Hunger Free World Conference Swaminathan Research Foundation

 7 - 8 August 2024. Hunger Free World Conference Swaminathan Research Foundation.

Prof. M.S. Swaminathan is renowned for his work in agricultural sciences, focusing on social equity, food security, poverty reduction, and environmental protection. His innovative approach using science, technology, and policies has had a significant global impact. He strongly advocated for sustainable agriculture and served for the rights of farmers through policies to protect farmers’ rights. He has highlighted the importance of fair pricing, access to resources, and social support for farmers. He played a pivotal role in making public policy related to biodiversity conservation in advocated the need of participatory management of bioresources for sustainable livelihoods.

This conference honored his legacy by promoting discussions on sustainable agriculture, biodiversity conservation, food and nutrition security, science and technologies for sustainable and equitable livelihoods, climate resilience, and empowering youth, women, and marginalized communities.

Extracts of the programme # 10 pp

07/08 Tribute to Prof. M.S. Swaminathan: ‘Green Revolution to Evergreen Revolution’ – Vision of MSS.

• Invocation Tamizh Thai Vazhthu Kurai Ondrum Illai 
• Welcome and MSSRF’s Impact Report Presentation Dr. Soumya Swaminathan Chairperson, MSSRF, Chennai 
• Launch of MSSRF’s New Logo Shri. Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister - Agriculture and Farmers' Empowerment, Govt. of Odisha 
• Welcoming dignitaries with Millet Basket Trustees of MSSRF 
• Tribute to Prof M S Swaminathan Mr. N. Ram Chairman Emeritus, The Hindu Publishing Group, Chennai 
• Special Remarks & Launch of Fisher Women Connect App Mr. K.V. Shaji Chairman, National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), Mumbai 
• Special Address & Launching of Geo - AI Blue Carbon Programme Dr. P.T.R. Palanivel Thiaga Rajan Hon'ble Minister for Information Technology & Digital Services, Govt. of Tamil Nadu 
• Presidential Address & Release of Proceedings of Mighty Millets Conference 2023 Shri. Krishna Byre Gowda Hon'ble Minister for Revenue, Govt. of Karnataka,
• Inaugural Address & Release of MSSRF’s Impact Report 2023 - 2024, Launch of Nutrition Programmes; Release of "M S Swaminathan in conversation with Nitya Rao: A farmer Led Approach to Achieving a Malnutrition free India" – Hindi Version Shri. Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister - Agriculture and Farmers' Empowerment Govt. of Odisha

07/08 Safeguarding the Production Systems for Eliminating Hunger

Prof Swaminathan believed in the power of international cooperation to address global food security and environmental challenges. The session provided a platform for researchers, policymakers, farmers and practitioners to share advanced knowledge and innovative approaches and collaborate on locale-specific and people-centric solutions for the protection and sustainability of production systems.

07/08 Biodiversity for Food and Livelihood Security

Prof. M.S. Swaminathan believed that biodiversity is the foundation for ecological, economic and social security. He advocated for integrated management of biodiversity as key for ensuring ecological sustainability and social providence. Biodiversity conservation, strategies for sustainable utilization of intra and inter species diversity and associated ecosystems, promoting agroecological practices, and advanced science and technology methods for safeguarding and leveraging benefits of biodiversity and 5 natural resources for nutrition, health and livelihoods was discussed in this session

07/08 Empowering Women, Youth, Smallholder Farmers, Fishers and Tribal communities for Food Security, Nutrition and Health

This session laid special emphasis on uplifting women and youth especially from the marginalized sections. It will also deliberate the challenges faced by them and ensuring their participation in economic and social development. Further it will examine policies, programs, and initiatives aimed at empowering these section of society nationally.

07/08 M S Swaminathan Global Leadership Award 2024

• Welcome Dr. Madhura Swaminathan Professor and Head, Economic Analysis Unit, Indian Statistical Institute, Bengaluru 
• About the Award Dr. M.J. Khan Chairman, The Indian Chamber of Food and Agriculture, President, Agriculture Today Group, New Delhi 
• Felicitation Dr. Soumya Swaminathan Chairperson, MSSRF, Chennai 
• Felicitation Thiru. P. Sathasivam Hon’ble Former Chief Justice of India & Former Governor of Kerala 
• Introducing the Award Recipient and reading the citation Dr. G.N. Hariharan Executive Director, R&D / Govt. Affairs, MSSRF, Chennai 
• Award presentation Thiru. R. Sakkarapani Hon’ble Minister for Food and Civil Supplies, Government of Tamil Nadu 
• Acceptance Speech Dr. Lindiwe Sibanda Chair, CGIAR System Board, Switzerland

07/08 Exhibition of Farmer Producer Organizations and other Stakeholders

Guest of Honour: Dr. P.T.R. Palanivel Thiaga Rajan Hon’ble Minister for Information Technology & Digital Services, Govt. of Tamil Nadu 

08/08 Sessions on Integrated Coastal System Management for Strengthening Resilience and Equity

Coastal regions are highly vulnerable to climate change. The lives and livelihoods of coastal communities are often impacted due to natural disasters imposed by climate change. There are successful models nurtured by MSSRF with leadership of Prof M S Swaminathan over the last 30 years. The session will discuss about the current challenges in the coastal regions and deliberate on adaptation and mitigation pathways to combat impact of future climate vulnerabilities.

08/08 Climate Resilience, Policy and Practices

Prof Swaminathan championed efforts to develop climate-resilient crops and practices, recognizing the challenges posed by climate change. Several anticipatory, participatory, policy research programmes advocated by Prof Swaminathan will be discussed in the light of contemporary global and local challenges of climate. Discussions will revolve around policy and practice from the perspective of equity and climate justice

08/08 Technology and Innovation in Agriculture and Allied Sector

Prof Swaminathan was a pioneer in the use of modern technology in agriculture for ensuring food security. His foresighted vision for blend of traditional wisdom with frontier technology is novel. This session will identify suitable technologies to enhance agricultural productivity. The session will explore the role of cutting-edge technologies, including AI, precision agriculture, and biotechnology, in modern agriculture.

08/08 Plenary Panel Discussion -Evergreen Revolution for Achieving Sustainable Food Security for Ever

Prof Swaminathan’s vision for an evergreen revolution contributes to international and national goals such as SDGs, Climate and Biodiversity targets. This session will analyze policy frameworks and governance structure that are needed for inclusive and sustainable food security for all. The panelists will discuss how the visionary thoughts of Prof Swaminathan can guide national and international policies.

• Chair: Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, Chairperson, MSSRF, Chennai
• Dr. Lindiwe Sibanda Chair, CGIAR System Board 
• Mr. B.V.R. Subramaniam, IAS (Virtual) CEO, NITI Aayog, New Delhi 
• Dr. Elhadj As Sy (Virtual) Chair of the Board, Kofi Annan Foundation 
• Prof. S. Mahendra Dev Former, Director, Indira Gandhi Institute for Development Research, New Delhi

 

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