Soumya Swaminathan, Chair of the MS Swaminathan Research Foundation and former Deputy Director-General at the World Health Organisation (WHO), on Thursday commended Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his firm stance on protecting farmers’ welfare amid mounting global pressures.
Speaking to ANI at the MS Swaminathan Centenary International Conference, Swaminathan remarked that her late father, the legendary agricultural scientist MS Swaminathan, would have been pleased with PM Modi’s repeated emphasis on safeguarding the interests of farmers, fishermen, and tribal communities.
“PM Modi gave a strong message of support for farmers and made it clear that he would not yield to any kind of pressure. My father would have appreciated this,” she said.
Highlighting the complex challenges posed by shifting geopolitical dynamics, she called for a collective effort by scientists, technologists, policymakers, and farmers to chart a resilient path forward for India’s agriculture.
“We must come together to figure out how India can move forward amid these pressures, while maintaining our self-reliance,” she added.
Swaminathan underscored the importance of blending modern science and technology with traditional agricultural wisdom to sustain India’s food security.
Echoing similar sentiments, Prof KC Bansal, former Director of the National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (ICAR), praised the Prime Minister’s call for agricultural self-reliance.
“Our indigenous talent and scientific knowledge are globally respected. With the right support, we can make our farmers self-sufficient,” said Bansal.
Prof Rajeev K Varshney of Murdoch University, Australia, also voiced concern about the impact of US-imposed tariffs, warning that India’s small-scale farmers may suffer disproportionately compared to large agribusinesses in the West.
“Trade agreements must benefit both sides. In India, agriculture is a livelihood, not just an industry. The PM is rightly standing firm in the interest of millions of small farmers,” Varshney noted.
Earlier in the day, PM Modi sent a strong message at the conference, affirming that the country would never compromise on the interests of its agricultural community.
“The interests of our farmers are non-negotiable. I know this stance will come at a cost, but I am ready for it. India is ready for it,” said the Prime Minister.
The Prime Minister’s statement comes amid growing trade tensions following the United States’ decision to impose tariffs on Indian goods — a move that has sparked domestic and international debate over its long-term impact on Indian agriculture.
