SYNERGYQuarterly publication from M S Swaminathan Research Foundation

Private Circulation only MARCH 2015 Vol .02 Issue: 01

INSIDE

Policy Impact : TN Govt. brings salt workers under health insurance

Prof. M S Swaminathan’s Biography released by TN Governor

Urgent need for hazard line : Experts

Focus on productivity to meet Zero Hunger Challenge

Policy interventions to empower Kurichya family farmers

Best Extension Professional Award for MSSRF Scientist

Food availablity in households of young children : Study

“Payanam” - Thanthi TV travels with MSSRF through rural India

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“There is a need to think beyond the Tsunami and look at more sustainable scientific solutions to various problems such as natural disasters,” said Professor M S Swaminathan during the event organized to observe the 10th anniversary of the Tsunami that hit the coast of South India. A book “Beyond Tsunami” that documents the role of science and a summary of the steps undertaken by scientists of MSSRF to replace despair with hope among coastal communities, was released at the function by Professor R Thandavan, Vice Chancellor, University of Madras

Recalling the traditional wisdom of tribal communities who moved to safe locations prior to the incident, Professor Swaminathan and Professor P C Kesavan who worked on the “New Andamans” Action Plan emphasized the need to blend traditional knowledge with scientific expertise to combat any contingencies in the future.

Appreciating the knowledge

empowerment of the coastal communities, Prof Thandavan, emphasized on the mental support required “Even after a short visit to the region, I was so disturbed; the people who are put through trauma after a calamity, need more than technical and livelihood support, they need psychological counselling that has to be available as a separate service” he said.

Dr Balaji Principal Conservator of Forests, Tamil Nadu, highlighted two important aspects - management and protection of natural resources and Disaster Preparedness Management Plan. “The Coastal Regulation is considered an irritant by people but it is important to note that the tsunami affected only upto 500 metres in land. Therefore this regulation has to be respected.”

Executive Director, MSSRF, Dr Ajay Parida spoke of the ecologic, agronomic, economic and knowledge aspects of intervention that were undertaken by the

Foundation through the post-tsunami initiatives along the coastal districts. The innovation of mangrove conservation implemented by MSSRF has been recognized by the UNFCC, while the use of mobile and technology-based knowledge strategies have won awards for the “fisher-friend application”. Community members Ms Kanakavalli, Mr Nagamuthu and Mr Sakthivel from Sadras Kuppam, Pichavaram and Nagappatinam, not only shared the community responses but also raised practical issues they face to move on the way ahead.

Professor Swaminathan who paid tribute to the community members said, “Every problem has a solution and our capacity to meet future tsunamis has been greatly strengthened over the past few years. However, we need to be prepared for any other eventuality and look for long term sustainable mechanisms by bringing science and society together.”

Thinking beyond Tsunami Prof. M S Swaminathan interacts with Tsunami survivers at a function held at MSSRF

Union Environment Minister visits MSSRF to discuss climate change Shortly before his departure

to Lima for the UN Climate Change Conference, Shri Prakash Javadekar, Union Minister of State for Environment, Forests and Climate Change (Independent Charge), visited MSSRF and held discussions with Prof M S Swaminathan. He met senior staff at the Foundation and requested for specific recommendations on climate change, its impact on agriculture and vice versa that could be taken up at Lima.

The minister referred to MSSRF as a “temple” of research that caters to society. While appreciating Indian farmers for being very fast in adopting all new technologies, he called upon the nation to push forward with all available scientific options. Professor Swaminathan,

Dr Ajay Parida, Executive Director and senior staff at MSSRF briefed the Minister on the Foundation activities, on issues related to mangrove restoration, coastal zone management, biodiversity conservation and technology development. The Minister appreciated Prof Swaminathan for his work in leading India towards food security and the Foundation for it’s various innovative efforts.

Referring to the WTO negotiations and India’s stand as a landmark achievement where India’s concerns on food stockpiling were addressed, the Minister said, “It is a great victory in the direction of food for all when food security for the country was in danger. Now, the peace clause has been extended till we arrive at an acceptable formula.”

The Union Minister also called upon every farm to have a biogas plant to become more environment-friendly. “There is need to create a simple stirrer so that the drudgery associated with the stirring process in a biogas plant is reduced. It is the process of stirring by foot that hampers setting up of these plants,” he said. The Minister emphasized

that all countries should participate in the climate change discourse and take proactive efforts. “The world must come together on the agenda of climate change. We will engage with all countries.... there is a clear agenda – clean air, clean water and clean energy. We will do our bit, but everyone must do theirs.”

