Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses the M.S. Swaminathan Centenary International Conference

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and addressed the M.S. Swaminathan Centenary International Conference at ICAR PUSA in New Delhi. Paying tribute to Professor M. S. Swaminathan, the Prime Minister described him as a visionary whose contributions transcend any single era. He added that Professor Swaminathan was a great scientist who transformed science into a medium of public service. Modi highlighted that Professor Swaminathan dedicated his life to ensuring food security for the nation. Noting that Professor Swaminathan awakened a consciousness that will continue to guide India’s policies and priorities for centuries to come. He extended his best wishes to all on the occasion of the Swaminathan Birth Centenary Celebrations.

Sharing his association with Dr. M. S. Swaminathan spanned many years, Modi recalled the earlier conditions in Gujarat, where agriculture faced severe challenges due to droughts and cyclones. Noting that during his tenure as Chief Minister, work began on the Soil Health Card initiative, he remembered Professor Swaminathan showing great interest in the initiative, offering open-hearted suggestions that significantly contributed to its success. Modi mentioned visiting Professor Swaminathan’s Research Foundation Centre in Tamil Nadu nearly twenty years ago. He stated that in 2017, he had the opportunity to release Professor Swaminathan’s book, ‘The Quest for a World Without Hunger’. He added that in 2018, during the inauguration of the International Rice Research Institute’s Regional Centre in Varanasi, Professor Swaminathan’s guidance was invaluable. The Prime Minister remarked that every interaction with Professor Swaminathan was a learning experience. He recalled Professor Swaminathan once saying, “Science is not just about discovery, but delivery,” and affirmed that he proved this through his work. Shri Modi emphasised that Professor Swaminathan not only conducted research but also inspired farmers to transform agricultural practices. He stated that even today, Professor Swaminathan’s approach and ideas are visible throughout India’s agriculture sector. Describing him as a true gem of Mother India, Shri Modi expressed his privilege that Professor Swaminathan was conferred the Bharat Ratna during his government’s tenure.

“Dr. M. S. Swaminathan led the campaign to make India self-reliant in food production”, emphasised the Prime Minister, stating that Professor Swaminathan’s identity extended beyond the Green Revolution. He highlighted that Professor Swaminathan consistently raised awareness among farmers about the risks of increasing chemical use and monoculture farming. Shri Modi noted that while Professor Swaminathan worked to boost grain production, he was equally concerned about the environment and Mother Earth. To balance both objectives and address emerging challenges, the Prime Minister said that Professor Swaminathan introduced the concept of the Evergreen Revolution. He added that Professor Swaminathan proposed the idea of Bio-Villages to empower rural communities and farmers. The Prime Minister remarked that Professor Swaminathan promoted innovative ideas such as Community Seed Banks and Opportunity Crops.

“Dr. M. S. Swaminathan believed the solutions to climate change and nutritional challenges lie in the very crops that have been forgotten”, said the Prime Minister, highlighting Professor Swaminathan’s focus on drought tolerance and salt tolerance in agriculture. He noted that Professor Swaminathan worked on millets or Shri Anna at a time when they were largely overlooked. Modi recalled that years ago, Professor Swaminathan had suggested transferring the genetic qualities of mangroves into rice, which would help make crops more climate-resilient. He emphasised that today, as climate adaptation becomes a global priority, it is evident how far-sighted Professor Swaminathan’s thinking truly was.

Prime Minister stated that while biodiversity is a topic of global discussion and governments are taking various steps to preserve it, Dr. M. S. Swaminathan went a step further by introducing the idea of biohappiness. He remarked that the gathering today is a celebration of that very idea. Quoting Dr. Swaminathan, who believed that the power of biodiversity could bring transformative change to the lives of local communities, Modi highlighted that through the use of local resources, new livelihood opportunities could be created for people. He noted that true to his nature, Dr. Swaminathan had a unique ability to translate ideas into ground-level action. The Prime Minister emphasised that through his Research Foundation, Dr. Swaminathan consistently worked to ensure that the benefits of discoveries reached farmers. He stated that small farmers, fisherfolk, and tribal communities greatly benefited from Dr. Swaminathan’s efforts.

