Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated and addressed the M.S. Swaminathan Centenary International Conference at ICAR PUSA in New Delhi today. 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.
The Prime Minister acknowledged the occasion of National Handloom Day and highlighted that in the past ten years, the handloom sector has gained new recognition and strength across the country. He extended his greetings to all, especially to those associated with the handloom sector, on National Handloom Day.
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. 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. Shri 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 emphasized 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. 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.
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, Shri 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 emphasized that through his Research Foundation, Dr. Swaminathan consistently worked to ensure that the benefits of new 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 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.
“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 emphasized that the creation of 10,000 Farmer Producer Organizations (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, Shri 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.
“21st century India is fully committed to becoming a developed nation and this goal will be achieved through the contribution of every section of society and every profession”, emphasised Shri Modi. 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.
Acknowledging that the challenges posed by climate change are well known, the Prime Minister stressed on the need to develop a greater number of climate-resilient crop varieties. He highlighted the importance of focusing on drought-tolerant, heat-resistant, and flood-adaptive crops. Shri Modi called for increased research on crop rotation and soil-specific suitability and further stressed the need to develop affordable soil testing tools and effective nutrient management techniques.
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.
“India’s farming communities possess a rich repository of traditional knowledge. By combining traditional Indian agricultural practices with modern science, a holistic knowledge base can be created”, emphasised the Prime Minister. Underlining that crop diversification is a national priority, Shri Modi stressed the need to inform farmers about its importance. He stated that farmers must be made aware of the benefits of diversification, as well as the consequences of not adopting it. He remarked that experts can play a highly effective role in this effort.
Recalling his visit to the 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.
“Dr. M. S. Swaminathan taught us that agriculture is not just about crops, it is about life”, stated Shri Modi emphasizing that farming is the livelihood of people. He highlighted that the dignity of every individual connected to the field, the prosperity of every community, and the protection of nature form the strength of the government’s agricultural policy. Stressing the need to connect science and society through a common thread, the Prime Minister stated that the interests of small farmers must be given top priority. He emphasized the importance of empowering women working in the fields. Concluding his address, the Prime Minister affirmed that the nation must move forward with this vision and remarked that the inspiration of Dr. Swaminathan continues to guide all.
Union Minister, Shri 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.
