the country become the world's largest milk producer.
- Revolutionising the dairy sector in India: He was instrumental in establishing the Milk Cooperative movement in the region, initially known as Kaira District Cooperative Milk Producers Union Ltd and later renamed "Amul."
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Subhash Palekar (2 February 1949)
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- He is a renowned agricultural scientist and advocate of Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF).
- Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZNBF):
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G Nammalvar (1938-2013)
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- He was a renowned agricultural scientist and a strong advocate for sustainable and organic farming practices in India. He is known as the "Father of Organic Farming in Tamil Nadu". - He worked as a farm researcher and trainer for the organisation Islands of Peace, founded by the Nobel Laureate R. P. Dominic Pyre. - He founded a non-profit organization Vanagam Nammalvar Ecological Foundation in 2009, formed collectively by people from various social strata, which empowers people to improve their lives and the environment. - He advocated for organic farming. He travelled extensively, educating farmers about the harmful effects of chemical farming and the benefits of organic and sustainable agriculture. - He was a crusader against genetically modified crops and led the movement in opposition to the methane project in the Cauvery delta districts. |
M. V. Rao (1928-2016)
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- He was a key figure in ushering in the Green Revolution in the 1960s, alongside Nobel Laureate Norman Borlaug, M.S. Swaminathan, and others. - He was involved with wheat research at the Indian Agriculture Research Institute (IARI). - During 1961-63, as an associate of M S Swaminathan, he evaluated spring wheat (suitable for India) impregnated with the dwarf gene (norin). - During 1985-1990, he was instrumental in achieving edible oil self-sufficiency by leading the Technology Mission on Oilseeds mission. - He served as Vice-President of the National Academy of Agricultural Sciences from 2000 to 2003, where he chaired the Committee on the New National Seed Policy. - Awards: Padma Shri, Norman Borlaug Award, Linker's Award |
Last updated on August, 2025
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FAQs on Contributions of Indians to Agriculture
Q1. Who is M.S. Swaminathan, and what are his contributions to Indian agriculture?+
Q2. What is Verghese Kurien's role in the Indian dairy sector?+
Q3. What is Operation Flood?+
Q4. What is Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF)?+
Q5. Who is the “Father of Organic Farming in Tamil Nadu”?+