MSSRF

MSSRF has been in the field, speaking with women farmers and listening to their daily struggles. Their stories show the gaps in access, identity, and support. Here is one voice from the ground, shared during recent stakeholder consultations in Maharashtra. #IYWF @mygovMaha @AgriDeptGoM @Dev_Fadnavis @Vidhi_India #womenfarmers

At our recent workshop at Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur, one message stood out clearly: the Kol #wetlands are far more than paddy fields. They are a living socio-ecological landscape that sustains biodiversity, food security, livelihoods, culture, and climate resilience. Joined by 50 participants — including farmers, researchers, biodiversity experts, citizen scientists, government departments, and conservation practitioners — we came together to explore: ➡️The ecological, agricultural, cultural, and livelihood significance of the Kol wetlands. ➡️Key findings from MSSRF’s year-long study documenting the many dimensions of the Kole wetlands. ➡️The importance of recognising the Kol wetlands as a local agrobiodiversity heritage site. More about the workshop: mssrf.org/stories-of-cha… The workshop was organised by the Community Agrobiodiversity Centre of M S Swaminathan Research Foundation @cabcmssrf, supported by the Kerala State Biodiversity Board @KeralaSBB, in collaboration with the College of Climate Change and Environmental Science, @KeralaAgVarsity and the @KoleBirders’ Collective.

Summer is here—and with it comes the ‘Every Child is a Scientist’ Summer Camp! The journey to becoming a scientist can begin as early as the 6th grade, sparked through hands-on exploration. From measuring curves to understanding how chemical reactions produce heat, from studying DNA to discovering how soil sustains life on Earth, and even testing for starch in food, the camp encourages curiosity at every step… and more! The summer camp brings school children to MSSRF’s Chennai campus for a few days of learning and exploration. This summer saw 21 students from Pichavaram, belonging to the Irular tribe, spend five days at MSSRF with support from @larsentoubro & Toubro and Five Star. During their visit to Chennai, the students visited Tholkappia Poonga, the Egmore Museum, the Birla Planetarium, and the Madras Crocodile Bank. These visits brought science to life expanding their understanding of space, history, and ecology in engaging and memorable ways. @Gayatrivenkata2

MSSRF's recent stakeholder consultations in Maharashtra echoed what women in agriculture have long been saying: the gaps in systemic and on-ground support for women farmers are glaring and persistent. Varsha Ganesh Balgujar's story is one of many that deserve more time in the spotlight. #IYWF @mygovMaha @AgriDeptGoM @Dev_Fadnavis @Vidhi_India #womenfarmers

#FundingOpportunity 📢 Selected start-ups will receive catalytic funding of up to ₹50 lakhs, access to 2,00,000+ farmers and 200+ FPOs across India, Social Alpha Labs support for prototyping and product development, mentorship from livestock and #agritech sector experts, and direct market linkages with dairies, cooperatives, and FPO networks. ➡️ Apply before 31st May 2026: socialalpha.org/techtonic-inno…

#FundingOpportunity 📢 @SocialAlphaIN, in partnership with National Dairy Development Board @NDDB_Coop, M. S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF), and PUSA Krishi, has launched Techtonic: Innovations for Animal Husbandry and Rural Livelihoods, a program for start-ups and innovators building science-backed solutions for India’s livestock sector. We are looking for innovations in five focus areas: 🟢Animal Nutrition 🟢Animal Health 🟢Animal Reproduction 🟢Value Chain Innovations 🟢Biogas

MSSRF has been in the field, speaking with women farmers and listening to their daily struggles. Their stories show the gaps in access, identity, and support. Here is one voice from the ground, shared during recent stakeholder consultations in Maharashtra. #IYWF #womenfarmers @mygovMaha @AgriDeptGoM @Dev_Fadnavis @Vidhi_India

When crops fall sick, who do farmers turn to? This #PlantHealthDay, we're reminded that timely advice can save harvests, livelihoods, and ecosystems. Through plant clinics, MSSRF—supported by the @CABI_Plantwise initiative—connects farmers with trained plant doctors and science-backed digital tools to diagnose crop health problems and promote sustainable pest management. Strengthening #PlantHealth for a more food-secure future. 🌱 #PlantProtection #PlantDiseases @Rengalakshmi10

