At the MS Swaminathan Centenary International Conference, Prime Minister Narendra Modi honoured the memory of Dr MS Swaminathan, the architect of India’s Green Revolution.
PM Modi credited Swaminathan with introducing the idea of bio‑happiness, a concept rooted in sustainable, inclusive, and happiness‑centric agriculture.
The conference, themed ‘Evergreen Revolution – The Pathway to Bio‑happiness’, brought together scientists, policymakers, and development professionals to chart a future of sustainable, climate‑resilient agriculture.
PM Modi emphasised that Swaminathan’s vision extended beyond agricultural yield—it touched lives.
“He introduced bio‑happiness, reminding us that true prosperity involves harmony with nature,” the Prime Minister said.
He stressed the need to develop more climate‑resilient crop varieties—specifically drought‑tolerant, heat‑resistant, and flood‑adaptive strains—and to intensify research into crop rotation suited to different soil types.
Underscoring that agriculture concerns people’s livelihoods, not just crops, PM Modi said Swaminathan taught that dignity, community prosperity, and ecological balance are at the heart of agricultural policy.
Innovating with Smart Irrigation and Agri‑Tech
PM Modi called for expanded adoption of solar‑powered micro‑irrigation systems, such as drip and precision irrigation.
He urged integrating satellite data, AI, and machine learning to build district‑level systems capable of forecasting yields, monitoring pests, and offering real‑time cultivation guidance.
He also encouraged greater support for agri‑tech startups to drive these innovations.
The Prime Minister described Swaminathan as a ‘gem of Mother India’, highlighting that he demonstrated through his life’s work that scientific progress must translate into tangible delivery for communities.
As part of the commemoration, the Prime Minister released a postage stamp and coin honouring Swaminathan’s birth centenary.
He also announced the inaugural winner of the TWAS‑MS Swaminathan Award for Food and Peace, launched to recognise contributions from developing nations toward food security, climate justice, and peace.
This conference not only celebrated the legacy of a pioneering scientist but also served as a call to action—to realise Swaminathan’s dream of resilient, equitable, and people-centred agriculture for the generations to come.
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