Congress honors "Green Revolution" scientist

By Ishani Ganguli, Tue Jul 17, 2007 7:08PM BST

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A 93-year-old agricultural scientist and Nobel laureate regarded as the father of the "Green Revolution" in farming received the Congressional Gold Medal on Tuesday for a life-long battle against world hunger.

President George W. Bush was on hand at the U.S. Capitol for the presentation of the highest civilian honor to Norman Borlaug, whose advances helped nearly double the food supply in countries including Mexico, India and Pakistan.

Borlaug's efforts date back to the mid-20th century, when he developed disease-resistant, high-yield wheat varieties and worked with developing countries to grow these crops using modern farming techniques.

He has more recently focused on increasing food production in Africa and other parts of Asia.

"Without question, Dr. Borlaug, your life and your life's work ... saving more than 1 billion people from famine and starvation, are an inspiration," said Steny Hoyer, Democratic leader of the U.S. House of Representatives.

"Hunger continues to cast its measurable shadow across much of the developing world," Bush added. "The most fitting tribute to this man is to continue his life's work."

In 1970, Borlaug was the first Nobel Peace Prize recipient for work in agriculture. Seven years later, President Gerald Ford presented him with the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

The Congressional Gold Medal, first given to George Washington in 1776, honors people who have offered outstanding service to the security, prosperity and national interest of the United States.