Norman Borlaug often referred to as the "Father of the Green Revolution," was a renowned American agronomist, humanitarian, and Nobel laureate whose work revolutionized global agriculture and saved millions of lives from hunger and famine.

New Delhi (ABC Live): The 2024 Indian farmers' protest, which began on the morning of February 13, 2024, is an ongoing demonstration aimed at securing the government's assurance of guaranteed floor prices or Minimum Support Price (MSP) for their crop production.

ABC Live research team reports on Father of the Green Revolution, Norman so that they can understand the untold efforts made behind the person like Norman Borlaug making farmers national heroes of their respective countries.

Norman Borlaug often referred to as the "Father of the Green Revolution," was a renowned American agronomist, humanitarian, and Nobel laureate whose work revolutionized global agriculture and saved millions of lives from hunger and famine.

Born on March 25, 1914, in Cresco, Iowa, Borlaug grew up on a farm and developed a deep appreciation for agriculture and its potential to alleviate poverty and hunger. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Forestry from the University of Minnesota in 1937 and a Ph.D. in Plant Pathology and Genetics from the University of Minnesota in 1942.

Borlaug's transformative work began in the 1940s when he joined the Rockefeller Foundation's Mexican Agricultural Program. In Mexico, he led efforts to develop high-yielding varieties of wheat through crossbreeding and hybridization techniques. His research aimed to create wheat varieties resistant to diseases and pests while also improving their adaptability to different climates and soil conditions.

Borlaug's breakthrough came with the development of a semi-dwarf wheat variety called "Norin 10," which, when combined with modern agricultural practices, significantly increased wheat yields. This new wheat variety formed the foundation of the Green Revolution, a period of rapid agricultural expansion characterized by the widespread adoption of high-yielding crop varieties, improved irrigation methods, and the use of fertilizers and pesticides.

The Green Revolution, spearheaded by Borlaug's innovations, led to dramatic increases in food production, particularly in countries like India, Pakistan, and Mexico, where wheat yields doubled or tripled within a decade. Borlaug's work helped avert famines and alleviate hunger, earning him the Nobel Peace Prize in 1970.

Despite his achievements, Borlaug remained dedicated to addressing global food security challenges. He continued to advocate for the use of science and technology in agriculture, emphasizing the importance of sustainable practices and equitable distribution of resources.

Throughout his lifetime, Borlaug received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to humanity, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the Congressional Gold Medal, and the Padma Vibhushan, one of India's highest civilian awards.

Norman Borlaug's legacy continues to inspire generations of scientists, policymakers, and agriculturalists to work towards ensuring a food-secure world. His commitment to innovation, compassion for the impoverished, and relentless pursuit of solutions to hunger have left an indelible mark on global agriculture and humanitarian efforts.

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