CHENNAI: AUGUST 07, 2024

The M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF) hosted the International Conference on Hunger-Free World: Prof. M.S. Swaminathan’s Vision for an Evergreen Revolution. This significant event commemorated the esteemed contributions of Prof. M.S. Swaminathan, a pioneering scientist and advocate for sustainable agriculture, social equity, and environmental conservation. The conference advanced discussions and collaborations focused on Prof. Swaminathan’s vision for an evergreen revolution—promoting sustainable agriculture, biodiversity conservation, climate resilience, and equitable livelihoods.

Shri. Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, Honorable Deputy Chief Minister – Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment, Government of Odisha, unveiled the foundation’s new logo, symbolizing a renewed commitment to its mission. Several empowering initiatives were launched, including the Fisher Women Connect App by Mr. K.V. Shaji, Chairman, NABARD, which empowers fisherwomen with digital tools and resources in collaboration with Reliance Foundation and USAID.

The Geo-AI Blue Carbon Programme, launched by Dr. P.T.R. Palanivel Thiaga Rajan, Honorable Minister for Information Technology & Digital Services, Government of Tamil Nadu, utilizes geospatial technology and AI to enhance blue carbon ecosystems. This is a collaboration between MSSRF and Microsoft to deploy this cutting-edge technology.

Project Samposhan, a CSR initiative by ITC Ltd., focuses on reducing malnutrition and promoting nutritional awareness. Speaking about the initiative, Anuj Rustagi, COO Staples & Adjacencies – FBD, ITC Ltd., said, “We are delighted to launch project Samposhan, our unique CSR initiative which focuses on reducing malnutrition along with creating awareness on anaemia. The project aims to foster the consumption of diverse and nutritious foods, especially amongst adolescents, mothers, and children under 5 years. The initiative is integral to ITC’s Nutrition Strategy ‘Help India Eat Better’ and affirms ITC’s commitment to drive impactful change in the nutritional landscape of the country, aligning with SDG 2030 goals and national health priorities.”

The conference also highlighted knowledge sharing and recognition. The proceedings of the 2023 Mighty Millets Conference were released by Shri. Krishna Byre Gowda, Honorable Minister for Revenue, Government of Karnataka, emphasizing the importance of millet cultivation. Find all the recommendations from the conference here. ‘Kuposhan Mukth Bharat ke liye Kisaan Kendrith Samadhan’, the Hindi version of ‘M.S. Swaminathan in Conversation with Nitya Rao: A Farmer-Led Approach to Achieving a Malnutrition-Free India’ was released alongside new nutrition programs. The M.S. Swaminathan Global Leadership Award 2024 recognized outstanding efforts in agriculture and sustainable development.

We also exhibited the work of Farmer Producer Organisations we worked with so far. We worked with them through various projects about improving the biodiversity of produce, bettering agricultural practices, nutrition and health of communities, and developing climate change resilient approaches. FPOs from Wayanad, Kolli Hills, Kannivadi, Puducherry, Villupuram, Koraput and Poompuhar proudly showcase the products they have developed from different programmes of MSSRF.

By highlighting Prof. Swaminathan’s legacy and vision, the event underscored the urgency of continued efforts towards global food security, environmental conservation, climate change resilience and social justice.

Shri Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo also released the Impact Report for 2023-24. Find the Impact Report 2023-24 here

Talking about the impact of MSSRF over the past year, we have impacted nearly 3 lakh individuals from grassroots communities. From revitalizing coastal ecosystems to empowering women farmers, our work has made a tangible difference for all these families. We have planted nearly 5.5 lakh mangrove saplings, restored over 65 hectares of coastal land, and trained over 12,000 individuals in marine conservation. Our biodiversity program distributed nearly 9 lakh saplings and 1,000 quintals of seeds, restoring approximately 18 hectares of orchards while training about 11,000 people in conservation and sustainable practices.

In the lab, the Biotechnology group has been busy understanding various genetic variants of rice involved in salinity tolerance while also having inspired about 1000 middle school students through the Every Child A Scientist (ECAS) programme. Through our Ecotechnology initiatives, we facilitated Rs. 20 crore in credit and generated Rs. 17 crore in revenue, benefiting roughly 1.75 lakh women and children. Our Agriculture, Nutrition, and Health Program trained almost 50,000 individuals and improved the incomes of 2,500 small and marginal farmers. The Climate Change group has already worked with the Indian government and international organisations to help draft about 5 policy documents that will guide sustainable agricultural practices and support India’s decarbonization efforts.

Day 1 of the conference focused on safeguarding production systems, biodiversity, and empowering marginalized communities. Day 2 will address integrated coastal management, climate resilience strategies, technological advancements in agriculture, and achieving sustainable food and nutrition security. The plenary panel discussion analyzed policy frameworks and governance structures crucial for achieving Prof. Swaminathan’s vision.

For further details, contact:

M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF)
Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
Email: contact@mssrf.res.in

Website: www.mssrf.org