Tripura Minister unveils bust of M.S. Swaminathan in Agartala

A bronze bust of the ‘Father of the Green Revolution’, the late Professor M.S. Swaminathan, was installed at the the State Agriculture Research Station here on Wednesday (August 20, 2025). Tripura Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Ratan Lal Nath unveiled the statue.

The Indian geneticist and agronomist, a recipient of many awards, was born on August 7, 1925.

The event was attended by several officials, including West Tripura Zilla Parishad president Bishwajit Shil; local MLA Meena Rani Sarkar; Farmers’ Welfare Secretary Apurba Roy; Director of Agriculture Phani Bhusan Jamatia; and Joint Director of the Agriculture Research Station Uttam Saha.

At the event, two successful farmers were facilitated, soil heath cards were given to 10 farmers, and saplings watered. A documentary on Swaminathan’s work was also shown.

Mr. Nath spoke of the importance of technology in the agricultural sector. Emphasising the late scientist’s role in India’s first green revolution, Mr. Nath said Prof. Swaminathan had played a vital role in transforming the country from a food-deficient nation to one of self-sufficiency through his work in the field of agriculture. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was working towards a ‘yellow revolution’, aiming to produce 70% of the edible oil required in India by 2030, the Minister said.

The installation of the bust would encourage the State’s farming community to become self-reliant and prosperous, and inspire future generations to engage in research and development in agriculture, the Minister said.