Day 1 of the conference focused on safeguarding production systems, biodiversity and empowering marginalised communities. The plenary panel discussion analysed policy frameworks and governance structures crucial for achieving Prof Swaminathan’s vision. By highlighting his legacy and vision, the event underscored the urgency of continued efforts towards global food security, environmental conservation, climate change resilience and social justice
The MS Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF) hosted an international conference titled Hunger-Free World: Prof M.S. Swaminathan’s Vision for an Evergreen Revolution. The event held at the MSSRF campus in Taramani, Chennai on August 7 was to commemorate the contributions of Prof Swaminathan, a pioneering scientist and advocate for sustainable agriculture, social equity and environmental conservation. The conference advanced discussions and collaborations focused on Prof Swaminathan’s vision for an evergreen revolution — promoting sustainable agriculture, biodiversity conservation, climate resilience and equitable livelihoods.
Odisha Deputy Chief Minister and Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo unveiled MSSRF’s new logo, symbolising a renewed commitment to its mission. Several empowering initiatives were launched, including by K.V. Shaji, NABARD Chairman, of the Fisher Women Connect App which empowers fisherwomen with digital tools and resources in collaboration with Reliance Foundation and USAID. The Geo-AI Blue Carbon Programme, launched by Tamil Nadu Minister for Information Technology & Digital Services P.T.R. Palanivel Thiaga Rajan, utilises geospatial technology and AI to enhance blue carbon ecosystems. This cutting-edge technology is the result of a collaboration between MSSRF and Microsoft.
Project Samposhan, a CSR initiative by ITC Ltd, focusing on reducing malnutrition and promoting nutritional awareness, was launched. The project aims at reducing malnutrition, creating awareness about anaemia, and encouraging the consumption of diverse and nutritious foods, especially by adolescents, mothers and children under five years.
The conference highlighted knowledge sharing and recognition. The proceedings of the 2023 Mighty Millets Conference were released by Karnataka Minister for Revenue Krishna Byre Gowda. Kuposhan Mukth Bharat ke liye Kisaan Kendrith Samadhan, the Hindi version of M.S. Swaminathan in Conversation with Nitya Rao: A Farmer-Led Approach to Achieving a Malnutrition-Free India, was released alongside new nutrition programmes.
The MS Swaminathan Global Leadership Award 2024 recognised outstanding efforts in agriculture and sustainable development. On display was the work of farmer producer organisations MSSRF has worked with in the areas of improving the biodiversity of produce, bettering agricultural practices, nutrition and health of communities, and developing climate change resilient approaches. Farmer producer organisations from Wayanad, Kolli Hills, Kannivadi, Puducherry, Villupuram, Koraput and Poompuhar displayed the products they have developed from different programmes with MSSRF.
MSSRF work over the past year has impacted nearly 3 lakh individuals from grassroots communities. From revitalising coastal ecosystems to empowering women farmers, the foundation’s work has made a tangible difference many families. Nearly 5.5 lakh mangrove saplings were planted, over 65 hectares of coastal land restored, and more than 12,000 individuals trained in marine conservation. The MSSRF biodiversity programme distributed nearly 9 lakh saplings and 1,000 quintals of seeds, restoring approximately 18 hectares of orchards while training about 11,000 people in conservation and sustainable practices.
In the lab, the biotechnology group has been busy understanding various genetic variants of rice associated with salinity tolerance while also having inspired about 1000 middle school students through the Every Child A Scientist Programme. Through the MSSRF eco-technology initiatives, Rs 20 crore in credit was advanced and Rs 17 crore generated as revenue, benefiting roughly 1.75 lakh women and children. MSSRF’s Agriculture, Nutrition, and Health Programme has trained almost 50,000 individuals and improved the incomes of 2,500 small and marginal farmers. The Climate Change Group has worked with the Indian Government and international organisations to help draft five policy documents that will guide sustainable agricultural practices and support India’s decarbonisation efforts.
(This article is based on a press release from MSSRF.)
from Webdoux