7 July 2025, New Delhi
Dr. Swaminathan led the movement to make India self-reliant in food production: PM
Dr. Swaminathan went beyond biodiversity and gave the visionary concept of bio-happiness: PM
India will never compromise on the interests of its farmers: PM
Our government has recognised farmers' strength as the foundation of the nation's progress: PM
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today inaugurated and addressed the M.S. Swaminathan Centenary International Conference at NASC, New Delhi. The event was organised by M S Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF) in collaboration with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), the National Academy of Agricultural Sciences (NAAS), the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (ICAR-IARI), and the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Government of India.
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. Shri 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, Shri Modi recalled the earlier conditions in Gujarat, where agriculture faced severe challenges due to droughts and cyclones. He remembered Professor Swaminathan showing great interest in the initiative, offering open-hearted suggestions that significantly contributed to its success.
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 emphasized that Professor Swaminathan not only conducted research but also inspired farmers to transform agricultural practices.
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.
“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. Shri 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 emphasized that today, as climate adaptation becomes a global priority, it is evident how far-sighted Professor Swaminathan’s thinking truly was.
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.
“Witnessing the current heights of Indian agriculture, Dr. M. S. Swaminathan would surely feel proud wherever he may be”, stated Shri 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.
Drawing inspiration from Dr. M. S. Swaminathan, the Prime Minister stated that India’s scientists now have another opportunity to create history. He highlighted that the previous generation of scientists ensured food security, stressing that the current focus must shift towards nutritional security. Calling for the large-scale promotion of bio-fortified and nutrition-rich crops to improve public health, Shri Modi advocated for reducing the use of chemicals in agriculture. He urged for greater promotion of natural farming, stating that more urgency and proactive efforts are required in this direction.
Recalling his visit to the ICAR-IARI, PUSA campus on 11 August 2024, where he had urged for intensified efforts to take agricultural technology from lab to land, Shri Modi expressed happiness over the launch of the “Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan” during the months of May and June 2025. He highlighted that, for the first time, over 2,200 teams of scientists participated across more than 700 districts. Noting that more than 60,000 programmes were conducted, the Prime Minister stated that these efforts directly connected scientists with approximately 1.25 crore farmers. He commended the initiative as a highly commendable effort to expand scientific outreach to farmers.
To honour the legacy of M.S. Swaminathan, the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF) and The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) jointly launched the M.S. Swaminathan Award for Food and Peace. During the event, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi presented the award to Dr. Ademola A. Adenle along with Dr. Quarraisha Abdool Karim, President, TWAS.
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.
The Prime Minister also released a commemorative coin and stamp issued by the Central Govt in honour of the legendary scientist.
During his address Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Union Minister of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development, stated that “While animals and insects live only for themselves, we as humans must strive to live for our country, society, and the greater good. Prof. M.S. Swaminathan was a shining example of such a life, he added.
Shri Chouhan highlighted that Prof. Swaminathan not only transformed the landscape of Indian agriculture but also dedicated himself tirelessly to eradicating hunger from the nation.”
“Prof. M.S. Swaminathan, the architect of the Green Revolution in India, developed the Krishi Vigyan system in a manner so effective that it continues to play a vital role in agricultural practices even today”, the Minister said.”
Speaking about connecting Lab to Land the Agriculture Minister said that “Integrating science with agriculture is essential to steer Indian farming in the right direction. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, several initiatives related to agriculture are currently being implemented across the country.”
Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, Chair, MSSRF, delivered the welcome address.
The event was graced by several eminent personalities, including Dr Ramesh Chand, Member, NITI Aayog; Shri Devesh Chaturvedi, Secretary, Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, and Dr. M.L. Jat, Secretary (DARE) and Director General, ICAR, along with senior officials from the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).
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.
(ICAR-Directorate of Knowledge Management in Agriculture, New Delhi)
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