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M.S. Swaminathan Centenary
International Conference 2025 |
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The conference held from August 7–9 at NASC Complex, New Delhi was a landmark tribute to Prof. M.S. Swaminathan whose legacy continues to shape India’s agricultural transformation. The conference was held in collaboration with ICAR, NAAS, IARI and the Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Govt of India. Inaugurated by the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the conference celebrated Prof. Swaminathan’s pioneering contributions to food security and sustainable development under the theme Evergreen Revolution – The Pathway to Biohappiness. |
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To honour the legacy of Prof. Swaminathan, the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF) and The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) jointly launched the TWAS–M.S. Swaminathan Award for Food and Peace, aimed at recognising individuals from developing countries who have made significant contributions to food security and climate justice. During the inaugural ceremony, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi presented the first award to Dr. Ademola A. Adenle of Nigeria. He also released a commemorative coin and postal stamp issued by the Government of India, celebrating Prof. Swaminathan’s enduring impact on science and society. |
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Over 1,000 delegates including globally and nationally renowned scientists, policymakers, researchers, value chain specialists, students, scholars, and farmers from across India and 7,000 virtual participants engaged in scientific sessions and discussions. Showcasing grassroots enterprise, farmers across the country displayed products developed by Farmer Producer Organisation in stalls. Students from IARI performed a heartfelt play on Prof. Swaminathan’s life, blending science and storytelling. During the valedictory address, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu, former Vice-President of India reaffirmed India’s commitment to sustainable agriculture and global cooperation. The conference concluded with the Global Call to Action on Biohappiness, outlining ten transformative priorities for a hunger-free, equitable future. |
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Remembering
Prof. M.S. Swaminathan |
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MSSRF hosted a special tribute event on September 27, 2025, at its Chennai campus, ahead of Prof Swaminathan's death anniversary. Hon’ble Chief Minister Thiru. M.K. Stalin delivered the keynote tribute, affirming that
“India will never forget the name of agricultural scientist M.S. Swaminathan.” The gathering was further graced by Thiru. M.R.K. Panneerselvam, Thiru. R.S. Rajakannappan, and Tmt. Mariamma Thomas, alongside distinguished guests including Thiru. Gagandeep Singh Bedi, IAS, and Tmt. Jayashree Muralidharan, IAS. The event featured the release of MSSRF’s Annual Report 2024–2025, a commemorative set of MSS100 Postcards by Tamil Nadu Postal Circle, and other publications. The tribute concluded with heartfelt reflections by Thiru. N. Ram and Dr. Nalini Krishnan. |
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Launch of the National Digital Platform for Community Seed Banks |
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On 8th September, the DIVERSIFARM India initiative, led by the Fridtjof Nansen Institute (Norway) and the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (India), launched www.communityseedbanks.in, a national digital platform mapping 295 Community Seed Banks (CSBs) across India. With data from 800+ CSBs being added, the platform aims to connect seed banks, support organizations, and networks to strengthen farmers’ rights and seed sovereignty.
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Launch of Techtonic: Innovations for Agriculture and Rural Livelihoods |
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Implemented in partnership with Social Alpha, Techtonic presents a unique opportunity to innovators or start-ups with scalable technology-based solutions and the potential to create sustainable impact on the lives of small and marginal Indian farmers. Selected innovations get access to sandbox deployments with up to INR 50 lakhs in pilot funding, market access to 2,00,000+ farmers, community linkages through MSSRF’s Village Knowledge Centres, and much more.
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Annual Report 2024 - 2025 |
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The MSSRF Annual Report 2024–2025 reflects the Foundation’s continued commitment to science-based, community-centered approaches for sustainable development. It captures the year’s efforts across diverse thematic areas including biodiversity, food and nutrition security, climate resilience, and gender equity. Through collaborative research, field engagement, and policy advocacy, MSSRF has worked to strengthen rural livelihoods and promote inclusive growth, while contributing to national and global dialogues on sustainable agriculture and development.
Read Here |
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Biohappiness In Practice, presents 60 compelling case studies from farmers across India who are putting the principles of Biohappiness into action. Compiled during the M.S. Swaminathan Centenary International Conference 2025 on the theme Evergreen Revolution – The Pathway to Biohappiness, the book showcases grassroots innovations and sustainable farming practices that promote ecological well-being, economic resilience, and social equity. It stands as a tribute to Prof. Swaminathan’s vision and a guide for future-ready agriculture.
Read Here |
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Atlas of Mangrove Wetlands of Andhra Pradesh |
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Atlas of Mangrove Wetlands of Andhra Pradesh is a collaborative effort by M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF) and the Andhra Pradesh Forest Department, offering a comprehensive mapping and documentation of the state's rich mangrove ecosystems. This atlas highlights the ecological significance, biodiversity, and conservation status of mangrove wetlands along the Andhra coast, serving as a vital resource for researchers, policymakers, and conservationists. It reflects a shared commitment to preserving these critical coastal habitats and promoting sustainable management practices.
Read Here |
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MSS@100 Coastal Clean-up Week | 17 to 23 Sept |
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MSSRF, HCL Foundation, Tamil Nadu Forest Department, INCOIS, and TPCB mobilised 6,554 volunteers from fishing communities, youth groups, and local residents to remove 37,992 kg of waste, including ghost gear and marine debris. The campaign was inaugurated by Supriya Sahu IAS in Kasimedu and spanned across 100 beaches in 6 coastal states.
Learn more |
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Visit by Smt. Priyanka Gandhi and Smt. Sonia Gandhi | 19 Sept |
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During their visit to MSSRF’s Community Agrobiodiversity Centre (CAbC) in Wayanad, they explored the Medicinal Plant Garden and Arboretum with Dr. Niraj Joshi, Director of MSSRF Wayanad. As part of the visit, they participated in the planting of endangered species native to the Western Ghats, and joined a virtual dialogue with Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, discussing critical issues such as human–wildlife conflict, tribal land rights, and climate resilience.
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Centenary lecture on
'Genome engineering for a sustainable planet: From cereals to trees' | 14 Sept |
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Dr. Yiping Qi, a leading expert in genome engineering technologies gave a lecture as part of the M.S. Swaminathan Lecture Series. In his lecture titled '
Genome Engineering for a Sustainable Planet: From Cereals to Trees,' Dr. Qi highlighted how innovations in CRISPR-Cas systems have revolutionised plant research and crop improvement. The session offered insightful snapshots of cutting-edge advancements in genome editing, emphasising their potential to enhance agricultural sustainability, improve food security, and address global environmental challenges.
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Conclave on Marine Multi-hazards Services for the Indian Coastline | 29 Aug |
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Jointly organized by INCOIS, NDMA and MSSRF, this conclave drew attention to several key concerns for coastal communities today. Dr. Soumya Swaminathan highlighted the need for medical evacuation & emergency response systems at sea, akin to marine ambulance services.
Read More |
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M. S. Swaminathan Research Foundation
3rd Cross Street, Taramani Institutional Area, Chennai - 600113. Tamil Nadu, India
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