QuotePM releases 2 part book series on M.S. Swaminathan: The Quest for a world without hunger
QuoteDr. M.S. Swaminathan is not only a 'Kisan Vaigyanik' but also a 'Krishi Vaigyanik', says PM Modi
QuoteEach district in India should have its own agri-identity: PM Modi

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today released a two-part book series on the eminent agricultural scientist Dr. M.S. Swaminathan. The series is titled - M.S. Swaminathan: The Quest for a world without hunger. Several Union Ministers and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.

|

Speaking on the occasion, the Prime Minister recalled how the Soil Health Card initiative had been started in consultation with Prof. Swaminathan, during the Prime Minister’s tenure as Gujarat Chief Minister.

Praising the dedication and commitment of Prof. Swaminathan, the Prime Minister described him as a “Kisan Vaigyanik” – Farmers’ Scientist; rather than just a “Krishi Vaigyanik” – Agricultural Scientist. The Prime Minister said that Prof. Swaminathan’s speciality is that his work has been grounded in practical reality. He also appreciated the simplicity of Prof. Swaminathan.

|

Talking about challenges in the agricultural sector today, the Prime Minister said that the success in agriculture needs to be extended to eastern India; and scientific and technological interventions are required to make this a reality.

The Prime Minister said a combination of modern scientific methods and traditional agricultural knowledge would bring about the best possible results. Giving examples from some States, he said each district in India should have its own “Agri-Identity.” He said this can boost the marketing process, and help develop agri-clusters, on the lines of industrial clusters.

|

The Prime Minister spoke of the target of doubling farm incomes by 2022, and said this requires a targeted approach in several key areas. He noted with satisfaction that the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana is finding much higher acceptance among farmers, than previous agricultural insurance schemes. He said this will help increase the risk-taking ability of farmers, and facilitate the process of taking innovation from “Lab to Land.”

Dr. M.S. Swaminathan thanked the Prime Minister for his words, and appreciated his vision. He emphasized the importance of synergy between technology and public policy.

Click here to read full text speech

Explore More
ஒவ்வொரு இந்தியனின் இரத்தமும் கொதிக்கிறது: ‘மன் கீ பாத்’ (மனதின் குரல்) நிகழ்ச்சியில் பிரதமர் மோடி

பிரபலமான பேச்சுகள்

ஒவ்வொரு இந்தியனின் இரத்தமும் கொதிக்கிறது: ‘மன் கீ பாத்’ (மனதின் குரல்) நிகழ்ச்சியில் பிரதமர் மோடி
After Operation Sindoor, a diminished terror landscape

Media Coverage

After Operation Sindoor, a diminished terror landscape
NM on the go

Nm on the go

Always be the first to hear from the PM. Get the App Now!
...
PM reviews status and progress of TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan
May 13, 2025
QuotePM lauds recent innovations in India’s TB Elimination Strategy which enable shorter treatment, faster diagnosis and better nutrition for TB patients
QuotePM calls for strengthening Jan Bhagidari to drive a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach towards eliminating TB
QuotePM underscores the importance of cleanliness for TB elimination
QuotePM reviews the recently concluded 100-Day TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan and says that it can be accelerated and scaled across the country

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi chaired a high-level review meeting on the National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP) at his residence at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg, New Delhi earlier today.

Lauding the significant progress made in early detection and treatment of TB patients in 2024, Prime Minister called for scaling up successful strategies nationwide, reaffirming India’s commitment to eliminate TB from India.

Prime Minister reviewed the recently concluded 100-Day TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan covering high-focus districts wherein 12.97 crore vulnerable individuals were screened; 7.19 lakh TB cases detected, including 2.85 lakh asymptomatic TB cases. Over 1 lakh new Ni-kshay Mitras joined the effort during the campaign, which has been a model for Jan Bhagidari that can be accelerated and scaled across the country to drive a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach.

Prime Minister stressed the need to analyse the trends of TB patients based on urban or rural areas and also based on their occupations. This will help identify groups that need early testing and treatment, especially workers in construction, mining, textile mills, and similar fields. As technology in healthcare improves, Nikshay Mitras (supporters of TB patients) should be encouraged to use technology to connect with TB patients. They can help patients understand the disease and its treatment using interactive and easy-to-use technology.

Prime Minister said that since TB is now curable with regular treatment, there should be less fear and more awareness among the public.

Prime Minister highlighted the importance of cleanliness through Jan Bhagidari as a key step in eliminating TB. He urged efforts to personally reach out to each patient to ensure they get proper treatment.

During the meeting, Prime Minister noted the encouraging findings of the WHO Global TB Report 2024, which affirmed an 18% reduction in TB incidence (from 237 to 195 per lakh population between 2015 and 2023), which is double the global pace; 21% decline in TB mortality (from 28 to 22 per lakh population) and 85% treatment coverage, reflecting the programme’s growing reach and effectiveness.

Prime Minister reviewed key infrastructure enhancements, including expansion of the TB diagnostic network to 8,540 NAAT (Nucleic Acid Amplification Testing) labs and 87 culture & drug susceptibility labs; over 26,700 X-ray units, including 500 AI-enabled handheld X-ray devices, with another 1,000 in the pipeline. The decentralization of all TB services including free screening, diagnosis, treatment and nutrition support at Ayushman Arogya Mandirs was also highlighted.

Prime Minister was apprised of introduction of several new initiatives such as AI driven hand-held X-rays for screening, shorter treatment regimen for drug resistant TB, newer indigenous molecular diagnostics, nutrition interventions and screening & early detection in congregate settings like mines, tea garden, construction sites, urban slums, etc. including nutrition initiatives; Ni-kshay Poshan Yojana DBT payments to 1.28 crore TB patients since 2018 and enhancement of the incentive to ₹1,000 in 2024. Under Ni-kshay Mitra Initiative, 29.4 lakh food baskets have been distributed by 2.55 lakh Ni-kshay Mitras.

The meeting was attended by Union Health Minister Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda, Principal Secretary to PM Dr. P. K. Mishra, Principal Secretary-2 to PM Shri Shaktikanta Das, Adviser to PM Shri Amit Khare, Health Secretary and other senior officials.