A Century of Swaminathan: India Leads the Global Call for a New Green Revolution

In the heart of the National Agricultural Science Centre (NASC), history and hope converged. Over 1,000 delegates—including scientists, policymakers, farmers, youth, civil society leaders, and international experts—gathered in New Delhi to commemorate the centenary of Professor M.S. Swaminathan, the father of India’s Green Revolution and a global champion of sustainable development.

- Suchetana Choudhury

The conference was co-organised by MSSRF, ICAR, NAAS, the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare, and IARI, with endorsements from partner organizations, farmer networks, and international agencies worldwide with MMActiv being the event partner. The International Conference on Evergreen Revolution — The Pathway to Biohappiness was not merely a ceremonial tribute; it was a clarion call for transformative agricultural action.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and addressed the M.S. Swaminathan Centenary International Conference at ICAR PUSA in New Delhi, paying tribute to Professor Swaminathan as a visionary whose contributions transcend any single era. Modi described Swaminathan as a scientist who transformed knowledge into public service, dedicating his life to ensuring food security for the nation, and noted that the consciousness he inspired continues to guide India's policies and priorities. He released a commemorative centenary coin and a postage stamp to honour the legacy of Prof. Swaminathan

Modi highlighted Swaminathan’s leadership in making India self-reliant in food production, while simultaneously advocating for environmental stewardship through the Evergreen Revolution. Initiatives such as Bio-Villages, Community Seed Banks, and Opportunity Crops, including millets or Shree Anna, exemplify Swaminathan's vision of combining productivity with sustainability. Modi also recalled Swaminathan’s early proposal to transfer mangrove genetic traits to rice to enhance climate resilience, illustrating his farsighted approach to agricultural adaptation.

Detailing transformative government programs, Modi cited PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi, PM Fasal Bima Yojana, PM Krishi Sinchai Yojana, over 10,000 Farmer Producer Organizations, and platforms such as e-NAM, alongside infrastructure development through PM Kisan Sampada Yojana and PM Dhan Dhanya Yojana, all designed to strengthen rural economies and instill confidence among farmers.