In his annual day report, General William Dar, director, ICRISAT, said that the 40-year journey was "marked by the exploration of opportunities for inclusive and sustainable development to finally surmount the twin challenges of global hunger and poverty in the dryland tropics." He added that the way to enhance "our relevance is through excellence in our science and in our ability to influence policies and markets."

Professor Swaminathan also raised the important role of science communication to inform, educate and mobilize the public on the importance of such technologies as agri-biotechnology in the fight against poverty and hunger, and the decision makers to come up with supportive policies. Professor Swaminathan is known as the Father of India's Green Revolution, and was one of the architects of ICRISAT's creation.