M S Swaminathan Research Foundation

Advances agricultural and rural development through science and technology, benefiting millions worldwide

  • FCRA
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Geographies Served

Programs

  • Coastal Systems Research Programme

    District

    Nellore

    Krishna

    Tiruvallur

    Puri

    Cuddalore

    East Godavari

    Nagapattinam

    Jagatsinghapur

    Thane

    Kendrapara

    Thoothukudi

    Tiruvarur

    Ramanathapuram

    Guntur

    North Kannada

    Kanchipuram

    Sundarbans

    States

    Andhra Pradesh

    Karnataka

    Tamil Nadu

    West Bengal

    Maharashtra

    Odisha

    The Coastal Systems Research Programme focuses on the integration of ecological security in coastal areas and the livelihood security of coastal communities. It does this by emphasizing the sustainable management of coastal resources, with a particular focus on mangrove wetlands. Mangroves serve multiple purposes, including disaster mitigation by reducing the impact of cyclones, storm surges, and tsunamis in coastal regions. Additionally, it offers livelihood opportunities to numerous artisanal fishers and provides crucial habitats for wildlife. In response to Dr M S Swaminathan's proposal in 1981, the programme initiated a dual approach in 1991, comprising the conservation of mangrove wetlands and the sustainable utilization of their resources, particularly through research on salt-tolerant crop varieties derived from mangrove plant genes.

  • Biodiversity Conservation Programme

    District

    Namakkal

    Wayanad

    Koraput

    States

    Tamil Nadu

    Kerala

    Odisha

    MSSRF's primary focus is biodiversity conservation, achieved through research, community engagement, and policy advocacy. Guided by principles like local participation and gender equality, it aims to enhance the livelihoods and food security of marginalized rural communities, particularly in biodiversity hotspots in India. The vision is a society with food and nutrition security, health, and ecological stability, sustained through agrobiodiversity preservation. The mission is to eliminate hunger, ensure food security, and empower communities by conserving and responsibly using agrobiodiversity. The goal is to bolster diverse and nutritious food access, particularly among vulnerable populations, strengthening their resilience. Current work areas include Kolli Hills, Tamil Nadu; Koraput, Odisha; and Wayanad, Kerala, with expansion plans in other hotspots and rainfed regions. Collaboration and fundraising will drive aligned initiatives across programme areas.

  • Biotechnology Programme

    MSSRF's Biotechnology programme conducts strategic research using local resources to combat environmental degradation and climate challenges. It employs advanced sciences, focusing on bioprospecting microbes and plants to enhance soil and plant health. The Nutri-garden approach promotes nutrition, bridging agriculture and health. It studies stress-tolerant species, transfers technology to small farmers, and educates through 'The Every Child A Scientist' programme. Over 30 years, it has achieved significant research milestones and collaborations, with a vision to enhance agricultural resilience and ensure nutrition security through biotechnological tools.

  • Ecotechnology Programme

    District

    Pondicherry

    Cuttack

    Sivasagar

    Golaghat

    Ganjam

    Pudukkottai

    Dindigul

    Thanjavur

    Viluppuram

    Tiruvannamalai

    Ramanathapuram

    Alappuzha

    Koraput

    Mayiladuthurai

    States

    Puducherry

    Tamil Nadu

    Assam

    Kerala

    Odisha

    MSSRF's Ecotechnology programme launched in 1996 with support from the Sir Dorabji Tata Trust, promotes sustainable agriculture and rural development. Guided by principles like ecology, economy, equity, employment, and energy, it utilizes diverse technologies to enhance rural livelihoods and address challenges such as climate change. The mission is to empower both men and women in smallholder agriculture through eco-technologies, targeting 15,000 individuals on 10,000 hectares by 2025. This includes developing resilient food production systems, eco-tools for water and soil management, and fostering institutional innovations. The programme conducts transdisciplinary research with a gender-responsive approach to influence evidence-based policies, collaborating closely with Government agencies. Key thematic areas include sustainable food systems, water resource management, and soil health for climate-resilient agriculture.

  • Agriculture, Nutrition and Health Programme

    MSSRF's Agriculture, Nutrition, and Health programme prioritizes food and nutrition security. It includes research, community interventions, capacity building, and policy advocacy, focusing on rural communities in biodiversity hotspots. Established in 2004, the Food Security programme collaborates with various organisations and conducts research on food insecurity, community food grain banks, women's empowerment, and agriculture-nutrition linkages. It promotes Farming Systems for Nutrition (FSN) among small farmers. The programme aligns with SDGs, particularly SDG2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG3 (Good Health), considering SDG5 (Gender Equality) and SDG13 (Climate Action).

Leadership Team

  • Dr. G N Hariharan

    Executive Director

  • Dr. Rengalakshmi R

    Director - Ecotechnology

  • Dr. Israel Oliver King

    Director - Biodiversity

  • Dr. Shakeela V

    Directer - CAbC

  • Dr. Prabavathy V R

    Director - Biotechnology

Demographics & Structure

  • Organisation Strength

    None

Registration Details

  • Registration Number

    15006

  • CSR Form 1

    Not Available

  • FCRA

    75900507

About

  • Headquarters

    Chennai, Tamil Nadu

  • Since

    1988

Impact

MSSRF has made an impact on the lives of over 600,000 farm families, affecting the livelihoods of 100,000 farmers and fisherfolk every day, with influence spreading across 18 countries.

Vision and Mission

The vision is to accelerate use of modern science and technology for agricultural and rural development to improve lives and livelihoods of communities. The mission is to harness science and technology for environmentally sustainable and socially equitable development.

Political & Religious Declarations

  • Political Affiliation

  • Religious Affiliation

Location

  • Headquarters

    3rd Cross Street, Institutional Area, Taramani, Chennai , India, Chennai, Tamil Nadu

    Directions
  • Offices in Cities

Other Details

  • Type

    Non-profit

  • Sub Type

    Trust

Technology Adoption

  • SOC 2 Compliant

    No

  • Financial Management

  • Beneficiary Management