Current Science

Rudy Rabbinge ¹

Affiliations
1 University Professor Emeritus, Sustainable Development and Food Security, Wageningen University, NL

Abstract

The role of Swaminathan in science and public policy for more than 65 years is unapproachable. His contribution to strengthen agriculture and improve food security is tremendous and more than impressive. His incisive vision on the role of science to serve societal aims is widely accepted, and leading to evergreen revolutions in many continents and countries. In this article that role of Swaminathan will be described and it will be illustrated how three main guidelines were used in his thinking, approaches and interventions: (i) Promoting basic scientific insights and understanding where physical, (bio)chemical, physiological, ecological and genetical principles and knowledge are used and integrated; (ii) Stimulating and introducing inclusive approaches where various objectives such as environmental aims, sustainable development, gender, next to productivity increases are combined and used to strengthen harmonious developments; (iii) Activating and adapting institutions, national and international, and rules and regulations such that farmers are empowered and protected and that biodiversity is protected and where possible promoted and strengthened.

All these policy issues were crucial for the functioning of Swaminathan and his impact on World Food Security, regional upgrading and local movements and sustainable development globally. The description and analysis in this article demonstrate his efforts and activities which have made the world a better place for all.

Keywords

Climate Smart Agriculture, Inclusive Thinking and Inclusive Approaches, Production Ecological Principles.

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Rudy Rabbinge ¹

Affiliations
1 University of Wageningen, NL

Abstract

This biography of M. S. Swaminathan combines elements of a textbook based on his original contributions to cytogenetics of crops and their improvement using radiation and chemical mutagenesis, and his notable transition as a crusader of a hunger- free world. In the early chapters, it traces Swaminathan’s landing in Wageningen, the Netherlands in 1949 and the beginning of his tryst with cytogenetics of potato successively in Wageningen, Cambridge (England) and Wisconsin (USA). Potato was a tough and even unsuitable plant for in-depth cytogenetic research and improvement by breeding across the ploidal levels. The cultivated potato is a tetraploid (2n – 4x = 48), whereas species having the genes to shield against nematodes and frost are diploids (2n = 2x = 24).

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