Expressing happiness over the launch of the M. S. Swaminathan Award for Food and Peace, instituted to honour the legacy of Professor Swaminathan, the Prime Minister stated that this international award will be conferred upon individuals from developing countries who have made significant contributions in the field of food security. He emphasized that the relationship between food and peace is not only philosophical but also deeply practical. Quoting a verse from the Upanishads, Shri Modi  underlined the sanctity of food, asserting that food is life itself, and must never be disrespected or neglected. Warning that any crisis of food inevitably leads to a crisis of life, and when the lives of millions are endangered, global unrest becomes inevitable, Shri Modi underscored the importance of the M. S. Swaminathan Award for Food and Peace in today’s world. The Prime Minister congratulated Professor Adenle of Nigeria, the first recipient of the award, describing him as a talented scientist whose work exemplifies the spirit of the honour.

“Witnessing the current heights of Indian agriculture, Dr. M. S. Swaminathan would surely feel proud wherever he may be”, stated Modi, highlighting that India today ranks first in the production of milk, pulses, and jute. He noted that India is second in the world in the production of rice, wheat, cotton, fruits, and vegetables and added that India is also the world’s second-largest fish producer. The Prime Minister shared that last year, India achieved its highest-ever food grain production. He emphasized that India is setting records in oilseeds as well, with soybean, mustard, and groundnut production reaching record levels. 

“Welfare of farmers is the nation’s highest priority”, affirmed the Prime Minister declaring that India will never compromise on the interests of its farmers, livestock rearers, and fisherfolk. He reiterated the government’s continuous efforts to increase farmers’ income, reduce agricultural expenses, and create new sources of revenue.

“The government has always considered the strength of farmers as the foundation of national progress”, affirmed the Prime Minister, stating that the policies formulated in recent years were not merely about assistance, but about instilling confidence among farmers. He highlighted that the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi has empowered small farmers through direct financial support, while PM Fasal Bima Yojana has provided farmers with protection against agricultural risks and irrigation challenges have been addressed through the PM Krishi Sinchai Yojana. Shri Modi further emphasised that the creation of 10,000 Farmer-Producer Organisations (FPOs) has strengthened the collective power of small farmers. He stated that financial support to cooperatives and self-help groups has given fresh momentum to the rural economy. Mentioning the e-NAM platform, Modi said it has made it easier for farmers to sell their produce while the PM Kisan Sampada Yojana has accelerated the development of new food processing units and storage infrastructure. He informed that the recently approved PM Dhan Dhanya Yojana aims to uplift 100 districts where agriculture has lagged behind. “By providing facilities and financial assistance in these districts, the government is instilling new confidence in farming”, said the PM.

Emphasizing the need to intensify efforts towards solar-powered micro-irrigation, the Prime Minister stated that drip systems and precision irrigation must be made more widespread and effective. Posing the question of integrating satellite data, AI, and machine learning into agricultural systems, Shri Modi asked whether a system can be developed that forecasts crop yields, monitors pests, and guides sowing practices and whether such a real-time decision support system can be made accessible in every district. The Prime Minister urged experts to continuously guide agri-tech startups. He noted that a large number of innovative youth are working to solve agricultural challenges and  remarked that with guidance from experienced professionals, the products developed by these youth will be more impactful.

Union Minister, Shivraj Singh Chouhan; Member, Niti Aayog, Dr. Ramesh Chand; Chairperson of M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation, Ms. Soumya Swaminathan and other dignitaries were present at the event.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated M.S. Swaminathan Centenary International Conference today at ICAR PUSA in New Delhi. 

The theme of the conference “Evergreen Revolution, The Pathway to Biohappiness” reflects Prof. Swaminathan’s lifelong dedication to ensuring food for all. The conference will provide an opportunity to scientists, policymakers, development professionals, and other stakeholders to discuss and deliberate on furthering the principles of ‘Evergreen Revolution’. Key themes include sustainable management of biodiversity and natural resources; sustainable agriculture for food and nutrition security; strengthening climate resilience by adapting to climate change; utilizing appropriate technologies for sustainable and equitable livelihoods; and engaging youth, women and marginalized communities in developmental discourses.

To honour his legacy, the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF) and The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) launched the M.S. Swaminathan Award for Food and Peace. Prime Minister also gave the first award to the recipient on the occasion. This international award will recognise individuals from developing countries who have made outstanding contributions to improving food security and advancing climate justice, equity, and peace for vulnerable and marginalised communities through scientific research, policy development, grassroots engagement, or local capacity building.