On Guru Purnima, salute to the great scientists of Indian agriculture

Indian agriculture, the era of the Green Revolution marked a turning point—driven not only by policies but by the vision and dedication of extraordinary agricultural scientists. These visionaries acted as "gurus" for millions of farmers, guiding them scientific innovation and practical wisdom that shaped destiny and future of agri progress in india. On the auspicious occasion of Guru Purnima, these scientists inspire generations at the coming agr generation would benefit from their research findings making them all recognize and admire  India’s self-reliant and prosperous farming ecosystem.

Dr. M.S. Swaminathan (1925–2023):

Father of India’s Green Revolution & Proponent of the Evergreen Revolution Dr. Mankombu Sambasivan Swaminathan played a decisive role in transforming India from a food-deficient country to one of self-sufficiency. He introduced semi-dwarf, high-yielding wheat and rice varieties and ensured they reached Indian farmers at scale.

Key Contributions:

• Boosted wheat production from 5 million tonnes to 17 million tonnes (1967–68)
• Advocated the “Evergreen Revolution” — sustainable and farmer-focused agriculture
• Championed MSP, land reforms, and women’s empowerment in agriculture

Education & Career:

• PhD in Genetics from Cambridge; Postdoc at Wisconsin
• Director, IARI (1961–72); DG, ICAR (1972–79); Secretary, Agriculture Ministry; Head, IRRI (1982–88)

Recognitions:

• Padma Shri (1967), Padma Vibhushan (1989), Bharat Ratna (Posthumous, 2024), World Food Prize (1987)
• Founder, MSSRF – promoting rural sustainability and science

Dr. Trilochan Mohapatra (b. 1962):

Pioneer of Molecular Genetics and Rice Innovation in India Dr. Mohapatra is a pioneer in molecular breeding and genome mapping. He developed high-yield, disease-resistant varieties of rice, tomato, pulses, and sugarcane.

Education & Roles:

• PhD in Genetics (IARI); Researcher for over 20 years
• Director, NRCPB; Vice Chancellor, IARI; DG, ICAR; Secretary, DARE
• Currently Chairperson, PPVFR Authority

Key Contributions:

• Developed Pusa Basmati 1121 — a key export variety
• Led genome mapping of rice and tomato
• Mentored young agri-scientists and shaped national agri-policy

Honours: INSA Young Scientist Award (1994), DBT Bioscience Award, B.P. Pal Memorial Award

Dr. Mangina Venkateswara Rao (1928–2016): Pioneer of the Green Revolution and Father of High-Yield CropsDr Rao was a distinguished plant geneticist who played a key role in the development of wheat and oilseed varieties and promoted food and edible oil security in India.

Roles:

• Deputy Director, ICAR
• Vice-Chancellor, Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University
• Vice President, NAAS

Awards: Padma Shri (1999), Norman Borlaug Award (1993)

Impact:

• Led key breeding programs for wheat and oilseeds
• Contributed to institutional reform and productivity enhancement during the Green Revolution

Dr. Krishnaswamy Ramiah (1892–1988): Dr. Ramiah Founder of Systematic Rice Hybridisation in India. A pioneer in rice research was the first Director of the Central Rice Research Institute, Cuttack. He introduced hybrid rice techniques and developed globally renowned varieties.

Honours: MBE (1938), Padma Shri (1957), Padma Bhushan (1970)

Scientific Achievements:

• Developed GEB 24 (parent of 83 rice varieties worldwide), ADT 3, CO 4, CO 25
• Introduced X-ray mutation breeding and gene banks
• Authored “Rice in Madras” and “Rice Breeding and Genetics”

Legacy: Ramiah Memorial Lecture held at IIT Bombay in his honour

Dr. Rajendra Singh Paroda (b. 1942):

Title: Visionary of Agri-Policy, Biodiversity, and Institutional Reform
Dr. Paroda modernized India’s agri-research ecosystem and led the creation of the National Gene Bank, securing over 250,000 germplasm accessions.

Leadership Roles:

• DG, ICAR; Secretary, DARE
• Chair, GFAR (FAO); Exec. Sec, APAARI; Board Member, IRRI, ICRISAT

Honours: Padma Bhushan (1998), Norman Borlaug Award (2006), Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Lifetime Achievement Award (2025)

Notable Work:

• Author of 250+ research papers and 20+ books including “Reorienting Indian Agriculture”
• Fostered global collaboration and public–private agri-partnerships

Khetivyapar’s Tribute:

Through our platform, we celebrate their contributions by:
Sharing their life stories to inspire new generations.
Educating the public on the science behind India’s food security.
Continuing their legacy through real-time data, grassroots outreach, and smart agri-solutions.

The seeds they sowed—both in fields and in minds—continue to yield prosperity for India’s agricultural future.