NEW DELHI, August 7 — As the United States raised tariffs on Indian goods, including farm products, Prime Minister Narendra Modi vowed unwavering support for India’s farmers, fishermen, and dairy sector, declaring he was prepared to face personal consequences for defending their interests.
“For us, farmers’ interest is the foremost priority,” Modi said. “India will never compromise the interests of farmers, fishermen and dairy farmers. I believe, personally, I will have to pay the price, and I am ready for that.”
The Prime Minister was speaking at a three-day international conference in New Delhi commemorating the birth centenary of legendary agricultural scientist MS Swaminathan. The remarks mark Modi’s first public response since former US President Donald Trump criticised India for buying Russian oil, prompting Washington to raise tariffs on Indian agricultural exports to as high as 50 per cent.
Without naming the US or Trump directly, Modi said, “Raising the income of farmers, reducing costs in agriculture, and creating new avenues for income generation are our goals, and we are constantly working towards them.”
Modi also unveiled a commemorative coin and postage stamp in Swaminathan’s honour, calling him a national icon who transformed Indian agriculture.
“MS Swaminathan was not only a scientist but also a visionary who dedicated his life to ensuring that no Indian went to sleep hungry,” the Prime Minister said.
Often referred to as the ‘Father of the Green Revolution,’ Swaminathan pioneered the introduction of high-yielding wheat varieties and modern farming techniques during the 1960s, leading to a dramatic rise in India’s food production and improved livelihoods for millions of farmers.
Born on August 7, 1925, in Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu, Swaminathan passed away on September 28, 2023, in Chennai at the age of 98.
The global conference celebrating his centenary has drawn scientists, policymakers, and agricultural experts from around the world to discuss sustainable farming, climate-resilient crops, and food security in the 21st century.
