Govt confers Bharat Ratna on late Dr MS Swaminathan, Industry leaders express joy

New Delhi: Eminent agronomist and agricultural scientist, late Dr Mankombu Sambasivan Swaminathan will be conferred the prestigious Bharat Ratna award for his unparalleled contributions to Indian agriculture and farmers’ welfare.

The father of Indian green revolution is being bestowed this honor for his monumental role in transforming Indian agriculture and helping achieve self-reliance in food production during critical times.

“It is a matter of immense joy that the Government of India is conferring the Bharat Ratna on Dr. MS Swaminathan Ji, in recognition of his monumental contributions to our nation in agriculture and farmers’ welfare. He played a pivotal role in helping India achieve self-reliance in agriculture during challenging times and made outstanding efforts towards modernizing Indian agriculture,” the Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on February 9, 2024 in a post on X.

Arjun Munda, Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Government of India said: It is a matter of great pleasure that Dr. MS Swaminathan ji has been posthumously awarded “Bharat Ratna” for his remarkable contribution to agriculture and farmers’ welfare in our country. He has played an important role in helping India achieve self-reliance in agriculture during challenging times. Played. to Indian agriculture.”

Kailash Chaudhary, Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Government of India in his comments said: The announcement of awarding Bharat Ratna to the father of agricultural revolution in India and renowned agricultural scientist M.S. Swaminathan is his greatest honour. His strong commitment and foresight ushered in a new era in the agriculture sector. His contribution to the national interest will be written in golden letters.”

Dr Soumya Swaminathan, Former Chief Scientist and former Deputy Director General at the WHO and daughter of late Dr MS Swaminathan, in her reaction to media said, “I am sure that he would have also been happy if the news had come during his lifetime. But he was never somebody who worked for awards or waited for recognition. He was motivated more by the results of what he did on the ground.”

Industry expresses its appreciation on the decision

Welcoming the move, Ajai Rana, Chairman, FSII, CEO and Managing Director, Savannah Seeds said, “The Federation of Seed Industry of India (FSII) stands alongside the Government of India and the entire nation in honoring Dr. MS Swaminathan for his outstanding contributions to agriculture and the welfare of farmers, as he receives the esteemed Bharat Ratna award. Dr. Swaminathan’s remarkable leadership and steadfast commitment have played a pivotal role in guiding India towards agricultural self-sufficiency, especially during challenging periods. As a key architect of the National Farmers Welfare Policy, Dr. Swaminathan’s recommendations, such as ensuring farmers’ economic sustainability through MSP +50% of cultivation cost +C2, have been indispensable in protecting the well-being of our farming community.”

Harshvardhan Bhagchandka, President, IPL Biologicals said: “IPL Biologicals Family extends our heartfelt congratulations to the family of late Dr. MS Swaminathan on being conferred with the prestigious Bharat Ratna by the Government of India. His exceptional contributions to agriculture and farmers’ welfare have been instrumental in shaping India’s self-reliance in agriculture and modernizing the sector. As an innovator and mentor, Dr. Swaminathan’s invaluable work has inspired countless individuals and fostered a culture of learning and research. This well-deserved honor is a testament to his unwavering dedication and remarkable impact on the agricultural landscape of our nation.”

Raju Kapoor, Director of Corporate Affairs, FMC India said: “I heartily welcome the news that Dr MS Swaminathan is nominated for Bharat Ratna. It’s a tribute to the soul of agriculture. Wish this had come a few months earlier and he had received it himself.”