PM Modi Pays Tribute to Dr. M.S. Swaminathan, Launches Centenary Conference at ICAR PUSA

New Delhi-  Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the M.S. Swaminathan Centenary International Conference at ICAR PUSA today, honouring the enduring legacy of the man who transformed Indian agriculture. Calling him a “visionary scientist” and a “beacon of public service,” the Prime Minister praised Dr. Swaminathan’s role in driving India toward self-sufficiency in food production.

Delivering the keynote address, PM Modi said, “Dr. Swaminathan was not just a researcher, but a reformer who transformed agriculture into a movement of empowerment for millions.”

Highlighting India’s remarkable agricultural journey, PM Modi said the nation now leads the world in the production of milk, pulses, and jute, and ranks second in rice, wheat, fruits, vegetables, and fish. He emphasized that the future must now shift focus from food security to nutritional security, advocating for bio-fortified and nutrient-rich crops.

He called upon scientists to innovate further by promoting natural farming, crop diversification, climate-resilient seeds, and precision irrigation methods like solar-powered drip systems.

In a moving tribute, the Prime Minister noted that Dr. Swaminathan not only ushered in the Green Revolution but also introduced the Evergreen Revolution — an ecological approach that blends productivity with sustainability. Dr. Swaminathan’s concept of “biohappiness”, PM Modi said, was far ahead of its time, emphasizing human well-being through biodiversity and community-led farming systems.

He noted, “At a time when the world was only beginning to discuss biodiversity, Dr. Swaminathan had already imagined a future of biohappiness rooted in local resources and community resilience.”

Reaffirming his government’s commitment to farmers, PM Modi said that agriculture remains central to India’s development. “India will never compromise on the interests of its farmers,” he declared, referencing schemes like PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi, PM Fasal Bima Yojana, PM Krishi Sinchai Yojana, and PM Dhan Dhanya Yojana, all designed to reduce input costs, boost incomes, and modernize the agricultural ecosystem.

He emphasized the role of 10,000 new FPOs, support for cooperatives and SHGs, and the success of the e-NAM digital platform in giving farmers direct market access.

PM Modi underscored that the new generation of Indian scientists must build upon Dr. Swaminathan’s work by focusing on climate change adaptation, soil health, and AI-driven agriculture tools. He envisioned a future where AI, satellite data, and machine learning could provide real-time solutions for pest control, yield prediction, and smart irrigation.

He urged experts to support AgriTech startups and integrate traditional Indian farming wisdom with modern science to create holistic solutions.

Marking the occasion, the M.S. Swaminathan Award for Food and Peace was formally launched, with the first award conferred to Professor Adenle of Nigeria, recognized for his work in food security and climate justice. PM Modi said the award symbolizes the powerful link between food and peace, a philosophy deeply embedded in Indian culture.

Quoting the Upanishads, he said, “Food is life, and its sanctity must be preserved. A global crisis in food can easily translate into unrest and instability.”

The Prime Minister also highlighted the success of the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan, a mass scientific outreach campaign conducted earlier this year. Over 2,200 teams of scientists reached 1.25 crore farmers across more than 700 districts through 60,000 awareness programs. He hailed this as a remarkable step in taking “lab to land” innovations to every corner of the country.

Remembering his long-standing association with Dr. Swaminathan, PM Modi recalled interactions over initiatives like the Soil Health Card in Gujarat and the release of the book “The Quest for a World Without Hunger.” He said, “Every meeting with Dr. Swaminathan was a masterclass in service, science, and soul.”

Calling agriculture the soul of the nation, PM Modi concluded, “Farming is not just about growing crops, it’s about sustaining life. The empowerment of women in agriculture, the dignity of labor, and the integration of science with tradition will drive India’s journey to becoming a developed nation.”

Also present at the event were Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Dr. Ramesh Chand from NITI Aayog, and Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, Chairperson of the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation, among other dignitaries.