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.

Dr.Smitha K.P, Senior Scientist, Community Agrobiodiversity Centre, MSSRF has been conferred with the prestigious best Extension Professional Award 2014 by the Society of Extension Education, Agra and ICAR Research Complex, Meghalaya, for her contribution in building knowledge capacity of resource poor farmers in Kerala. Dr. Smitha’s efforts were instrumental in improving the farm productivity and income of the poor farmers in Kerala especially in Wayanad district through a sustainable agricultural methods and practices.

Special Meeting of the Governing Body of Fitzwilliam College,University of Cambridge  on 15 October 2014, formally and unanimously elected Prof. M S Swaminathan into an Honorary Fellowship of the College with immediate effect.

Indian agriculture has now assumed a legal responsibility, since the National Food Security Act 2013, commits itself to a legal access to food to a majority of our population. The right to food can be fulfilled only with home grown food, since international prices are very volatile- highlights from Prof. M S Swaminathan's speach during the 35th Annual convocation at Anna University

Prof.M S Swaminathan speaks at the 2014 Annual Conference of the Indian National Association for the Club of Rome to be held at New Delhi from October 30-31,2014. The Conference will address the urgent need for coherence in policies and action to secure food for all.

The Prime Minister has ignited the candle of cleanliness among Indians to make India clean. He has asked Indians to restore the culture of sanitation which Indians had during Harappa civilization. We should join hands with the Prime Minister with all the might and resources, one has to make India clean and free from defecation in the open. Be civilized, be cultured, be clean, make India clean and standout in the row of civilized, cultured and clean nations”, observed Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak, while receiving the Mother Teresa Award 2014 from Dr.M.S. Swaminathan at a function organized by Indian Development Foundation at MSSR Foundation, Taramani, Chennai on 27th of October 2014.

Kalinga Institution of Technology (KIIT) Odisha conferred Prof. M S Swaminathan with a Degree of Doctor of Science for his contribution towards helping farmers and tribal’s in the remote villages of India and development of sustainable agriculture through his scientific research.