New Delhi, August 7, 2025 – Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated the Bharat Ratna Dr. M.S. Swaminathan Centenary Conference today at Pusa, New Delhi. This landmark three-day event (August 7–9), organized to commemorate the birth centenary of the legendary agricultural scientist, brings together policymakers, scientists, farmers, and academicians to discuss sustainable farming under the theme: ‘Evergreen Revolution – The Path to Bio-Happiness’.
The inaugural ceremony was chaired by Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, who paid tribute to Dr. Swaminathan’s legacy and shared the government’s roadmap for sustainable and science-led agricultural growth.
Honouring the Father of India’s Green Revolution
Shri Shivraj Singh reflected on Dr. Swaminathan’s profound contributions, particularly his response to the 1942–43 Bengal famine, which inspired a life dedicated to eliminating hunger. Recalling a turning point in 1966, he highlighted how the crossbreeding of Mexican wheat with local varieties in Punjab led to a revolutionary surge in wheat production — laying the foundation for India’s Green Revolution.
“Dr. Swaminathan’s work lives on through India’s thriving agricultural research systems,” Shri Chouhan remarked.
Prime Minister’s Vision: Lab to Land
Shri Chouhan reiterated the central government’s unwavering commitment to farmers. He credited Prime Minister Modi’s visionary direction to “connect lab to land” as instrumental in aligning scientific research with ground-level farming practices.
This approach inspired several key initiatives:
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Lab to Land campaign
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Krishi Chaupal
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Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan
Under the latter, 2,170 teams of scientists visited over 64,000 villages, directly engaging with more than 1 crore farmers, bringing research and innovation to the grassroots level.
Progress in Food Security and Sustainability
India is now self-sufficient in major crops, with surplus rice and robust foodgrain storage systems in place. The government continues to ensure food security for 80 crore people through free ration distribution.
Shri Chouhan also outlined the strategy to increase per-hectare productivity of pulses and oilseeds like soybean, mustard, and chickpeas, which are vital for both nutrition and economic stability.
National Mission on Natural Farming: A Vision for Future Generations
In a forward-looking move, the National Mission on Natural Farming has been launched to ensure sustainability for future generations. This mission emphasizes scientific approaches to maintain soil fertility and environmental balance while enhancing productivity.
Exhibition and Distinguished Participation
Shri Shivraj Singh also visited a special exhibition showcasing Dr. Swaminathan’s life and achievements. The event was graced by dignitaries such as NITI Aayog Member Dr. Ramesh Chand, Dr. Soumya Swaminathan (daughter of Dr. M.S. Swaminathan), eminent scientists, and farmers.
Dr. M.S. Swaminathan Centenary Conference
The Centenary Conference marks a significant milestone in Indian agriculture. Under the dual leadership of Dr. Swaminathan’s legacy and PM Modi’s vision, India is moving steadily toward an Evergreen Revolution — one that is inclusive, sustainable, and science-driven.
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