M.S. Swaminathan, Saina Nehwal named ICRISAT goodwill ambassador

Hyderabad, July 14 (IANS) Renowned scientist M.S. Swaminathan and ace shuttler Saina Nehwal were Monday named goodwill ambassador of the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) at a function here.

Swaminathan and Nehwal, who were given the honour by ICRISAT Director General William D. Dar, expressed their commitment to endorsing the institute's mission for advancing scientific agricultural solutions in the crusade against poverty, hunger, malnutrition and environmental degradation in the dryland tropics of the world.

"The inclusive agriculture is the key to a prosperous, food secure and resilient dryland tropics," said Swaminathan, who is considered father of India's Green Revolution.

He said smallholder farmers can ensure profitable and resilient agriculture and help achieve sustainable food, nutrition, economic and environmental security if they are given access to technologies and are connected to markets.

"The ICRISAT plays an important role in this through its inclusive market-oriented development strategy, particularly focusing on the need to empower resource-poor farmers in marginalized environments. I am, therefore, pleased and proud to be an ambassador of goodwill for the ICRISAT," Swaminathan said.

Nehwal said she would use her capacity as ICRISAT's goodwill ambassador to further its cause.

"I proudly accept the role of ICRISAT ambassador, and hope to inspire and encourage particularly the youth in seeing the uniqueness and importance of the works and initiatives of ICRISAT," Nehwal said.