There are reports that there is a 40% increase in farmers’ suicides in Maharashtra (particularly in Vidarbha) during the last 7 months. Farming is a life giving occupation. Hence there is something radically wrong. If farmers who keep us alive, take their own lives. This problem cannot be solved only by government. A Social Protection Committee (SPC) should be formed in every Panchayat which can help to take proactive action in preventing suicides. Those suffering from extreme depression as a result of crop failure and inability to repay loans should be identified by the SPC and preventive steps should be taken to avoid the extreme event.

Farmers and farming are the most affected by either deficiency or excess of precipitation as well as higher mean temperature. Proactive action is needed to help them to meet the challenge of climate change. As I pointed out in my Sardar Patel Memorial Lectures, of AIR in 1973, we need to develop drought, flood, and good weather codes to help to maximise the benefits of good weather and minimize the adverse impact of unfavourable weather. Panchayati Raj Institutions should be fully involved in developing and implementing climate risk management strategies.

There is considerable debate on this topic among Parliament Members and Farmers Organisations.

Unseasonal rainfall now and severe drought earlier have reduced yields in Vidarbha. Farmers are in a state of depression. In all such areas, we should promote precision farming involving higher productivity per units of land, water, nutrients and other inputs. This will help to improve the earning from a small holding through a steep drop in the amount spent on inputs.

Indications of budget proposals and priorities are usually given in the address of the President of India at the Joint Session of Parliament. In his address, the President has stressed that Kisan is the sentinel of our food security and that value added agriculture, market reform, use of technology and improving productivity in areas with untapped potential are important. 2015 is the International Year of the Soil and the Government is proposing to issue soil health cards to all farm families.

A refreshing journey through rural landscape, meeting with communities and learning more about their lives and agriculture is Thanthi TV’s new show “Payanam- via forest and field”.  Through the travels of the camera and the team, the show captures the impact of agriculture, change and innovation in each of the places it moves to.

NVA Fellows felicitated by Chief Minister of Pondicherry and encouraged to carry out the task of developing their communities. They shared their ideas and stories with the chief minister who supported and encouraged them to develop and focus on the dairy sector in Pondicherry.

Vinayagampet, the village adopted by M. S. Swaminathan Research Foundation under the Biovillage Programme, received the ''Best Child Village Award'' in Union Territory of Puducherry, for its “Holistic Development and Child Friendly Nature”.

On 2nd February, 2015 a cadre of grassroots academicians received the prestigious NVA Fellowship award from Prof. M.S. Swaminathan in Chennai.

Over 40% of the coast is eroding in India, much higher than previous estimates according to experts at a Consultative Meeting on Coastal and Marine Zone Management held at MSSRF in Chennai today.

I am grateful to Dr Parasuraman and Prof Thandavan for choosing my life and work for a detailed study leading to a Ph.d. thesis. I am also grateful to H E the Governor and the other speakers for their kind remarks

MSSRF is included in the final shortlist of Times of India Social Impact Award for creating Livelihood opportunities to the rural community of India. The Foundation achieved these goals through agricultural research blending developing technologies and educating the villagers with new agricultural methods.