CGIAR, the world’s largest agriculture research partnership, has reached $1 billion in funding, a  hugely important sign that the world is focusing on the importance of agricultural research.  However, there remains a great need to research the forgotten crops of the world. One of the  founders of the agricultural green revolution a generation ago is now calling for us to revitalize the  crops that revolution left behind. Prof. M S Swaminathan wants the UN to devote a year to the world’s “orphan crops” working with agricultural research organizations including Bioversity International.  

Dr. Ajay Kumar Parida has been conferred the Padma Shri as part of the Republic Day awards in 2014. Padma Shri is the fourth highest civilian award in the Republic of India, after the Bharat Ratna, the Padma Vibhushan and the Padma Bhushan. It is awarded by the Government of India. He has been recognized for his significant contributions to Science and Engineering. The trustees, staff and scholars of MSSRF take great pride in congratulating him on this joyous occasion.

We are happy to announce Ms. S.Velvizhi recently awarded Ph.D. from Centre of Advanced Study in Marine Biology, Parangipettai, Annamalai University Tamil nadu, India in the topic “Socio-economic and livelihood study of mangrove-dependent Irular tribal fishers of Pitchavaram, Southeast coast of India, with special reference to women”. Currently she coordinates the entire Fisher Friend Programme of IEC division that provides precision forecast services, capacity building on new fishing technologies, literacy on sustainable fisheries and Fish quality control measures to the fishing community by using multiple technological platform predominantly mobile in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Andra Pradesh, 

Smt Mina Swaminathan elected as the Distinguished Chair : Gender and Development in recognition of her multi-faceted contributions to the genesis and growth of MSSRF.

It is the centenary year of the person who has been referred to as “the man who saved a billion lives”.

2013 saw the completion of 25 years of research, education outreach and networking by our scientists and scholars.