The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today released a two-part book series on the eminent agricultural scientist Dr. M.S. Swaminathan. The series is titled - M.S. Swaminathan: The Quest for a world without hunger. Several Union Ministers and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.
Speaking on the occasion, the Prime Minister recalled how the Soil Health Card initiative had been started in consultation with Prof. Swaminathan, during the Prime Minister’s tenure as Gujarat Chief Minister.
Praising the dedication and commitment of Prof. Swaminathan, the Prime Minister described him as a “Kisan Vaigyanik” – Farmers’ Scientist; rather than just a “Krishi Vaigyanik” – Agricultural Scientist. The Prime Minister said that Prof. Swaminathan’s speciality is that his work has been grounded in practical reality. He also appreciated the simplicity of Prof. Swaminathan.
Talking about challenges in the agricultural sector today, the Prime Minister said that the success in agriculture needs to be extended to eastern India; and scientific and technological interventions are required to make this a reality.
The Prime Minister said a combination of modern scientific methods and traditional agricultural knowledge would bring about the best possible results. Giving examples from some States, he said each district in India should have its own “Agri-Identity.” He said this can boost the marketing process, and help develop agri-clusters, on the lines of industrial clusters.
The Prime Minister spoke of the target of doubling farm incomes by 2022, and said this requires a targeted approach in several key areas. He noted with satisfaction that the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana is finding much higher acceptance among farmers, than previous agricultural insurance schemes. He said this will help increase the risk-taking ability of farmers, and facilitate the process of taking innovation from “Lab to Land.”
Dr. M.S. Swaminathan thanked the Prime Minister for his words, and appreciated his vision. He emphasized the importance of synergy between technology and public policy.
I have known and closely interacted with Dr. M S Swaminathan since my days as the Chief Minister of Gujarat: PM @narendramodi
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) May 19, 2017
There is a farmer alive in Dr. M S Swaminathan...he is not only a 'Krishi Vaigyanik' but also a 'Kisan Vaigyanik' : PM @narendramodi
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) May 19, 2017
As a young scientist, Dr. M S Swaminathan pledged that India will not starve, it is possible to bring a change for the better: PM
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) May 19, 2017
Dr. M S Swaminathan has interacted with all Prime Ministers & so many other eminent people but he is extremely humble: PM @narendramodi
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) May 19, 2017
Time has come to look at soil management, improving productivity in the agriculture sector: PM @narendramodi
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) May 19, 2017
We are focussing on water conservation but the challenges still remain. We can do so much more to increase awareness of this issue: PM
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) May 19, 2017
When Dhumal Ji was HP CM, there was extensive work done on mushroom cultivation in the state: PM @narendramodi
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) May 19, 2017
