In an arid, coastal village in Tamil Nadu, a group of women, once dependent solely on unpredictable fishing cycles, are now managing a thriving Integrated Mangrove Fishery Farming System. They are not just restoring the crucial mangrove ecosystem but are earning a stable income, proving that ecological security and livelihood security can go hand-in-hand. This is the science-driven, community-centred impact created by the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF).
Founded in 1988 by Professor M.S. Swaminathan with the proceeds of the First World Food Prize, MSSRF is a global leader dedicated to harnessing modern science and technology for sustainable rural development. The Foundation is guided by an approach that is inclusive of the poor, empowers women, and is ecologically conscious, integrating traditional knowledge with cutting-edge advancements. Today, under the leadership of Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, the Foundation continues its mission of bridging science and society for a sustainable future.
Meet the team
M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation, on LinkedIn
Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, Chairperson
Srinivas Raman, Executive Director, Strategy & Operations
The Foundation's work is interdisciplinary and community-focused. Its impact is substantial: it has touched 645,000 households and reached 246 villages, improving the lives and livelihoods of over 13,433 farmers, fishers, and tribal populations across 19 Indian states.
Sustainable Agri-Food Systems (SAS): This program redefines food security by promoting agroecology, One Health principles, and regenerative agriculture. It develops climate-resilient solutions for coastal, arid, and mountain regions, ensuring safe and nutritious food without compromising ecosystems.
Nutrition and Health (NH): Championing sustainable solutions, this program enhances household food diversity through a life-cycle approach, promotes climate-resilient agriculture, and addresses water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) practices, aligning with global goals for Zero Hunger and Good Health.
Biodiversity Programme: This initiative empowers tribal and indigenous communities in biodiversity hotspots like Kolli Hills, Koraput, and Wayanad. It blends traditional wisdom with science to promote on-farm biodiversity conservation, protect Farmers’ Rights, and ensure long-term ecological security.
Coastal Resources and Fisheries Programme: One of MSSRF’s flagship initiatives, this program focuses on ecological security and livelihood security along India’s 7,500 km coastline. It works with communities on the conservation and restoration of critical ecosystems, like mangroves, through Joint Mangrove Management, and pioneers innovations like Seawater Farming (Integrated Mangrove Fishery Farming Systems) to build economic resilience.
The organization's success is bolstered by strong partnerships with academic, governmental, and private sector bodies, including Annamalai University, Madras University, ICAR, IIT Madras, and VIT. MSSRF continuously pilots and refines its models at dedicated research centres to deliver impact where it is needed most. It welcomes partnerships with relevant donors, researchers, and changemakers committed to tackling poverty, hunger, and environmental challenges.