In a historic move to commemorate the birth centenary of Bharat Ratna Dr. M.S. Swaminathan, the Maharashtra government has declared August 7 as Sustainable Agriculture Day, to be observed annually across the state. The announcement, made by State Agriculture Minister Manikrao Kokate, recognises the unparalleled legacy of Dr. Swaminathan—the visionary scientist credited with ushering in India’s Green Revolution and transforming its food security landscape.

“This is more than a symbolic gesture—it is a tribute to a man who changed the destiny of Indian agriculture,” said Minister Kokate. “By dedicating this day to sustainability, we hope to carry forward his vision of resilient, inclusive, and science-led farming.”

Dr. Swaminathan’s groundbreaking work in crop genetics and productivity enhancement in wheat and rice helped India overcome the spectre of famine and emerge as a self-sufficient food economy. His advocacy for ecological balance, farmer livelihoods, and nutritional security laid the foundation for sustainable agricultural policy frameworks in India and globally.

Recognising his lifelong contributions, the Government of India posthumously conferred the Bharat Ratna—the nation’s highest civilian honour—on Dr. Swaminathan in 2024. He has also been hailed by the United Nations as the “father of the economic environment” for his pioneering integration of ecological principles into economic development models.

To institutionalise his legacy, the state government also announced the establishment of Dr. M.S. Swaminathan Bio-Happiness Centres in all agricultural universities across Maharashtra. These centres will serve as hubs of innovation, research, and farmer engagement on sustainable agriculture, soil health, climate adaptation, and agri-entrepreneurship.

This initiative comes at a critical juncture, as India grapples with the twin challenges of climate change and agri-economic distress. Maharashtra, one of the country’s most agriculturally diverse states, aims to lead by example by embedding sustainability into the core of its agricultural development agenda.

As the state prepares to observe the first Sustainable Agriculture Day on August 7, 2025, stakeholders across academia, policy, industry, and farming communities are expected to participate in seminars, farmer interactions, innovation showcases, and commemorative events—all aimed at nurturing a future-ready, Swaminathan-inspired agri-ecosystem.