PM Modi inaugurates M.S. Swaminathan Centenary International Conference At ICAR

PM Modi inaugurates M.S. Swaminathan Centenary International Conference At ICAR

NEW DELHI [Maha Media]: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that India will never compromise on the interests of its farmers, fishermen and dairy farmers. Addressing the M.S. Swaminathan Centenary International Conference in New Delhi today, Mr Modi emphasized that the welfare of farmers remains the utmost priority of his government. He said that the government is continuously working on increasing the income of farmers and reducing expenditure on farming. He highlighted that the government has recognised farmers’ strength as the foundation of the nation’s progress.

The Prime Minister highlighted that today India is the world’s number one producer of milk, pulses, and jute. He said, last year, India recorded its highest-ever foodgrain production. He said, that Dr. Swaminathan led the movement to make India self-reliant in food production. Mr Modi said that he went beyond biodiversity and gave the visionary concept of bio-happiness. He added that Dr. Swaminathan is widely admired for his pioneering work in agricultural science.

The Prime Minister noted that even today, his ideas and approach are visible in India’s agriculture sector. The Prime Minister said, building on the legacy of food security, the next frontier for the country’s agricultural scientists is ensuring nutritional security for all. He stressed on the need to develop as many varieties of climate-resilient crops and focus on heat-resistant crops.

The Prime Minister said the government got the opportunity to honour Professor Swaminathan with the Bharat Ratna. He highlighted that in the past ten years, the handloom sector has got a new identity and strength across the country.

Earlier, the Prime Minister's Office, in a statement, said 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 ‘Evergreen Revolution’, it added. 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.

"To honour his legacy, the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF) and The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) will launch the M.S. Swaminathan Award for Food and Peace. Prime Minister will also give the first award to the recipient on the occasion. This international award will recognise individuals from developing countries who have made outstanding contributions to improving food security and advancing climate justice, equity, and peace for vulnerable and marginalised The through scientific research, policy development, grassroots engagement, or local capacity building," the PMO said in its statement
 

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