Union Minister Prakash Javadekar in discussion with Prof Swaminathan and Dr Ajay Parida

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TN Governor releases biography of Prof. Swaminathan written by Dr Parasuraman

Tamil Nadu Governor Shri K Rosaiah released the biography of Prof M S Swaminathan, in Tamil, written by Dr Parasuraman at Raj Bhavan on January 6, 2015. Prof Thandavan, Vice-Chancellor, ,Madras University, Mr Sandeep Saxena, Chief Electoral Officer, Tamil Nadu, Mr N Ram, Chairman, Kasturi & Sons Ltd and Dr Ajay Parida, ED, MSSRF spoke on the occasion.

It was an emotional moment for Dr Parasuraman as he introduced the biography on Prof M S Swaminathan. “It is the result of a long association of 26 years that I cherish, of a person I consider more than a father to me.” Speakers at the launch of the biography recalled the various contributions made by

Professor and termed it a useful effort for readers to understand his work and contribution. Mr N Ram, spoke about the “commitment to excellence, a quality that is immensely worth celebrating” that Professor had exhibited throughout his life. Prof Thandavan, who had guided Dr Raman through his research, shared the experience of how Professor’s consent had been obtained for working on the study and then the book.

Formally releasing the book, The Tamil Nadu Governor lauded the contributions made and the availability of a publication to understand them. A number of distinguished invitees, MSSRF staff members, mediapersons and others attended the function.

MSSRF advocacy impact : TN Government brings salt workers under health insurance

The Tamil Nadu Health Systems Project will take up special enrolment camps in Ramanathapuram, Thoothukudi and Nagapattinam districts for salt pan workers to come under the Chief Minister’s Health Insurance Scheme. This initiative is being undertaken after MSSRF advocacy efforts to bring these issues especially the health problems of salt workers to the notice of the Government.

A high prevalence of various occupation-related ailments was found by a study undertaken by a team from JIPMER in partnership with MSSRF among salt workers of Vedaranyam, indicating need for urgent action. The findings included high prevalence of eye infections associated with exposure to sun and UV rays, several times higher than general population prevalence, besides other occupation-related ailments.

A brainstorming meeting and workshop was held in MSSRF Chennai in June 2014. This consultation brought stakeholders

– from the Salt Commission, the Health department, labourers, unions, scientific community and experts working in these regions across the table for discussion on these issues. During the consultation, an action plan was suggested by experts and various stakeholders to address health ailments among salt workers, including healthcare at the district level through mobile health vans, linkup for free surgery support and providing fortified salt to the workers.

Professor M S Swaminathan said at the meeting, “It was a struggle for freedom then, it is a struggle for freedom from occupational hazard now. We need to put the faces before the jobs.” As a follow-up, a letter was sent to the Tamil Nadu Government based on and the Health Systems Project responded. The letters to the entire relevant district Collectors was issued in December 2014.

At later meetings, Professor appreciated the Government for this policy initiative.

“Science and the Zero Hunger Challenge” focus of Youth Science Congress

The 6th Indian Youth Science Congress was held at Acharya Nagarjuna University from January 19 - 21, 2015 in partnership with SRM University, Rajiv Gandhi National Institute of Youth Development, the host University and MSSRF. This Congress has grown over the years and this year saw posters / oral presentations under three categories. The Congress was inaugurated by the Hon. Minister of State for Science & Technology, Shri Y. Sujana Chowdary and the Minister for Agriculture, Government of Andhra Pradesh participated on all days.

The theme for this year’s Congress was “Science & the Zero Hunger Challenge” as 2015 marks the beginning of the UN Decade for Sustainable Development. Sustainable human wellbeing cannot be achieved without meeting the Zero Hunger Challenge. Hence, the Sessions were built around this theme. Eminent speakers like Dr. M. Lakshmi Kantam, Director, Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Dr. S. K. Devotta, former Director of NEERI, Dr. Mehtab Bamji from Dangoria Charitable Trust, Hyderabad, Dr. G. Dileep Kumar, Global Leader, ICRISAT, Mr. Palkush Chawla from ITC shared

Salt workers at Vedaranyam

Dignitaries at the book launch function

their thoughts and experiences on meeting the Zero Hunger Challenge and inspiring young scientists to work on those lines. There were presentations by young scientists through posters and oral presentations based on their work, in three categories, Food Security and the Zero Hunger Challenge, Physical and Chemical Sciences & Biological & Medical Sciences. Cash awards were given for best oral presentations and posters to recognize and encourage young scientists to innovate and develop entrepreneurial skills for nation

building. The highlight of this Congress

was a Farmers’ Interactive Session with Prof. M. S. Swaminathan, for farmers to share their concerns and the challenges they faced. There were over 200 farmers wanting to learn and adopt management practices to make farming more viable. During the Valedictory it was announced that land was being identified for an MSSRF centre in Guntur district. The venue for the next Congress would be KIIT University, Bhubaneswar.

