Drawing on three decades of research in Kannivadi, Tamil Nadu, MSSRF authors Dr Anamika A. and Dr Rengalakshmi examine the limitations of agroecological approaches in addressing the complex challenges faced by resource-poor Dalit women farmers. In the context of the International Year of the Woman Farmer, this discussion underscores the importance of recognizing both the social and ecological dimensions of agricultural development. Advancing women farmers’ growth, independence, and self-reliance requires approaches that are not only environmentally sustainable but also socially inclusive and equitable. Read the full paper: doi.org/10.1177/097152152614…

The Brahmapuram fires exposed the hidden costs of poor urban waste management. Situated on vulnerable reclaimed marshland and burdened by years of unsegregated waste and inadequate processing systems, the dumpsite became prone to recurring fires and environmental degradation. MSSRF's researcher Dr Prathibha Ganesan examines how ecological fragility, fragmented governance, and failed public-private partnerships fuelled the crisis, and how recent interventions are steering efforts towards accountability and sustainability. Read the chapter here: doi.org/10.1007/978-3-032-30…

TENFA is travelling to MSSRF, Chennai! @nihaarikanegi 📽️This powerful film on ecological landscape, culture, and memory, will be screened on 23 October at 4PM. RSVP here: forms.cloud.microsoft/pages/… The film premiered at IFF Los Angeles and is produced by Earthbound and Star Hopper Studio.

The M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF) has won the 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐧 𝐄𝐱𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝 2026 (𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭 𝐂𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐨𝐫𝐲) for its work across 20 villages in Wayanad and Idukki, #Keralam. This recognition celebrates the measurable impact created through stronger livelihoods, spice value chains, community enterprises, natural resource management and community-led initiatives. Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to @HDFCBankCSR Parivartan, the distinguished jury, our partners, and above all, the communities whose participation, knowledge, and ownership made this achievement possible.

In the shifting mudflats where Avicennia marina grows, tides and moving water can knock young mangroves off balance. A new study published in the @annbot by MSSRF researchers Balasundari Dharbaranyam, R. Durgaswathi and @Gayatrivenkata2 , with colleagues from St. Peter’s College of Engineering and Technology, shows how these seedlings recover. By forming a bend at the base of their hypocotyl and redirecting their roots, these seedlings straighten up and regain stability when they do not land upright. Read the paper: doi.org/10.1093/aob/mcag302

Access to safe drinking water can make a meaningful difference. At MSSRF’s heat study site in Perungudi, Chennai, a community water ATM provides purified drinking water at just ₹5 per 20-litre can. #MSSRF #CommunityImpact #SafeDrinkingWater #HeatResilience #CommunityVoices

On #WorldFoodDay, Prof M.S. Swaminathan’s words remain a timely reminder that lasting food security will come not from traditional wisdom or scientific innovations alone, but from a combination of both. Traditional wisdom guides us to respect the delicate balance of our ecosystems. Innovation offers novel ways to boost productivity, resilience, and nutrition. The task ahead is to combine both—so that the choices we make today help sustain food, livelihoods and farming communities for tomorrow. #FoodSecurity #SustainableAgriculture

On the occasion of the International Day of Rural Women, MSSRF organised an awareness meeting in Dhanora, Gadchiroli, to highlight the importance of the Women Farmer Certificate (WFC) under the Women Farmer’s Empowerment Act in recognising their contributions to agriculture and improving their access to government schemes and benefits. The meeting brought together agriculture officials and rural development stakeholders to raise awareness, address misconceptions and encourage more women to apply for the certificate.

