Who is Monkambu Sambasivan Swaminathan?

Born in August 1925 in Kumbakonam in Tamil Nadu, Monkambu Sambasivan Swaminathan did his graduation and post-graduation in Botany from Madras University. He worked in different capacities in large number of institutions in India and abroad and developed his expertise in genetics and plant breeding. The School of Cytogenetics and Radiation Research established at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) enabled Swaminathan and his team to develop short-duration high-yielding varieties of rice including scented Basmati. He is also known for the development of the concept of crop cafeteria, crop scheduling and genetically improving the yield and quality.He has been honoured with Padma Bhushan and several other prestigious awards, medals and fellowships by institutions of excellence. Monkambu Sambasivan Swaminathan is an expert in genetics and plant breeding. His collaboration with Norman Borlaug led to the 'Green Revolution' through the introduction of Mexican varieties of wheat in India. Swaminathan initiated the 'Lab-to-Land' program which involves technology transfer. Swaminathan has received the Padma Bhushan award