RS nominee MS Swaminathan vows to work for agri revival

Chennai, Apr 11 (UNI) Eminent agricultural scientist M S Swaminathan, who has been nominated to the Rajya Sabha, today resolved to work towards the revival of Indian agriculture.

''As the agriculture sector is at a critical stage now, the Centre must have felt that my presence in Parliament is necessary.

The revival of Indian agriculture will be the thrust of my work in the next six years,'' the Magsaysay Award winner told UNI, reacting to his nomination as Rajya Sabha MP.

Describing the Centre's announcement as a ''pleasant surprise,'' Prof Swaminathan said it would provide him an opportunity to express his views on issues of national concern.

''Whether my views will be accepted or not is a different matter,'' he added.

Looking at his role from an agricultural scientist to a Parliamentarian, the 'Father of Green Revolution' said he had been provided an opportunity to serve the country in a different way.

He said the MP's post was only an additional responsibility and it would not hinder his research activities in the agriculture sector.

In his 65 years of service in agriculture, Prof Swaminathan had been honoured with a number of awards, including the World Food Prize in 1987, the Tyler-Honda Prize in 1991 and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Sasakawa Award in 1994.

He was Director-General of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (1972-78) and headed the International Rice Research Institute (1982-88). Prof Swaminathan also chaired the National Commission on Farmers recently.

UNI