Image Courtesy: The Hindu

Image courtesy: The Hindu

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Urgent need for Hazard Line to be prepared for the CoastThe “Hazard Line” for the coastal

regions of India, must be prepared at the earliest to ensure that economic and urban development plans are implemented without affecting the environment or coastal livelihood, urged experts at the end of a two-day consultation at MSSRF in Chennai in January this year.

The Hazard Line is the line at which natural hazards like adverse weather incidents and tsunami are likely to impact. As per the CRZ (Coastal Regulation Zone) notification all economic urban development activities need take this line into consideration.

The consultation was organized by Society for Protection of River and Marine Environment (SPRIME) India, National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management (NCSCM), Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MOEFCC), Government of India, Society for Integrated Coastal Management (SICOM) and National Environmental

Engineering Research Institute (NEERI). Dr. Vijay Kulkarni CSO, Shapoorji Pallonji, Vice President SPRIME, Mumbai said, “Coastal Management must be ecology based rather than construction based as it is now.

Dr. Sukumar Devotta, Former Director NEERI and Vice President SPRIME said “The capacity of the industry as well as Government

agencies that implement coastal regulation zone notification needs to be enhanced in terms of mapping, planning and monitoring so that the coastal regulation can gradually evolve into coastal management.”

Prof M S Swaminathan, in his concluding remarks observed, “We talk about the economic value of the coast, but we also need to think about the social dimensions

Focus on productivity to meet Zero Hunger Challenge

India has one of the highest levels of malnutrition in the world. To address this, the regional meeting of the National Academy of Agricultural Sciences (NAAS), announced in Chennai that it would take up the Zero Hunger Challenge and recommend to the Ministry of Agriculture to push for an International Year of Underutilized Crops. Speaking at the inaugural session of the Silver Jubilee Symposium of NAAS, Founder President and Founder Chairman MSSRF, Prof M S Swaminathan called for the need to focus on climate-smart and traditional varieties of crops such as millets. “Farming is the largest private sector enterprise in the world” said Prof Swaminathan “and with the largest number of youth in the world in India, we need to give greater emphasis on productivity in farming to attract more youth.”

Vice-President, NAAS, Dr P L Gautam, said the recommendations

from this symposium would provide a roadmap to increase productivity in agriculture and move towards an “evergreen revolution”. There was limited research and technological improvement in crops such as millets, leading to their decline over the years.

Professor Nagarajan, Advisor LANSA-MSSRF linked the social and development issues in some of the most vulnerable regions of India, to hunger. “We need to invest in technology, we need to invest in small farmers and we need to ensure de-centralized and easy access to techniques for greater productivity.”

Dr Ajay Parida, Convenor, Chennai Chapter of NAAS, said this body consisted of unique individuals who had made notable contribution to science and technology and called upon more young scientists to join the fraternity of NAAS through significant work and research.

MSSRF in collaboration with Centre for Development Innovation (CDI), Wageningen University, the Netherlands, organized The International Course on Plant Genetic Research Resources and Seeds between 27 October 14 November, 2014 in the Jeypore and Chennai centres of the Foundation. This is the 6th edition of the programme that has been happening since 2009.

The major objectives of the course are to enhance participants’ capabilities to associate Community Biodiversity Management [CBM] as integrated strategies for managing Plant Genetic Resources for the Food and Agriculture [PGRFA] and building community resilience towards climate change.

The programme pays special attention to participatory and multi-stakeholder approaches, and places CBM into relevant local, national and international policy

Plant Genetic Resource course to combat Climate Change

and occupational hazards of the people working there. The issue of salt workers for instance, who face so many health issues, has now been noticed by the Tamil Nadu Government thanks to our intervention and they have been brought under the Chief Minister’s Health Insurance scheme.”

Participants said, the most pressing need in the context of increased awareness over ‘Clean India’, was concern over the pollution levels along the coastal and marine environment, specifically with regard to waste disposal.Dr. Mahesh Zingde Former Chief Scientist, NIO said ,“institutional and management capacities for waste and sewage disposal and management should be given priority”.

The two-day meeting brought together stakeholders on one platform to outline current status of coastal zone management and document their suggestions and recommendations for future developmental planning for coastal areas.

contexts.As part of this programme

a community seed fair was also organized at Jeypore on 2nd November, 2014. Over 168 farm families including 234 farmers from 20 villages of 4 Gram panchayats of Kundra block participated. These farm families belong to 6 tribal communities Bhatra, Bhumia, Durua, Penthia, Paroja and Kandha. The programme was inaugurated by Mr. Hugo Lamers of Bioversity International, New Delhi.

