New Delhi: In a grand tribute to the legendary agricultural scientist Professor M.S. Swaminathan, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will inaugurate the M.S. Swaminathan Centenary International Conference on August 7, 2025, marking the 100th birth anniversary of the Father of India’s Green Revolution. Organized by the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF) in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), and the National Academy of Agricultural Sciences (NAAS), the three-day event, held from August 7 to 9 in New Delhi, is themed “Evergreen Revolution – The Pathway to Biohappiness.” This conference aims to honor Swaminathan’s transformative contributions to global food security and sustainable agriculture while shaping the future of farming worldwide.
A Legacy of Agricultural Transformation
Professor M.S. Swaminathan (1925–2023) was a towering figure whose work reshaped India’s agricultural landscape, turning a food-deficient nation into a food-surplus powerhouse. His remarkable career earned him prestigious accolades, including the Ramon Magsaysay Award in 1971 for community leadership, the inaugural World Food Prize in 1987 for pioneering high-yield crop varieties, the UNEP Sasakawa Environment Prize in 1994 for environmental contributions, and the UNESCO Gandhi Gold Medal in 1999 for advancing peace through science. In 2024, Swaminathan was posthumously conferred India’s highest civilian honor, the Bharat Ratna, recognizing his unparalleled impact.
Swaminathan’s leadership roles further amplified his influence. He served as a Member of the Planning Commission (1980–1982), shaping national agricultural policies. He chaired the United Nations’ Commission on Science and Technology for Development and was the Director General of the International Rice Research Institute in the Philippines, where he advanced rice breeding techniques. As the founder of the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF), he established a hub for research in sustainable rural development, focusing on biodiversity, biotechnology, and ecotechnology.
Pioneering the Green Revolution and Beyond
Swaminathan’s contributions to agriculture were revolutionary. In the 1950s, he developed frost-resistant potato hybrids and crossed fragile indica rice with hardier japonica varieties, creating robust, high-yield rice strains. By 1963, collaborating with Nobel laureate Norman Borlaug, he introduced dwarfing genes into wheat, producing shorter, stronger plants that dramatically increased yields. These innovations were central to the Green Revolution of the 1960s, which transformed India into a food-secure nation by adopting advanced breeding and modern farming techniques.
Swaminathan introduced innovative concepts like Crop Cafeterias, where diverse crop varieties were grown together to ensure a balanced diet and improved nutrition. His Crop Distribution Agronomy approach allowed midseason adjustments in crop selection and planting, optimizing yield and food quality. As Chair of the National Commission on Farmers, he submitted the influential Swaminathan Report, advocating for enhanced productivity, profitability, and sustainability in Indian farming systems, with a focus on fair prices and farmer welfare.
The Evergreen Revolution: A Vision for Sustainable Agriculture
The conference’s theme, Evergreen Revolution, reflects Swaminathan’s vision of increasing agricultural productivity in perpetuity without ecological harm. Unlike the Green Revolution’s reliance on intensive inputs, the Evergreen Revolution emphasizes sustainability through organic and green agriculture practices, including integrated pest management, integrated nutrient supply, and integrated natural resource management. These methods reduce chemical use, preserving soil health and biodiversity.
Key components include Village Knowledge Centres, which provide farmers with time- and locale-specific information on crops and animal husbandry, empowering rural communities. Biovillages promote sustainable management of natural resources while fostering on-farm and non-farm livelihoods. The approach prioritizes social, economic, and gender equity, ensuring benefits for women, youth, and marginalized groups. This vision aligns with Swaminathan’s concept of Biohappiness, which integrates sustainable biodiversity use to enhance food security, incomes, quality of life, and environmental restoration.
A Global Platform for Agricultural Innovation
Announced at a press conference on August 5, 2025, by Dr. M.L. Jat, Secretary (DARE) and Director General (ICAR), the conference will serve as a global platform for scientists, policymakers, development professionals, and farmers. Dr. Jat described Swaminathan as “a brave son of India whose revolutionary leadership reshaped the country’s green landscape.” He emphasized the event’s focus on framing a future roadmap for Indian agriculture, particularly by enhancing women’s participation.
Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, Chair of MSSRF and daughter of the late professor, highlighted the global significance of the conference. “The concept of Biohappiness, coined by Professor Swaminathan, focuses on how sustainable use of biodiversity can improve food security, incomes, and quality of life while restoring lost biodiversity,” she said at a media briefing in Chennai on July 31, 2025, as reported by The Hindu. She stressed the integration of traditional agricultural knowledge with modern science, a principle long championed by her father.
