To commemorate the birth centenary of Professor M.S. Swaminathan, one of India’s most respected agricultural scientists and the father of the Green Revolution in India, the M.S. Swaminathan Centenary International Conference is set to take place from August 7 to 9, 2025, in New Delhi.
The event is being organized by the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF) in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), and the National Academy of Agricultural Sciences (NAAS).
Prime Minister to Launch Commemorative Coin and Stamp
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will inaugurate the three-day international conference on August 7. During the event, the Prime Minister will also unveil a commemorative coin and postage stamp issued in honor of Prof. Swaminathan, celebrating his immense contributions to food security and agricultural sustainability.
Honoring a Legacy, Charting the Future
Themed “Evergreen Revolution The Pathway to Bio happiness”, the conference aims to carry forward Prof. Swaminathan’s pioneering vision of sustainable and equitable agriculture. The event will bring together scientists, policymakers, development practitioners, and community leaders to discuss critical agricultural challenges and solutions in the face of climate change, biodiversity loss, and rural livelihood concerns.
At a press briefing, Dr. M.L. Jat, Secretary (DARE) & Director General of ICAR, paid tribute to Prof. Swaminathan’s transformative role in Indian agriculture. “He turned a food-deficient nation into a food-secure one through his scientific foresight and human-centric approach,” Dr. Jat said. He also emphasized the conference’s focus on increasing women’s participation in agriculture and ensuring equitable access to technology and innovation.
A Global Dialogue on Sustainable Agriculture
Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, Chair of MSSRF, highlighted the international significance of the event, calling it “a platform to shape the next generation of sustainable agriculture practices.” She stressed the importance of global cooperation in ensuring food and nutrition security for all.
Dr. C. Viswanathan, Joint Director (Research), ICAR-IARI, and Dr. Ashok Singh, Secretary, NAAS, echoed similar sentiments. Dr. Singh remarked, “Food is God to the hungry, and Prof. Swaminathan has been that god for millions.”
Core Themes of the Conference
The centenary conference will explore several forward-looking themes central to the concept of the Evergreen Revolution, including:
- Conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity and natural resources
- Climate-resilient and nutrition-sensitive agriculture
- Inclusive, technology-driven solutions for rural livelihoods
- Engagement of youth, women, and communities in agricultural transformation
These discussions aim to build a roadmap for resilient, inclusive, and innovation-led agriculture that contributes to “Bio happiness” a term championed by Prof. Swaminathan to describe a state of harmony between human well-being and environmental health.
A Vision for a Hunger-Free World
The conference not only honors the memory of Prof. M.S. Swaminathan but also renews the national and global commitment to his ideals of sustainability, social justice, and scientific innovation in agriculture. It marks a pivotal moment in the collective journey toward a hunger-free, equitable, and ecologically secure future.
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