In the run-up to the International Day for Biological Diversity, join MSSRF’s #DiversityDecoder on Instagram and put your biodiversity knowledge to test. Every day, we will share three fun guess-cards for you to decode at: 10 AM, 2 PM, 4 PM. And the answers? Catch the reveal in our Stories at 6 PM. Each guess-card is carefully picked to spotlight a species, crop, or living system that plays an important role in India’s biodiversity. Play along, learn something new, and celebrate the richness of nature with us. Don’t miss it! Play on Instagram from May 12 -22: instagram.com/mssrf_official/

Meet Marimuthu, a 65-year-old farmer from Tamil Nadu's Theni district. Facing rising climate challenges, he turned to simple, science-based methods for water and crop management—boosting his soil health, crop yields, and resilience. Discover what he learned: mssrf.org/stories-of-cha…

Subhashree Parida, Mina Swaminathan Media Fellow in 2026 has published her first story as part of the fellowship. @Subhash53363960 Written for @News18India, “Promoting Seed Sovereignty: The Deomali Women’s Movement for a Chemical-Free Future” brings attention to women-led grassroots leadership and sustainable agricultural practices in Odisha. A meaningful milestone in showcasing rural voices and environmental justice. Read the full piece here: mssrf.org/mssrf-media #MinaSwaminathanMediaFellowship #MSMF #WomenInAgriculture #IYWF

One thing that drives human beings is the desire to live well, and there is an ample amount of research focusing on longevity and how to live longer. Efforts are being made to understand this from the perspective of both biological and physiological factors, as well as from the perspective of old age. ~ Dr Soumya Swaminathan, Chairperson, M S Swaminathan Research Foundation, at the session on “Mindful Prosperity: Shaping a Vibrant Economic Future Rooted in Human Wellbeing and Planetary Health” at #CIIAnnualBusinessSummit26 @doctorsoumya @mssrf

What role can Asian innovation play in solving global challenges? Dr. Soumya Swaminathan (@doctorsoumya) will be speaking at Philanthropy Asia Summit 2026 (PAS), in Singapore from 18 to 20 May, where she will share perspectives on how innovation in health can move from promising ideas to practical solutions. ➡️ Register your interest here: p-aa.org/SoumyaSwaminat… ➡️ Learn more about PAS 2026: p-aa.org/PAS2026 #PAS2026

Pune. Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. Nagpur. Over the past week, Department of Agriculture, MSSRF and Vidhi Centre for Legal Policy have been on the ground across Maharashtra, listening to women farmers and documenting the barriers they face every day.  During these regional consultations, women spoke about the lack of recognition as farmers, and how this continues to block their access to government schemes, credit, and other support systems. The discussions brought out a clear reality: women shoulder a major share of agricultural work yet remain largely invisible in policies and records. #IYWF #YearofWomanFarmer @mygovMaha @AgriDeptGoM @Dev_Fadnavis @Vidhi_India

Regional consultations held across Maharashtra on the proposed Women Farmers Entitlements bill, that will recognise women as “farmers” irrespective of land ownership. Will be a huge, progressive step for the people of Maharashtra! @Dev_Fadnavis @AgriGoI @ChouhanShivraj @icarindia

In this new podcast from @mssrf Science Simply, I explain what extreme heat does to the body & how to protect ourselves. There is a need for deep research on heat impacts & solutions. youtu.be/MMfkyl_T-XM?si… @ndmaindia @MoHFW_INDIA @ICMRDELHI @CEEWIndia @RockSea @Indiametdept

Ghost gear & plastic waste are threatening marine life. @mssrf is working with fishermen & women to recycle them & create a circular economy. @Tnpcbofficial @tnforestdept are setting up collection centres to recycle plastic waste, along the coast of TN. @moefcc @CPCB_OFFICIAL

Tonnes of plastic nets drifting through the deep sea, trapping fish, crabs, turtles — with no one at the other end of the line. This is #GhostGear. Synthetic fishing equipment that breaks down into microplastics and quietly enters our food chain. Invisible to the naked eye, but a very real threat to ocean and human health. ➡️Here's a closer look at ghost gear, the waste management crisis keeping the threat afloat, and how a circular approach can help tackle the problem: mssrf.org/stories-of-cha… @Fishforallmssrf

We are in the middle of extreme summer heat. Have you wondered what it does to your body? Science has clear answers. Let’s look at it. In the first episode of Science Simply, Dr. Soumya Swaminathan @doctorsoumya breaks down your body’s response to extreme heat and brings you actionable steps to cope with it. City planning ideas, early warning systems, and preventive steps can work. But they must be planned well and reach everyone, with no one left behind. ▶️ Watch 'What Extreme Heat Does to Your Body' on MSSRF's YouTube: youtube.com/watch?v=MMfkyl… #ScienceSimply