Norman Borlaug
Pioneering agronomist credited with developing high-yield wheat varieties for the Green Revolution.
Chronology: 1914-03-25 – 2009-09-12
Origins & Early Life
Norman Ernest Borlaug (; March 25, 1914 – September 12, 2009) was an American agronomist who led initiatives worldwide that contributed to the extensive increases in agricultural production termed the Green Revolution. Borlaug was awarded multiple honors for his work, including the Nobel Peace Prize, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and the Congressional Gold Medal, one of only seven people to have received all three awards. Borlaug received his B.S. in forestry in 1937 and PhD in plant pathology and genetics from the University of Minnesota in 1942.
Pivotal Works & Achievements
He took up an agricultural research position with CIMMYT in Mexico, where he developed semi-dwarf, high-yield, disease-resistant wheat varieties. During the mid-20th century, Borlaug led the introduction of these high-yielding varieties combined with modern agricultural production techniques to Mexico, Pakistan, and India. As a result, Mexico became a net exporter of wheat by 1963. Between 1965 and 1970, wheat yields nearly doubled in Pakistan and India, greatly improving the food security in those nations. Borlaug is often called "the father of the Green Revolution", and is credited with saving over a billion people worldwide from starvation...
Enduring Legacy & Impact
The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.
Source: Wikipedia