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.

Plantation crops have a key role in the socio-economic development and transition from a subsistence agrarian economy to market oriented commercial cultivation due to their trade significance. Cultivation of plantation crops in India also has a rich diversity and varied history with each crop having its own distinct historical and economic context of development.

Union Minister Prakash Javadekar visited MSSRF on 29th November and met Prof Swaminathan and senior staff at the Foundation. The minister referred to MSSRF as a "temple" of research that caters to society. While appreciating Indian farmers for being very fast in adopting all new technologies, he called upon the nation to push forward with all available scientific options. Professor Swaminathan, Executive Director and senior staff at MSSRF briefed the Minister on the Foundation activities, on issues related to mangrove restoration, coastal zone, biodiversity management and technology development. The Minister specifically requested MSSRF for inputs towards the UN Climate Change Conference in Lima, Peru with regard to impact of climate change on agriculture and vice versa. The Minister appreciated Prof Swaminathan for his work in leading India towards food security and MSSRF for the Foundation's various innovative efforts.

A galaxy of eminent scientists and policy experts in the field of science and technology will interact with young students and researchers to address Science and Technology options in achieving Zero Hunger Challenge at the 6th Indian Youth Science Congress (IYSC).

India has one of the highest levels of malnutrition in the world. To address this, the National Academy of Agricultural Sciences (NAAS) today, announced that it would take up the Zero Hunger challenge and recommend to the Ministry of Agriculture to push for an International Year of Underutilized Crops.

Ragi’, all along considered to be a poor man’s diet, has now been given the flavor and soul so that anybody can enjoy this highly nutritious cereal in a way they wish to consume it.

Former Editor- in-Chief of The Hindu ,Chairman of Kasthuri &Sons, Publisher of The Hindu and MSSRF Trustee, N. Ram has been selected for the first N.Ramachandran Foundation Award. The Award is instituted in memory of N.Ramachandran, Doyen of Malayalam Journalism who passed away earlier this year.