Dr. C. Viswanathan, Joint Director (Research) at ICAR-IARI, reflected on Swaminathan’s transformative impact, while Dr. Ashok Singh, Secretary of NAAS, poignantly noted, “Food is God to the hungry, and Prof. Swaminathan has been that god for millions.” The conference will explore key themes, including:
- Conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity and natural resources
- Climate-resilient and nutrition-sensitive agriculture
- Inclusive and technology-driven livelihood solutions
- Youth, women, and community engagement in development
With 30 international speakers, 120 national experts, and 300 farmers, the event will foster diverse perspectives to advance the Evergreen Revolution’s principles.
Prime Minister’s Role and Commemorative Releases
Prime Minister Modi will not only inaugurate the conference but also release several commemorative items. These include a commemorative ₹100 coin and stamp issued by the Government of India, honoring Swaminathan’s legacy. He will also unveil a reprint of Swaminathan’s 2011 book, In Search of Biohappiness, which explores biodiversity and human well-being, and a special commemorative volume published by The Hindu, featuring articles by Swaminathan’s colleagues and family.
Awards and Initiatives to Foster Innovation
A highlight of the conference is the inaugural M.S. Swaminathan Award for Food and Peace, supported by MSSRF and The World Academy of Sciences. This global recognition, carrying a prize of USD 25,000, will honor scientists contributing to food security and peace. The Prime Minister will present the award on August 7, inspiring continued innovation in these fields.
Additionally, MSSRF and Social Alpha are launching the Agritech Grand Challenge, offering a ₹1 crore grant to support early-stage ideas, pilot projects, and scalable innovations in agriculture. This initiative will provide young entrepreneurs with guidance and real-world testing opportunities, aligning with Swaminathan’s vision of technology-driven solutions.
A Celebration of Vision and Commitment
The M.S. Swaminathan Centenary International Conference is more than a commemoration; it is a reaffirmation of a collective commitment to a sustainable, equitable, and hunger-free world. Rooted in the concept of Biohappiness, the event celebrates Swaminathan’s visionary leadership while addressing modern challenges like climate change, food insecurity, and gender equity. As India positions itself as a leader in sustainable agriculture, this conference underscores the enduring relevance of Swaminathan’s work.
For those searching for details on M.S. Swaminathan’s 100th birth anniversary, the Evergreen Revolution, or sustainable agriculture conferences, this event is a landmark moment. It blends science, policy, and community action to honor a man whose innovations fed billions and continue to inspire hope for a greener, more inclusive future.
FAQs
1. What is the M.S. Swaminathan Centenary International Conference?
The M.S. Swaminathan Centenary International Conference is a three-day event held from August 7 to 9, 2025, in New Delhi to mark the 100th birth anniversary of Professor M.S. Swaminathan, the Father of India’s Green Revolution. Organized by the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF) in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), and the National Academy of Agricultural Sciences (NAAS), the conference is themed “Evergreen Revolution – The Pathway to Biohappiness.” It brings together global experts, policymakers, and farmers to discuss sustainable agriculture and advance Swaminathan’s vision of food security and ecological balance.
2. What is the significance of the Evergreen Revolution theme?
The Evergreen Revolution, a concept coined by M.S. Swaminathan, refers to increasing agricultural productivity in perpetuity without causing ecological harm. Unlike the Green Revolution’s focus on high-yield crops, it emphasizes sustainable practices like organic agriculture, integrated pest management, and natural resource management. It includes initiatives like Village Knowledge Centres, Biovillages, and a focus on social, economic, and gender equity, aiming to enhance food security, incomes, and biodiversity while promoting Biohappiness—a term Swaminathan used to describe improved quality of life through sustainable biodiversity use.
3. What will Prime Minister Narendra Modi do at the conference?
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will inaugurate the conference on August 7, 2025, at the Indian Council of Agricultural Research in New Delhi. He will release a commemorative ₹100 coin and stamp issued by the Government of India to honor M.S. Swaminathan. Additionally, he will unveil a reprint of Swaminathan’s book In Search of Biohappiness and a special commemorative volume published by The Hindu, featuring articles by Swaminathan’s colleagues and family. He will also present the inaugural M.S. Swaminathan Award for Food and Peace.
4. What is the M.S. Swaminathan Award for Food and Peace?
The M.S. Swaminathan Award for Food and Peace is a global recognition introduced by MSSRF and The World Academy of Sciences to honor scientists contributing to food security and peace. The first award, carrying a prize of USD 25,000, will be presented by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 7, 2025, during the conference. It celebrates Swaminathan’s legacy by recognizing impactful contributions to sustainable agriculture and global well-being.
5. What is the Agritech Grand Challenge, and how does it relate to the conference?
The Agritech Grand Challenge, launched by MSSRF and Social Alpha during the conference, offers a ₹1 crore grant to support early-stage ideas, pilot projects, and scalable innovations in agriculture. Aimed at young entrepreneurs, it provides guidance and real-world testing opportunities to develop technology-driven solutions for farming. This initiative aligns with Swaminathan’s vision of integrating modern science with traditional knowledge to foster sustainable agricultural advancements.
