Norman Ernest Borlaug

Norman Ernest Borlaug was born on March 25, 1914, on a farm near Cresco, Iowa. Raised in a family of Norwegian descent, Borlaug spent his early years on the family farm and attended local schools.

In 1942, Norman Borlaug joined the DuPont de Nemours Foundation as a microbiologist. His work involved research on developing resistant strains of wheat, which would later be instrumental in his contribution to the Green Revolution.

In 1944, Norman Borlaug moved to Mexico to work on a Rockefeller Foundation-funded project aimed at increasing wheat production. This project was part of an international agricultural program designed to boost food production.

In 1963, Norman Borlaug became the director of the International Wheat Improvement Program at the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) in Mexico. Under his guidance, the program led to significant improvements in wheat varieties.

In 1970, Norman Borlaug was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his contributions to the world food supply, particularly through his work on developing high-yielding and disease-resistant wheat varieties. This award recognized his role in the Green Revolution, which helped prevent global famines.

In 1975, Norman Borlaug, along with former president of Nigeria Olusegun Obasanjo and Japanese philanthropist Ryoichi Sasakawa, established the Sasakawa Africa Association. The organization aimed to bring the Green Revolution to African nations by improving agricultural practices and food security.

Norman Borlaug established the World Food Prize in 1986 to recognize and honor individuals who have advanced human development by improving the quality, quantity, or availability of food in the world. The prize is considered the foremost international award in its field.

Recognizing Norman Borlaug's contributions, the University of Minnesota celebrated the 75th anniversary of his enrollment at their institution in 2006. Borlaug's education in forestry and plant pathology played a pivotal role in his later achievements in agriculture.

Norman Borlaug passed away on September 12, 2009, at the age of 95. His passing marked the end of a remarkable life dedicated to agriculture and fighting hunger through scientific innovation and collaboration. Recognized as the father of the Green Revolution, Borlaug's legacy lives on.