M S Swaminathan Research Foundation - MSSRF

11/12/2025

𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐭’𝐬 𝐇𝐢𝐝𝐝𝐞𝐧 𝐁𝐮𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐧 𝐨𝐧 𝐖𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧: MSSRF Study in Seven States
India’s heatwaves have grown longer and more intense, causing heat-related deaths to rise by 34% between 2013 and 2022. But the gendered impact of this heat stress is often overlooked.

𝐊𝐞𝐲 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 ‘𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐭 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐨𝐟 𝐖𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐚’ 𝐡𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭:

• 70% of women reported symptoms like fatigue, dizziness, and dehydration during heat months
• 97% of women reported wage losses exceeding ₹1,500 during peak summer
• 72% of women in high Heat Vulnerability Index (HVI) districts reported higher household violence

These numbers reveal how heat intensifies existing gender and health inequalities, while our health systems remain under-equipped and heat policies lack effective implementation strategies.

The report uncovers the hidden links between environmental stress, gendered labour burdens, and health risks—and lays out an actionable roadmap for policy reform.

𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐛𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐨 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞.
https://lnkd.in/gf3iDhPj

09/12/2025

Today, we share the story of Ms. Kaviarasi. Technology used to feel distant and intimidating for her, but today she confidently manages a YouTube channel. By turning traditional knowledge into digital content, she bridges generations and proves that heritage can thrive in the digital age.

08/12/2025

The future of agriculture is being reshaped beneath our feet, where tiny microbes are driving a powerful revolution.

At the final M.S. Swaminathan Centenary Lecture, Dr. Mariangela Hungria, a renowned agronomist and World Food Prize Laureate, brought attention to this Revolution. Her groundbreaking work with nitrogen-fixing bacteria in soybeans showcases how harnessing beneficial microbes can reduce chemical fertilizers, boost soil health, and expand farming to crops like maize, sugarcane, and rice. Beyond improving yields, these tiny organisms are key players in combating by lowering greenhouse gas emissions.

Looking ahead, Dr. Hungria emphasised the need for long-term investment in research and robust data, while envisioning future breakthroughs through genome editing, deeper understanding of soil microbiomes, and sustainable technologies that enhance food and nutrition security.

Photo credits: Embrapa

04/12/2025

Seagrass ecosystems are among the most productive and vital habitats on our planet. They play a critical role in carbon sequestration, support marine biodiversity, and maintain ecosystem balance. Yet, these ecosystems are under severe threat.

At MSSRF, we are leveraging decades of scientific expertise, rigorous research, and strong community engagement to restore seagrass in Pulicat. This initiative is not just about conservation—it is about addressing climate change, safeguarding livelihoods, and ensuring the resilience of coastal ecosystems.

Our approach combines:
- Evidence-based restoration techniques
- Local community participation
- Long-term sustainability goals

Read more about the project here: https://www.mssrf.org/small-news/pulicat-lake-restoring-life-beneath-waters

02/12/2025

MSSRF is pleased to announce the final MS Swaminathan Centenary lecture exploring the MicroGreen Revolution. Dr Mariangela Hungria da, Agronomist, Soil Microbiologist, Researcher A at Embrapa Soja, and recipient will share work on MicroGreen Revolution for empowering Soil Health and improving nutrition security.

➡️ Date: December 5, 2025 | 5:00 PM IST 8:30 AM BRT
➡️ Venue: MSSRF, Chennai (or) via Zoom
➡️ Register now: forms.cloud.microsoft/r/TTh27TFHkz

Zoom link will be shared with all registered participants.

02/12/2025

On , Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, Chairperson of the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation, highlights the critical need for action against air pollution and its implications for health and climate resilience.

Learn more about the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation: https://www.mssrf.org/

30/11/2025

A snapshot of MSSRF’s 2024–2025 Biotechnology Programme highlights, showcasing advances in mangrove research, sustainable farming practices, and breakthroughs in rice salt-tolerance studies.

