Every once in a long while an individual accomplishes something so extraordinary that it transforms the world, its people, and cultures in a significant way and I am honored to feature this individual in ’s “Solvers & Solutions” section.

Dr. Norman E. Borlaug is such a man.

Utilizing his doctorate degree in plant pathology, he created “high yielding” cereals which increased agricultural production in the developing countries to the extent that many became self-sufficient for grains.

In recognition of his achievements in temporarily alleviating world famine, Dr. Borlaug was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1970. 

In 1944, Dr. Borlaug went to Mexico and joined a newly formed, International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT).

 You see, the wheat used by the Mexican farmers had long stems, which kept them above the shade of surrounding weeds. When production was increased, the heavy heads bent the thin stems over, a problem that farmers called “lodging. Borlaug and the CIMMYT team solved this by developing a “HYV “ (high yielding variety) of Japanese short-stemmed wheat which greatly increased production.

He has since duplicated his success with rice and a corn hybrid (maize) in India, Pakistan, Tunisia, Morocco, Afghanistan, and similar countries with large populations and small crop yields. He is hailed as a hero in these countries and most of the civilized world.

Publishers Note: There are some very powerful lessons that can be learned from Dr. Borlaug’s approach to the world’s problem of famine by increasing food production across the board and giving the farmers the tools to fend for themselves. It lends itself to the old adage from an unknown Author:

“Give a man a fish; you have fed him for today.  Teach a man to fish; and you have fed him for a lifetime”

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