AUG 07: Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today inaugurated the M.S. Swaminathan Centenary International Conference at ICAR PUSA, New Delhi. Paying rich tribute to Professor M.S. Swaminathan, the architect of India’s Green Revolution, the Prime Minister called him a visionary who transformed science into a mission of public service.
Shri Modi said Dr. Swaminathan’s legacy extends far beyond food security. “He introduced the concept of Evergreen Revolution, Bio-Villages, and Bio-Happiness, focusing not just on productivity but also on ecological balance and rural well-being,” he said.
The Prime Minister emphasized that India will never compromise on the interests of its farmers, calling their strength the “foundation of national progress.” He stressed the need to now move from food security to nutritional security, advocating for bio-fortified crops, natural farming, and climate-resilient agriculture.
Highlighting progress, PM Modi noted India’s record food grain production and top global rankings in milk, pulses, and jute. He cited initiatives such as PM-Kisan, Fasal Bima Yojana, e-NAM, and the formation of 10,000 FPOs, calling them tools to empower farmers and uplift rural economies.
He also spoke about using technology like AI, satellite data, and precision irrigation to transform agriculture, urging scientists and agri-tech startups to work collaboratively. The PM stressed the importance of crop diversification, women’s empowerment, and combining traditional knowledge with modern science to create a holistic agricultural future.
As part of the centenary celebration, the M.S. Swaminathan Award for Food and Peace was launched, with its first recipient being Professor Adenle from Nigeria.
Describing agriculture as “life, not just livelihood”, the Prime Minister concluded by calling Dr. Swaminathan a “true gem of Mother India” and affirmed that his inspiration will continue to guide India’s agricultural vision for generations.
