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Riff RaffHow One Man Saved a Billion Lives
January 11th 2007 18:49
Norman Borlaug in Mexican Wheatfield
Borlaug's grandfather gave him a piece of advice that resonated deep in his heart: "You're wiser to fill your head now if you want to fill your belly later on."
Young Norman grew up loving his family farm in Iowa and took grandpa's advice by pursuing Master's and PhD degrees in Plant Pathology and Genetics (1942).
It is interesting to note that Borlaug failed the University of Minnesota entrance exam but was able to get into the school's newly created two year college and later transfer to the degree program in Forestry. So, my advice to you is don't let a set-back or failure stop you. It didn't stop Norman.
Borlaug worked at the The Cooperative Wheat Research Production Program in Mexico from the 1940s to 70s. The project was a joint venture by the Rockefeller Foundation and the Mexican Ministry of Agriculture. The determined scientist developed strains of high-yield, disease-resistant, semi-dwarf wheat. He also had an epiphany to take advantage of Mexico's two growing seasons.
Norman Borlaug & George Harrar
Borlaug reminisced, "As it worked out, in the north, we were planting when the days were getting shorter, at low elevation and high temperature. Then we'd take the seed from the best plants south and plant it at high elevation, when days were getting longer and there was lots of rain. Soon we had varieties that fit the whole range of conditions. That wasn't supposed to happen by the books."
An amazing example of 'thinking outside the box'. You gotta love this guy.
Borlaug's innovative ideas brought Mexico from having a food shortage to producing such a surplus of wheat that the nation became a net exporter of the grain.
This milestone accomplishment inspired Norman to continue his work around the world. He visited India in the 1960s when the subcontinent was experiencing widespread famine. He and his research team encountered many obstacles including the region's cultural objections to new agricultural techniques and the war between India and Pakistan had Borlaug planting while artillery blasts exploded around his ears.
Finally, Borlaug's stubborn determination paid off; so much wheat grew that there was actually a shortage of resources needed to harvest and store so much crop! Some regions were forced to use school buildings as wheat storage sheds. Subsequently, Pakistan and India became self-sufficient in wheat production in the late 1960s.
At this point, Dr. Borlaug's ability to make inhospitable soil turn out robust, abundant plants was being heralded as a "Green Revolution".
He has also brought his wheat growing techniques to Latin America, Africa and the Middle East. Much of Asia has also immensely benefited from the introduction of the doctor's high-yield varieties of rice.
Dr Norman Borlaug
Dr. Norman Borlaug has been credited with saving over a billion lives the world over. What a great man, what a great vision.
Can you think of some ways to help your fellow human beings?
For further info on Norman Borlaug and his life's work please go to Wikipedia's Norman Borlaug article
And check out these sites: World Food Prize & Nobel Prize.org
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Comment by MelissaA
Fun Facts
Comment by pegasus
Poker Addict
talk to you later,
Peg
Comment by postmoderncritic
Postmodern Critic
Daily Inspirations
Relativity Watch
Padsoc
Beautiful advice, Peggy! I think every obstacle represents an opportunity for growth.
I love your interest in the interplay between his 'personal' and 'professional' life.
Can you think of some ways to help your fellow human beings?
I say get informed, get active, keep inspired and SMILE.
Kisses and hugs,
Epiphanie
Comment by Mrs M
Mum's Word
Inspirational stuff. You can always do more can't you?
Love & stuff
Mrs M
Comment by pegasus
Poker Addict
Hi Mrs M,
Thanks for your input,
Pegasus
Comment by AnthonyB
I'm sure I won't win a Nobel Peace Prize though... Sorry I'm so late with my response. This is guy is amazing. You were right !! I'm glad I checked it up - even if I am a week late.
Great post, Peg !!
- Anthony