29/11/2025

Meet Thenkala from Poompuhar, who transformed her family's generations-old dry fish business with digital skills. What changed? WhatsApp marketing, Facebook reach, solar dryers, and the courage to learn something new.

Today, her posts get thousands of views and orders from places she never imagined she could reach.

“I never thought people from faraway places would see my dry fish on Facebook and place orders. It feels like my small business is reaching the whole world.” — Thenkala

28/11/2025

Did you know that at least seven genes contribute to rice’s ability to withstand drought? A single gene can play a big role in the crop's resilience towards climatic conditions. On Friday, plant molecular biologist Dr. Ajay Kohli spoke on the complexities of the genetic traits in rice as part of the M.S. Swaminathan Centenary Lecture Series. Dr. Kohli, who is former Deputy Director General for Research and Innovation of International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) highlighted how researchers are still searching for key genes because drought tolerance is governed by multiple genetic factors, not just one. Dr Kohli emphasised that understanding these genes is helping shape innovative rice breeding strategies to improve yields under water-scarce conditions—a critical step toward securing food security and farmers’ futures in the face of climate variability.

28/11/2025

Twelve young people from the Paniya community in Wayanad — the first batch of “Green Skills for Conservation Stewardship” graduates from M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation — met district collector D.R. Meghasree, ready to channel their traditional ecological knowledge into green livelihoods. Their training included exposure visits to Auroville and Malabar Botanical Garden, enabling them to pursue nature-based careers.
Read more: https://www.mssrf.org/small-news/wayanads-tribal-youth-step-forward-green-stewards

26/11/2025

India has long been recognised globally for championing Farmers’ Rights, both within the FAO and under the International Treaty, backed by the landmark Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights (PPVFR) Act of 2001.

MSSRF participated at the 11th Session of the Governing Body of the Plant Treaty (GB11) in Lima, highlighting India’s recent advancements in Farmers’ Rights.

Our experts, Dr Rengalakshmi R. and Dr Israel Oliver King, shared insights from the DIVERSIFARM-India project, including India’s first open-source Atlas of Community Seed Banks and evidence on how community seed banks strengthen seed sovereignty on the ground. This project is run by the Fridtjof Nansen Institute (FNI), Norway (FNI), together with the M S Swaminathan Research Foundation, Chennai (MSSRF), with support from the Norwegian Embassy in New Delhi.

We remain committed to farmer-centred conservation, agrobiodiversity, and enabling policies that uphold Farmers’ Rights.

26/11/2025

Our latest edition of M.S. Swaminathan Centenary Lecture Series is happening this Friday! Dr. Ajay Kohli (former IRRI) will be joining us in-person at MSSRF, Chennai.

Participants can also attend online. Register to join us: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=Skuzzh-8rEu_8sjTL1t5fyekZcIVIt5KuvpkffDW4hFUQ0E0SzNXMlBMWDhHUUpHRlVEQUtaSlYzSy4u

MSSRF is pleased to announce the latest edition of our MSS Centenary Lecture Series exploring the frontiers of climate-resilient agriculture through genomics. Dr. Ajay Kohli, former Deputy Director General for Research and Innovation at IRRI and Interim Director General, will share work on tolerance in - a critical challenge as we face increasing climate variability.

️The lecture will showcase how rice yield during drought has helped understand complex genetic traits that influence drought tolerance in rice. The talk will also suggest future rice breeding strategies.

With over three decades of experience across leading institutions including IIsc Bengaluru, JNU, and international research centers, Dr. Kohli brings invaluable insights on translating genomic discoveries into solutions. MSSRF continues to study this area to address critical issues that help secure India’s and ’ futures.

➡️ Date: November 28, 2025 | 11:30 AM IST

➡️ Venue: MSSRF, Chennai (or) via Zoom

➡️ Register now: https://forms.office.com/r/TsWGS6UEV7

Zoom link will be shared with all registered participants.