New Delhi [India], August 7 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday lauded MS Swaminathan's contribution towards the agricultural sector of the country and said that the scientist was a jewel of 'Maa Bharti'.

Speaking at the MS Swaminathan Centenary International Conference, the Prime Minister noted that MS Swaminathan was such a 'great' scientist whose contributions are not limited to a single era or a single region.

'Some personalities are such that their contributions are not limited to a single era or a single region. Prof. MS Swaminathan was one such great scientist, a true son of Mother India. He made science a medium of public service. He made the country's food security their life's mission,' PM Modi said, emphasising that the Indian geneticist awakened a consciousness that will continue to guide the country's policies and priorities for many centuries to come.

'Meeting Prof. MS. Swaminathan was a valuable learning experience. He had said, 'Science is not just about discovery, but delivery.' He proved this through his work. Even today, his ideas are visible in India's agriculture sector. He was truly a jewel of Maa Bharti. We are proud that our government got the opportunity to honour Professor Swaminathan with the Bharat Ratna,' the Prime Minister added.

PM Modi recalled his association with Prof Swaminathan during his tenure as the Chief Minister of Gujarat, where the latter's guidance on the Soil Health Card initiative helped it achieve 'tremendous' success.

'...My association with Prof. Swaminathan was many years old. Many people are aware of the earlier conditions in Gujarat. Earlier, due to drought and cyclones, agriculture faced considerable crises, and the desert in Kachchh was expanding. When I was the Chief Minister of Gujarat, we started work on the Soil Health Card. Prof. Swaminathan showed a great deal of interest in it; he openly gave us suggestions and guided us. Due to his contribution, this initiative achieved tremendous success,' PM Modi noted.

Noting the contribution of Dr Swaminathan on coining the term bio-happiness, PM Modi said, 'Today, discussions about biodiversity are happening worldwide, and governments are taking many steps to protect it. But Dr Swaminathan took a step further and gave the idea of bio-happiness. Today, we are here celebrating this very idea. Dr Swaminathan used to say that with the strength of biodiversity, we can bring about a significant change in the lives of local people.'

The Prime Minister also extended greetings for the National Handloom Day on this occasion. 'Today is also National Handloom Day. In the last 10 years, the Handloom sector has gained new recognition and strength across the country.'

In a strong message against the tariffs imposed by the United States, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also asserted that farmers remain India's top priority and that the country would never compromise their interests.

'For us, the interest of our farmers is our top priority. India will never compromise on the interests of farmers, fishermen and dairy farmers. I know we will have to pay a heavy price for it and I am ready for it. India is ready for it,' PM Modi said.

His remarks come amid chaos over the Trump administration doubling the tariff imposition to 50 per cent on goods from India. During trade negotiations the United States was pushing for greater access to India's agricultural market, especially for corn, soybeans, and cotton. (ANI)