M. S. Swaminathan Centenary International Conference

Why in News ?

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the M. S. Swaminathan Centenary International Conference in New Delhi.
• The event will be held from 7 August 2025 to 9 August 2025.

Key Points:

• The conference is being organised to mark the birth centenary of Professor M. S. Swaminathan.
• During the event, a commemorative coin and a commemorative postal stamp were released in honour of Prof. M. S. Swaminathan.
• Objectives of the Conference:
  • To honour Prof. Swaminathan’s contribution to sustainable and equitable development.
  • To bring scientists, policymakers, and stakeholders together to discuss sustainable agriculture.
  • To provide direction to global agricultural policies and technologies.

Institutions Associated with the Event:

• M. S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF)
• Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare
• Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)
• National Academy of Agricultural Sciences (NAAS)

Theme of the Conference: “Evergreen Revolution – The Pathway to Biohappiness”

Major Topics:

• Conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity and natural resources
• Climate-resilient and nutrition-sensitive farming practices
• Inclusive and technology-driven livelihood solutions
• Development through participation of youth, women, and communities

M. S. Swaminathan

• Father of the Green Revolution
• Born: 7 August 1925 – Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu
• Education:
  • B.Sc. in Agricultural Science – Madras Agricultural College
  • Postgraduate in Plant Breeding & Genetics – Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI)
  • UNESCO Fellowship – Wageningen Agricultural University (Research on Potato Genetics)
  • Ph.D. – University of Cambridge, School of Agriculture
• Career Milestones:
  • 1954 – Joined IARI
  • 1966 – Developed high-yield wheat seeds by hybridising Mexican seeds with Punjab’s domestic varieties
  • 1962–1972 – Director, IARI
  • 1981–1985 – Independent Chairman, FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization)
  • 1984–1990 – President, IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature)
• Founding Member – World Academy of Sciences
• Awards:
  • Padma Shri – 1967
  • Padma Bhushan – 1972
  • Padma Vibhushan – 1989
  • Ramon Magsaysay Award – 1971
  • World Food Prize – 1987
  • Tyler Prize (USA) – 1991
  • Mahatma Gandhi Gold Medal (UNESCO) – 1999
  • World Agriculture Prize – 2018

Green Revolution

• Launched: 1965
• Modern agricultural techniques introduced: High-yield variety seeds, tractors, advanced irrigation, pesticides, and fertilisers
• Main crops: Wheat, rice, jowar, bajra, and maize
• Scientific farming methods
• Impact:
  • Major increase in crop productivity, especially in Punjab, Haryana, and Western Uttar Pradesh
  • India became self-sufficient in wheat production – reduced imports
  • Hunger problem largely eliminated in India
  • Increase in per capita food grain availability
  • Rise in farmers’ income levels
  • Boost to agro-based industries

Swaminathan Commission

• National Commission on Farmers – Formed in November 2004 under M. S. Swaminathan’s chairmanship

Recommendations:

• Farmers should get prices at least 50% above the cost of production
• Provide high-quality seeds to farmers at low cost
• Establish Village Knowledge Centres or “Gyan Chaupal” to assist farmers in rural areas
• Farmer Credit Cards for women farmers
• Agricultural Risk Fund to help farmers during natural disasters
• Crop insurance for all crops across the country
• Easy availability of loans for farming
• Food security arrangements for people below the poverty line