'Saved Millions of People from Starvation': Mexico Envoy Mourns Death of MS Swaminathan

Mexico Ambassador Federico Salas on Thursday mourned the passing of renowned agricultural scientist MS Swaminathan and highlighted how the Indian geneticist had a profound impact on the Green Revolution. Ambassador Salas said Swaminathan, along with American agronomist Norman Borlaug saved millions of people from starvation.

“A great loss. Through their research, in Mexico and India, Borlaug and Swaminathan saved millions of people from starvation. The Green Revolution is a memorable chapter of cooperation between our two countries,” the envoy wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

Swaminathan, 98, also known as the father of Green Revolution in India, died on Thursday in Chennai due to age-related illness. He is survived by three daughters. He was a prominent figure in the field of agriculture who has made significant contributions to increasing food production and addressing global hunger, particularly in the mid-20th century.

Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) Director, AK Singh, said that an era of agricultural research, education and extension marked by disruptive innovations has come to an end with the death of MS Swaminathan.

“In passing away of Prof. Swaminathan, ends an era of agricultural research, education and extension that was full of disruptive innovation. If God appears to poor and hungry in form of bread as said by Mahatma Gandhi, that God is Dr. Swaminathan who should be worshipped by every citizen while taking daily meals,” Singh said in a statement.

The celebrated agriculture icon was being treated for age-related illness for quite some time, PTI reported. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed grief at the death of eminent scientist MS Swaminathan and said his groundbreaking work in agriculture transformed lives of millions and ensured India’s food security.

“Deeply saddened by the demise of Dr MS Swaminathan Ji. At a very critical period in our nation’s history, his groundbreaking work in agriculture transformed the lives of millions and ensured food security for our nation,” Modi said in a post on X.