M.S. Swaminathan Centenary International Conference

Recently, the Prime Minister inaugurated the M.S. Swaminathan Centenary International Conference at New Delhi.

• August 7 marks the birth anniversary of M.S. Swaminathan. 
• The conference theme is “Evergreen Revolution, The Pathway to Biohappiness,” reflecting Prof. Swaminathan’s lifelong dedication to food security.

About MS Swaminathan

• Monkomb Sambasivan Swaminathan was born on August 7, 1925, in Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu.
• A Renowned Agricultural Scientist: He is known as the Father of India’s Green Revolution.
• Agricultural Transformation: In the 1960s, he implemented new technology and innovations in agriculture that transformed India’s food security situation. 
  • He introduced high-yielding seeds, modern irrigation techniques, and optimal use of fertilizers, which led to a remarkable increase in crop productivity and making India self-sufficient in food production.
    • He invited Dr. Norman Borlaug to India after learning about his newly developed Mexican dwarf wheat variety. 
• Welfare of Farmers: He advocated for farmers welfare, emphasizing fair prices for agricultural produce and sustainable farming practices.
  • The Swaminathan Report covers key recommendations and findings related to farmer competitiveness, productivity of agriculture, irrigation, employment, food security, credit and insurance.
• Minimum Support Prices (MSP): He emphasized that MSP should at least be 50% more than average production costs, and continues to be a primary demand of farm unions across India. 
  • MSP is the price at which the government purchases crops directly from farmers.
• Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Right Act 2001: He had a significant contribution in developing the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Right Act 2001.
• Sustainable Agriculture: He dedicated his life to agricultural advancement by promoting environmentally sustainable practices.
  • He made significant contributions in ecotechnology-based bio-villages and contemporary information and communication-based Village Knowledge Centres.
  • He promoted the idea of an “evergreen revolution”.
    • A continuous improvement in agricultural productivity without harming the environment.
  • He emphasized the importance of preserving biodiversity, protecting the environment and promoting organic farming practices.
  • He established the M. S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF) in 1988 to promote sustainable agriculture and rural development.
    • MSSRF focuses specifically on tribal and rural communities with a pro-poor, pro-women and pro-nature approach.
• Agricultural Heritage Site: He had a significant role in the global recognition of the “Gulf of Mannar Marine Biosphere (Go MMB)” and Kerala’s Kuttanad known for ‘traditional cultivation of paddy below sea-level’ as a globally important agricultural heritage site.
• Achievements: Member of Parliament in Rajya Sabha from 2007 to 2013.
  • International Awards: Ramon Magsaysay Award for Community Leadership (1971), Albert Einstein World Science Award (1986), World Food Prize (1987), UNEP Sasakawa Environment Prize (1994), Franklin D Roosevelt Four Freedoms Medal (2000) and Mahatma Gandhi Prize of UNESCO (2000) 
  • National Awards: S.S. Bhatnagar Award (1961), Padma Shri (1967), Padma Bhushan (1972),  Padma Vibhushan (1989), Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development (2000)  and Lal Bahadur Shastri National Award (2007).
• Legacy: He helped modernize Indian agriculture, an innovator and mentor and encouraged future generations.
  • The Bharat Ratna award posthumously honors his vision of an ‘Evergreen Revolution,’ aiming for sustainable productivity without ecological harm, and cements his status as a true champion of India’s agrarian landscape.

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