PM Modi Launches Global M.S. Swaminathan Award for Food and Peace, Honours Nigerian Scientist
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has launched the M.S. Swaminathan Award for Food and Peace, a new international honor that celebrates the legacy of Professor M.S. Swaminathan, the Father of India’s Green Revolution. The award will recognize leaders worldwide who make lasting contributions to food security and sustainable farming.
The announcement took place at the M.S. Swaminathan Centenary International Conference in Delhi, where PM Modi also unveiled a centenary memorial stamp.
Table of Contents
- Launch of the Global Award
- First Recipient: Nigerian Scientist Dr. Arenare
- Honoring Swaminathan’s Legacy
- From the Green Revolution to “Bio-Happiness”
- India’s Tribute: Bharat Ratna and Beyond
- The Role of Agriculture in Global Peace
- PM Modi’s Call for Climate-Resilient Farming
- Why the Award Matters Globally
- Looking Ahead: Future of Food Security
- Conclusion
- Key Takeaways Table
Launch of the Global Award
The award is designed as a yearly global honor. It will recognize scientists, innovators, or policymakers whose work reduces hunger and strengthens sustainable food systems, especially in developing regions.
By linking food with peace, the award reflects Swaminathan’s belief that hunger and conflict are tied. Addressing one reduces the other.
First Recipient: Nigerian Scientist Dr. Arenare
The first recipient is Dr. Arenare, a Nigerian scientist recognized for his work in fighting hunger and improving nutrition. His efforts include developing local crop varieties and shaping policies to help vulnerable groups access affordable food.
By starting with an international recipient, India has made clear that the award is global in scope, reflecting Swaminathan’s lifelong mission to fight hunger beyond borders.
Honoring Swaminathan’s Legacy
At the launch, PM Modi praised Swaminathan as a scientist who looked beyond productivity.
“Dr. M.S. Swaminathan is admired globally for his vision in agriculture. He introduced the idea of bio-happiness, which links human welfare with ecological harmony,” Modi said.
He added that the award should inspire future generations to see farming not just as an economic field but as a foundation for development and stability.
From the Green Revolution to “Bio-Happiness”
Swaminathan played a central role in the Green Revolution of the 1960s and 1970s. By promoting high-yield seeds, modern irrigation, and scientific methods, he helped India move from food shortage to self-reliance.
Later, he expanded his vision to the ever-green revolution, focusing on sustainability, biodiversity, and balanced farming. His idea of bio-happiness placed human and ecological well-being at the heart of agriculture.
India’s Tribute: Bharat Ratna and Beyond
Swaminathan passed away on September 23, 2023, at the age of 98. In 2024, he was posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honor.
The creation of an international award extends this recognition, allowing his ideas on science-led farming and ecological balance to influence global policies.
The Role of Agriculture in Global Peace
The name “Food and Peace” carries a direct message. Swaminathan often argued that hunger weakens peace. Communities without food are more vulnerable to unrest, migration, and conflict. Stable food systems, by contrast, support peace and security.
This message is timely, as conflicts and climate change now threaten food supplies worldwide.
PM Modi’s Call for Climate-Resilient Farming
PM Modi stressed that agriculture faces a major challenge from climate change. Rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, and water shortages affect production across continents.
He urged scientists to focus on:
- Seeds that can survive drought, heat, and floods.
- Water-efficient technologies.
- Sustainable methods that balance yield with ecology.
He said the award should promote innovation in these areas to secure food for the future.
Why the Award Matters Globally
The award holds worldwide importance because it:
- Shows how science shapes food policies and human welfare.
- Encourages cooperation among developing nations, starting with Nigeria.
- Highlights that hunger is a global challenge, not limited to poor countries.
- Adds moral weight, as India’s Green Revolution gives it credibility in shaping global food discussions.
Looking Ahead: Future of Food Security
The award comes at a time when hunger is again on the rise. The UN estimates more than 700 million people worldwide face chronic hunger.
The award is expected to:
- Motivate researchers and innovators to create lasting solutions.
- Build a global network focused on food security.
- Draw attention to the links between agriculture, ecology, and peace.
- Strengthen India’s role in global conversations on farming and sustainability.
Conclusion
The launch of the M.S. Swaminathan Award for Food and Peace is both a tribute to a visionary scientist and a global call to act against hunger. By honoring Dr. Arenare of Nigeria, India has shown the award’s international scope.
Swaminathan’s legacy—rooted in science, sustainability, and justice—remains vital. His belief that food security is central to peace is more relevant today than ever.
As PM Modi noted, the next step is building climate-resilient farming. The award will remind the world that science and compassion together can help end hunger.
Key Takeaways Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Award Launch | PM Modi announced the Global M.S. Swaminathan Award at the Centenary Conference in Delhi. |
| Objective | Recognize global leaders in food security, peace, and sustainable agriculture. |
| First Recipient | Nigerian scientist Dr. Arenare honored for combating hunger and improving nutrition. |
| Swaminathan’s Legacy | Father of the Green Revolution, pioneer of “ever-green revolution” and “bio-happiness.” |
| National Tribute | Awarded the Bharat Ratna posthumously in 2024; now honored globally through this award. |
| Global Importance | Links hunger with conflict, emphasizes agriculture as a foundation for peace. |
| Future Outlook | Award encourages innovation in climate-resilient farming and sustainable food systems. |