Norman Borlaug

Date of Birth: March 25, 1914

Zodiac Sign: Aries

Date of Death: September 12, 2009

Biography

Norman Ernest Borlaug was an American agronomist, humanitarian, and Nobel laureate who is often referred to as “the father of the Green Revolution.” Born on a farm in Cresco, Iowa, Borlaug developed a passion for agriculture early on, which would shape his future contributions to global food security. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in forestry in 1937, followed by a Master’s and Ph.D. in plant pathology and genetics from the University of Minnesota. Borlaug’s most significant work began in Mexico during the 1940s, where he developed high-yielding, disease-resistant wheat varieties. His innovations in agricultural science led to substantial increases in food production in countries like Mexico, India, and Pakistan, which helped avert famines and saved millions of lives. For his groundbreaking work, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1970, becoming one of the few scientists to receive this honor. Throughout his career, Borlaug continued to advocate for scientific advancements in agriculture. His later years were spent working with various international organizations to promote agricultural sustainability and food security. He passed away on September 12, 2009, but his legacy endures through the countless lives his work has impacted.

5 Interesting Facts about Norman Borlaug

1. Norman Borlaug is credited with saving over a billion people from starvation through his agricultural innovations.

2. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1970 for his contributions to world peace through increased food supply.

3. Borlaug was one of only six people to have won the Nobel Peace Prize, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and the Congressional Gold Medal.

4. He founded the World Food Prize in 1986 to honor individuals who have made significant contributions to improving the quality, quantity, or availability of food in the world.

5. Borlaug worked in over 100 countries during his career, promoting agricultural development and food security.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Norman Borlaug

1. “Food is the moral right of all who are born into this world.”

2. “You can’t build a peaceful world on empty stomachs and human misery.”

3. “The first essential component of social justice is adequate food for all mankind.”

4. “Without food, man can live at most but a few weeks; without it, all other components of social justice are meaningless.”

5. “Civilization as it is known today could not have evolved, nor can it survive, without an adequate food supply.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Norman Borlaug’s work was primarily in the humanitarian and scientific fields; there is no significant record of his personal net worth. His contributions were more focused on human welfare than personal wealth. However, he did receive various grants and awards throughout his career, which supported his research and initiatives.

Children

Norman Borlaug had two children with his wife, Margaret Gibson: a daughter named Jeanie Borlaug Laube and a son named William Borlaug. Both children have continued to honor their father’s legacy through various means, including involvement in agricultural and educational initiatives.