Latest news with #SwaminathanCentenaryInternationalConference
The Hindu
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
M.S. Swaminathan believed that science must serve the poorest: T.N. Minister
Late agriculture scientist M.S. Swaminathan believed that science must serve the poorest, protect the planet, and empower the most vulnerable — especially smallholder farmers and rural women, Tamil Nadu Minister for Finance, Environment and Climate Change Thangam Thennarasu said on Thurday. In his speech at the M.S. Swaminathan Centenary International Conference in New Delhi on Thursday, Mr. Thennarasu quoted from Kambar's Earezhubathu and said that spirit defined Dr. Swaminathan's legacy and the mission of this conference — realising an evergreen revolution. 'His [Dr. Swaminathan's] advocacy for farmers' rights, his role in shaping India's legislation for the protection of plant varieties, and his work in community gene and seed banks to ensure food security shows how deeply he understood the relationship between science and society,' he said. Quoting Dr. Swaminathan as saying 'For every problem, there is a solution — there is nothing that cannot be achieved, provided you work for it, the minister said: 'This philosophy continues to guide us in Tamil Nadu.' The Minister also recalled the long association of former Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi and Dr. Swaminathan. 'Under the dynamic leadership of Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, Tamil Nadu continues to walk the path shown by Dr. Swaminathan — towards a climate-resilient, nutrition-secure, and farmer-friendly future,' Mr. Thennarasu said. The Minister also pointed out that the Agriculture College and Research Institute in Thanjavur has been named as Dr. M.S. Swaminathan Agricultural College and Research Institute in honour of the scientist.
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Business Standard
2 days ago
- Business
- Business Standard
PM Modi meets Tamil Nadu farmers, lauds their focus on innovation
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with a group of farmers from Tamil Nadu in Parliament on Thursday, expressing admiration for their innovation and embracing new farming techniques to boost productivity. Sharing the pictures of the meeting, PM Modi wrote in a post on X, "Earlier today in Parliament, I met a group of farmers from Tamil Nadu. Was amazed to hear about their experiences and their focus on innovation and embracing new farming techniques to boost productivity as well as increase sustainability." Earlier today, in a strong message against the tariffs imposed by the United States, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday asserted that farmers remain India's top priority and that the country would never compromise their interests. "For us, the interest of our farmers is our top priority. India will never compromise on the interests of farmers, fishermen and dairy farmers. I know we will have to pay a heavy price for it, and I am ready for it. India is ready for it," PM Modi said while addressing the MS Swaminathan Centenary International Conference. His remarks come amid the Trump administration doubling the tariff imposition to 50 per cent on goods from India. During trade negotiations, the United States was pushing for greater access to India's agricultural market, especially for corn, soybeans, and cotton. However, India has so far resisted the opening of the agricultural sector and dairy products due to concerns about domestic livelihoods and potential impacts on farmers. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on the occasion, also released a commemorative coin and a centenary memorial stamp dedicated to highly acclaimed Indian geneticist Professor MS Swaminathan on the latter's birth centenary. The theme of the conference, "Evergreen Revolution: The Pathway to Biohappiness", reflects Prof. Swaminathan's lifelong dedication to ensuring food for all. The conference will provide an opportunity for scientists, policymakers, development professionals, and other stakeholders to discuss and deliberate on furthering the principles of the 'Evergreen Revolution'. Key themes include sustainable management of biodiversity and natural resources; sustainable agriculture for food and nutrition security; strengthening climate resilience by adapting to climate change; utilising appropriate technologies for sustainable and equitable livelihoods; and engaging youth, women and marginalised communities in developmental discourses.
India.com
3 days ago
- Politics
- India.com
PM Modi Hails Dr. Swaminathan's Legacy Of Bio-Happiness And Food Security
Dr M.S. Swaminathan introduced the idea of bio-happiness, and climate-resilient crop varieties that are necessary to fight the increasing global climate change and its effects on food and agriculture, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday. August 7 is the birth anniversary of Dr. M.S. Swaminathan, the world-renowned agricultural scientist who was the pioneer of India's 'Green Revolution' in the 1960s. Addressing the M.S. Swaminathan Centenary International Conference in the national Capital, PM Modi said that the Bharat Ratna recipient Dr Swaminathan was a visionary who led the movement to make India self-reliant in food production. "Today, there is global discourse around biodiversity, and governments across the world are taking various steps to preserve it. But Dr. Swaminathan went a step further and introduced the idea of bio-happiness. Today, we are here celebrating that very idea...," PM Modi said. "You are well aware of the challenges posed by climate change. We need to develop a greater number of climate-resilient crop varieties. The focus must be on drought-tolerant, heat-resistant, and flood-adaptive crops,' he added, urging the need to undertake 'more research on crop rotation methods and identifying which crops are best suited to specific soil types." Lauding Dr. Swaminathan's effort in the field of agriculture, PM Modi stated that the eminent scientist taught us 'that agriculture is not just about crops, it's about people's lives. The dignity of every individual connected to farming, the prosperity of every community, and the protection of nature form the core strength of our government's agricultural policy." Furthering his idea, the Prime Minister emphasised the "need to intensify our efforts in the area of solar-powered micro-irrigation". 'Drip systems and precision irrigation must be made more widespread and effective. Can we integrate satellite data, AI, and Machine Learning? Can we build systems that forecast yields, monitor pests, and provide real-time guidance for cultivation? Can such real-time decision support systems be made available in every district? You must also continue to guide agri-tech startups," PM Modi said. Calling him a 'gem of Mother India,' the Prime Minister said that Dr. Swaminathan proved through his work that 'science is not just about discovery but delivery'. At the event, the PM also released a postage stamp and a coin commemorating the birth centenary of M.S. Swaminathan. The Prime Minister will also present the first World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) M.S. Swaminathan Award for Food and Peace.
Hans India
4 days ago
- Politics
- Hans India
PM Modi to inaugurate Prof M S Swaminathan Centenary International event on Aug 7
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to inaugurate Prof M S Swaminathan Centenary International Conference on August 7, and release a commemorative coin and stamp in honour of the legendary scientist. The three-day conference with the theme "Evergreen Revolution – The Pathway to Bio happiness" aims to honour late Prof M S Swaminathan's lifelong contributions to sustainable and equitable development. Swaminathan, who is regarded as the "Father of the Green Revolution in India", played a pivotal role in transforming India from being food-deficient to self-sufficient by leading the introduction and further development of high-yielding varieties of wheat and rice in the 1960s and 1970s. Briefing about the event, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) Director General M L Jat highlighted Swaminathan's pivotal role in transforming India from a food-deficient to a food-surplus nation. He was a "brave son of India whose revolutionary leadership in agriculture reshaped the country's green landscape," Jat said. Jat also emphasized that the conference aims to carry forward Swaminathan's legacy by framing the future roadmap for Indian agriculture, with a particular focus on enhancing women's participation in the sector. The conference, organised by M S Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF) and Union Ministry of Agriculture, aims to mark the birth centenary of Swaminathan, a towering figure in agricultural science and a pioneer of food security, an official statement said. MSSRF Chair Dr Soumya Swaminathan underscored the global significance of the conference and its role in shaping the future of sustainable agriculture worldwide. The conference will serve as a global platform for scientists, policymakers, development professionals, and stakeholders to deliberate on advancing the principles of the 'Evergreen Revolution'. Key themes include 'Conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity and natural resources'; 'Climate-resilient and nutrition-sensitive agriculture'; 'Inclusive and technology-driven livelihood solutions', and 'Youth, women, and community engagement in development'.
