PM Modi Pays Tribute to M.S. Swaminathan, Launches ‘Food and Peace’ Award at Centenary Conference

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday addressed the M.S. Swaminathan Centenary International Conference in New Delhi, hailing the legendary agricultural scientist as a visionary who transformed Indian agriculture and dedicated his life to ensuring the nation’s food security.

Speaking in the presence of eminent scientists, policymakers, and Swaminathan’s family members, PM Modi described Prof. M.S. Swaminathan as a “jewel of Maa Bharati” whose legacy transcends generations and geographies. “He turned science into a medium of public service,” the Prime Minister said, adding that his contributions continue to shape Bharat’s agricultural policies even today.

The Prime Minister recalled his own association with Swaminathan during his tenure as Gujarat Chief Minister, particularly highlighting the scientist’s support for the Soil Health Card scheme and his active interest in climate-resilient agriculture.

Marking the occasion, PM Modi announced the institution of the ‘M.S. Swaminathan Award for Food and Peace’, an international honour aimed at recognising significant contributions in the field of food security by individuals from developing countries. The first recipient of the award is Prof. Akinwumi Adesina, a Nigerian scientist.

PM Modi also linked food security with global stability, quoting the Upanishads to emphasise the sanctity of food: “Annam na nindyat, tad vratam” – food must not be disrespected, as it sustains life.

Highlighting Swaminathan’s environmental foresight, the PM noted his early warnings on excessive chemical usage, monoculture, and his promotion of millets, bio-villages, and seed banks. He praised Swaminathan’s idea of “biohappiness” — using biodiversity to enhance livelihoods — as particularly relevant in the current global context.

PM Modi stressed that India has made remarkable strides in agriculture, becoming the world’s largest producer of milk, pulses, and jute, and the second-largest in rice, wheat, cotton, fruits, vegetables, and fish.

The PM reaffirmed the government’s commitment to farmer welfare, outlining a range of initiatives including PM-KISAN, Fasal Bima Yojana, Krishi Sinchai Yojana, e-NAM, and the recently launched PM Dhan Dhanya Yojana, which targets 100 backward districts with focused agricultural support.

He urged agricultural scientists to now shift their focus from food security to nutritional security, through the development of bio-fortified crops, reduction in chemical usage, and the adoption of natural farming.

Calling for integration of AI, satellite data, and precision irrigation in agri-tech, PM Modi encouraged researchers to mentor startups and bridge the gap between traditional knowledge and modern science. He also praised the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan, which saw 2,200 scientists directly engage with over 1.25 crore farmers through 60,000 outreach programs.

“Swaminathan taught us that agriculture is not just about crops—it is life itself,” PM Modi said in conclusion, calling for a united effort to empower small and women farmers and carry forward Swaminathan’s legacy by weaving science and society together.