At the M.S. Swaminathan Centenary International Conference held in New Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the M.S. Swaminathan Global Award for Food and Peace, a prestigious new honour aimed at recognising scientists from the developing world who are making outstanding contributions in the fight against hunger and in the promotion of global peace. The award celebrates the vision and legacy of the late agricultural scientist M.S. Swaminathan, widely regarded as the father of India’s Green Revolution, whose work transformed India from a food-deficient nation into one of the largest producers of food grains.
Speaking at the event, Prime Minister Modi emphasised that food security is deeply intertwined with peace, stability, and sustainable development. “A world free from hunger is a world closer to peace. This award reflects the values championed by Dr. Swaminathan, whose scientific innovations changed the lives of millions and proved that science, when applied with compassion, can end human suffering,” he said.
The inaugural recipient of the award was Dr. Arenare, a distinguished scientist from Nigeria, recognised for his groundbreaking work in combating hunger and improving agricultural resilience in his home country. Dr. Arenare’s research has focused on developing high-yield, climate-resilient crop varieties and improving smallholder farmer productivity, directly addressing food shortages in rural and underserved regions. His efforts have also incorporated sustainable farming methods and community-based capacity-building programs, enabling long-term improvements in nutrition and livelihoods.
In his acceptance speech, Dr. Arenare expressed deep gratitude for the honour, dedicating the award to “the farmers, communities, and young scientists who believe in the power of agricultural innovation to transform societies.” He stressed that combating hunger in the developing world requires both scientific excellence and inclusive policies that empower local communities to take ownership of food production and distribution systems.
The M.S. Swaminathan Global Award for Food and Peace will be presented annually, with the aim of bringing global attention to the often-overlooked but critical role that agricultural scientists play in fostering stability and prosperity. According to the organisers, candidates for the award will be drawn from across the developing world, with a focus on those who have contributed significantly to food security, poverty alleviation, and conflict reduction through scientific advancements in agriculture.
The centenary conference, which brought together policymakers, researchers, farmers’ representatives, and international organisations, also served as a platform to discuss pressing issues such as climate change impacts on agriculture, the need for sustainable farming systems, and the role of technology in enhancing food security. Experts underscored that global hunger challenges cannot be addressed in isolation but require coordinated efforts that integrate science, policy, and community participation.
By launching this award, India has positioned itself as a global advocate for food security and peace, reinforcing Dr. Swaminathan’s lifelong message: “If agriculture goes wrong, nothing else will have a chance to go right.” With Dr. Arenare as the first laureate, the award sets a high standard for future recipients and renews hope for a hunger-free and peaceful world.
