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Key Points

Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Dr. M.S. Swaminathan, the legendary agricultural scientist who transformed India's food production landscape. At the centenary conference, Modi celebrated Swaminathan's groundbreaking contributions to agricultural science and his visionary concept of bio-happiness. The PM stressed the importance of developing climate-resilient crop varieties and integrating advanced technologies like AI and satellite data in farming. Modi described Swaminathan as a "gem of Mother India" who proved that science is about both discovery and delivery.

Key Points: Modi Honors M.S. Swaminathan's Green Revolution Legacy

  • Modi highlights Swaminathan's concept of bio-happiness
  • Emphasizes climate-resilient crop development strategies
  • Calls for integrating technology in agricultural practices
  • Recognizes Swaminathan's role in India's food self-sufficiency
3 min read

Dr Swaminathan introduced idea of bio-happiness, climate-resilient crop varieties: PM Modi

PM Modi celebrates Dr. Swaminathan's pioneering agricultural innovations and vision for climate-resilient farming at centenary conference

Dr Swaminathan introduced idea of bio-happiness, climate-resilient crop varieties: PM Modi
"Agriculture is not just about crops, it's about people's lives - PM Narendra Modi"

New Delhi, Aug 7

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.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As an agriculture student, I'm inspired by how Dr. Swaminathan combined science with social impact. The idea of bio-happiness is revolutionary - it's not just about yields but holistic wellbeing of farmers and ecosystems. Hope more research funding comes for climate-smart agriculture.
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Ananya R
Good speech by PM Modi, but implementation is key. Many farmers in my village still struggle with outdated techniques. When will these climate-resilient seeds and AI technologies actually reach small farmers? Government needs better ground-level execution.
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Karthik V
My grandfather still remembers the days before Green Revolution when we depended on food imports. Dr. Swaminathan's work saved millions from starvation. Now we need similar innovation to tackle climate change challenges. Solar-powered irrigation is the future! ☀️
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Priyanka N
While honoring legends is important, we must also focus on current agricultural crises. Many farmers are giving up farming due to losses. Hope the government's policies match these inspiring words with concrete support for our annadatas.
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Michael C
India's agricultural transformation is studied worldwide. Dr. Swaminathan's bio-happiness concept could be a model for developing nations facing climate change. The integration of traditional knowledge with modern tech as mentioned by PM is particularly promising.

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