07 AUG 2025 | New Delhi
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today inaugurated and addressed the M.S. Swaminathan Centenary International Conference at ICAR-PUSA, New Delhi, honoring the legacy of the father of India’s Green Revolution.
In his address, PM Modi hailed Dr. Swaminathan as a visionary who turned science into a powerful tool for public service. “He ensured India’s food security and championed farmer-centric innovations like bio-villages and community seed banks,” the Prime Minister said.
Key Highlights of PM’s Speech:
- Food to Nutrition Security: PM Modi said India has moved from food security to aiming for nutritional security, calling for bio-fortified crops and reduced chemical use in farming.
- Biohappiness: He praised Dr. Swaminathan for promoting the concept of biohappiness using local biodiversity for sustainable livelihoods.
- Climate-Resilient Agriculture: PM called for more climate-adaptive crops, natural farming, and tech-based solutions like AI-driven crop monitoring.
- Farmer Welfare is Priority: He reiterated that “India will never compromise on farmers’ interests,” highlighting schemes like PM-KISAN, e-NAM, and PM Dhan Dhanya Yojana.
- Scientific Outreach: Over 60,000 programmes connected scientists to 1.25 crore farmers during the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan in May-June 2025.
Launch of M.S. Swaminathan Award for Food and Peace
PM Modi also launched the international M.S. Swaminathan Award for Food and Peace, recognizing outstanding efforts in food security and climate justice. The first recipient, Professor Adenle from Nigeria, was honored for his scientific work benefiting marginal communities.
Celebrating Handloom Sector
Marking National Handloom Day, the PM acknowledged the sector’s growth over the past decade and extended greetings to all artisans.
Conference Theme: “Evergreen Revolution, The Pathway to Biohappiness”
The three-day event will bring together scientists, policymakers, and grassroots leaders to discuss:
- Biodiversity & sustainability
- Climate resilience in agriculture
- Technological innovations
- Empowering women, youth & marginalized communities
Concluding his speech, PM Modi said, “Dr. Swaminathan taught us that agriculture is not just about crops, it is about life.” He called for blending traditional knowledge with modern science to ensure a developed, self-reliant India.
Union Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, NITI Aayog member Dr. Ramesh Chand, and Ms. Soumya Swaminathan, Chairperson of MSSRF, were also present at the event.
Source: PIB