For over three decades, MSSRF has worked alongside rural women, recognising their central role in strengthening agriculture, conserving biodiversity, securing nutrition, and building resilience to a changing climate. As we celebrate the International Day of Rural Women, we recognise that woman farmers from rural areas, despite their indispensable contributions, continue to face barriers to recognition, resources, and decision-making. This year, as part of the International Year of the Woman Farmer, MSSRF advanced two initiatives to close this gap. One through policy, the other through recognition. MSSRF is proud to have facilitated the Maharashtra Women Farmers Empowerment Act, 2026, a landmark affirmation of women’s rights, agency, and contributions to agriculture. By formally recognising women as farmers and enabling their access to entitlements, services, and decision-making processes, the Act moves beyond acknowledgement towards meaningful inclusion. We also announced the Mahila Krishi Shakti Puraskar: @JSWFoundation–MSSRF National Award for Women in Agriculture 2026. The award honours women and women-led institutions transforming agriculture, food systems, rural livelihoods, and ecological resilience across India. #IYWF @UN_Women

On this International Day of Rural Women, read four unique stories of change through sustainable livelihoods, community-led nutrition, collective action and digital inclusion. Explore how women’s knowledge, leadership and agency contribute to lasting social and economic transformation. Read our stories here: mssrf.org/sites/default/file… #InternationalDayOfRuralWomen #RuralWomen #WomenEmpowerment #WomenInAgriculture #GenderEquality #MSSRF

Who gets heard in climate reporting, and who gets left out? Join us at the closing event of the Mina Swaminathan Media Fellowship 2026 for a special address by (Nidhi Jamwal) @JamwalNidhi, independent climate journalist and rural reporter, on "Missing Voices, Incomplete Stories: Gender and Climate Change in the Media." Happening online on 21 Oct 2026, 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM IST. Register here: forms.cloud.microsoft/r/g8rV… #IYWF

This #InternationalDayOfRuralWomen, a hard truth: women make up nearly 60% of India’s agricultural workforce, yet hold under 15% of agricultural land titles. The Maharashtra #WomenFarmers Empowerment Act, 2026, seeks to delink farmer identity from land ownership—officially recognising women as farmers and opening access to credit, schemes and entitlements. Read more: 💡In Maharashtra, giving women farmers the recognition they deserve — by CM @Dev_Fadnavis and Dr Soumya Swaminathan: indianexpress.com/article/op… 💡Maharashtra formally recognises women farmers regardless of land ownership — by @doctorsoumya: india.mongabay.com/2026/10/m… #RuralWomen #Agriculture #IYWF #IYWF2026 @CMOMaharashtra @AgriGoI @FAOIndia @unwomenindia

What stories can data tell us about India? Join us for a special seminar by @Rukmini S—founder of @dataforin, former National Data Editor at The Hindu and HuffPost India, and author of ‘Whole Numbers & Half Truths: What Data Can and Cannot Tell Us About Modern India’ 📅 22 October | 4 PM 📍 MSSRF, Chennai 🎟️RSVP: forms.cloud.microsoft/r/Mx7u… #DataForIndia

Join us as we celebrate the culmination of the Mina Swaminathan Media Fellowship (MSMF) 2026. Our media fellows will present powerful stories from the field, bringing to life the experiences and contributions of women farmers during the International Year of the Woman Farmer (IYWF). Register: forms.cloud.microsoft/r/g8rV… #IYWF #MediaFellowship

🎬 Join us for a screening of Tenfa at MSSRF, Chennai, on 23 October, 4–5:30 pm. The film follows three generations of Kinnauri women piecing together a vanishing folk song—exploring landscape, culture, memory and the meaning of progress. RSVP: forms.cloud.microsoft/r/sHqc… #Tenfa #FilmScreening #Ecology @nihaarikanegi @doctorsoumya

A strong El Niño is coming, and how prepared we are is something we can shape. Follow along as we track this at MSSRF. #ElNino #ClimateChange #ClimateAction #ClimateScience #IndianMonsoon #ExtremeWeather #ClimateResilience #ClimateAwareness #EnvironmentalResearch #MSSRF #SustainableFuture #ClimateAdaptation #ScienceCommunication #IndiaClimate #ElNino2026