Recipient of the first World Food Prize in 1987, the Tyler and Honda Prizes in 1991 and the UNEP Sasakawa award in 1994, Dr M. S. Swaminathan has worked for the past 45 years towards a more enlightened approach to development. His work in crop genetics and sustainable agricultural development in India and the Third World was acknowledged through the three international awards given him.
His tenure as the Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Co-operation saw India develop a strong food security system. He recognises the need for an “Evergreen Revolution” in India.
Founded by him in 1988, the M. S. Swaminathan Research Foundation is a non-profit and scientific trust. In 1990, The Centre for Research on Sustainable Agricultural and Rural Development (CRSARD) was launched as a registered society to carry out MSSRF’s research and training goals.
Dr. Swaminathan has served the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (1972-78) and the International Rice Research Institute (1982-88) in the capacity of Director General. He served as Independent Chairman of the FAO Council (1981-85). He was also the President of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (1984-1990) and National Academy of Agricultural Sciences of India. He is also a member of various academies including the Royal Society of London, US National Academy of Sciences, Russian Academy, Italian, and Chinese Academies.