Seeds of 152 landraces with more than 1500 samples of different crops like cereals, pseudo cereals, legumes, minor millets, oil seeds, vegetables, spices, tubers, fruits and nuts were exhibited by these farm families. There was informal seed exchange between the farmers during this fair. Village-wise diversity of crops was evaluated by a panel and prizes were awarded to the three best villages

Participants at the Plant Genetic Resources course

Pic courtesy: Presentation by Dr Mahesh D Zingde

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Best Child Village Award for Vinayagampet

Plant Clinics address Farm Diseases

Recipients of Equator Initiative Award organize AGM of their Society

Vinayagampet, the village adopted by M. S. Swaminathan Research Foundation under the Biovillage Programme, received the ‘’Best Child Village Award’’ in Union Territory of Puducherry, for its “Holistic Development and Child Friendly Nature”. This award is promoted by students / alumni, of Pondicherry Engineering College and Pondicherry University, through their network - MUGHIL. The recognition carries a Cash

Award of Rs. 10,000/, which the Vinayagampet Bio Village Development Committee (VBDC), received.

Explaining the process, Dr Vidya Ramkumar, Co-Ordintor, Biovillage Programme, MSSRF, says “When the award was called for, the Biovillage Team intimated the VBDC and they applied for the award. On receiving the application, a team came to the Vinayagampet Village, to review the activities.

Time to smile for children of Vinayagampet

They conducted interviews and focus group discussions with the VBDC, Villagers and Children at the Tuition centres and took photographs and video, as documentary evidence.”

The Selection was based on the criteria:

❏ promoting child-friendly atmosphere,

❏ the effort of enrolling six ‘drop outs’ to ‘’Back to School’ program,

❏ providing infrastructure and administration support to the Govt. Primary school in the village,

❏ creating awareness on use of toilets and dustbins in the Govt Primary School,

❏ promoting active participation of Parents Teachers Association and School Management Committee,

The Panchabati Grama Unnayan Samiti (PGUS) that received the Equator Initiative Award 2002 at Johannesburg, South Africa has the main aim of conserving biodiversity and improving socio economic condition of tribal communities.

PGUS is present in 16 villages in three blocks of Koraput district and covering 4500 households. The Annual General body Meeting (AGM) of PGUS was held in 23rd December 2014, in which 43 men

MSSRF in collaboration with CABI South Asia- India organizes Plant Clinics in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Odisha and Maharashtra to create durable plant health systems for small holder farmers. Plant clinics function with precision and accuracy similar to human surgeries.

The clinics provide precise, diagnostic, and advisory services for plant diseases and spread awareness about judicious use of pesticides and locally available field inputs.

The event also helps farmers interact with a team of “plant doctors” and get a better understanding about controlling farm diseases, pest attacks and improve yields. MSSRF also exhibits season-based validated content and spreads awareness about the use and impact of plant clinic services.

Plant clinics are a sustainable pathway for developing a community-based plant health care system that results in food security and improved livelihoods of smallholder farmers.

❏ opening of Tuition Centres - for 127 students (since 90% parents are illiterate and the students’ needed educational support),

❏ VKC - computer literacy programme,

❏ family counselling for a secured child friendly atmosphere,

❏ and installation of 39 Street Lights – which not only contributed to the safety of children but which were also used by some children to study!

On December 20, 2014, Vinayagampet Villagers received the Award.

It is not only a proud moment for the villagers, but an indication that with just a little support like what MSSRF had provided, communities can move ahead a long way expanding their capabilities, providing a safer environment for children and adults.

and 42 women participated. The main agenda was election of a new Governing Body, preparation of annual work plan, formation of advisory committee and membership contribution.

Facilitators also explained the importance of the AGM and the roles and responsibility of Governing Body members.

Mr. Surendra Pradhani, Secretary of PGUS presented the annual progress report and Mr.

Susanta presented the annual work plan with budget.

EC members and office bearers and Advisory committee members for PGUS were elected. Mr. Dhana Gadaba (President) and Mr. Surendra Pradhani (Secretary) were elected as new office bearers.

Further the meeting also paved way to work out the annual action plan of PGUS in detail using available resource as well as by mobilizing resources from District

administration. The advisory committee

members will meet once in six months and the chairperson to chair subsequent meetings will be identified by advisory committee members among themselves.

The progress of PGUS is a welcome indication of grassroots institutions strengthening their structure and moving towards progress.

PARAB Festival at Odisha

‘PARAB’ is a ritual-based chain of festivals which was being celebrated traditionally by the tribals of Koraput in Odisha throughout the year. It was the innovative idea of Collector Mr. Sanjeev Chopra, to celebrate it as a mega cultural event. The most important objective of PARAB is to promote hidden talents of tribal people in cultural activities, games, sports etc. through multivarious competitions. Since 1996 the District Council of Culture (DCC) has been organizing ‘PARAB’ as a grand event. Both Government and Non-Government organasitions from various states, art-lovers,

sportsmen, cultural troupes and poets participate in this event. The main district level function at Koraput is conducted, usually from 16th to 19th November. Prior to PARAB

On the field, for the field: Plant Clinic in progress

A colourful welcome by youth at the Parab festival

many other local level events like - Natyotsav, Football tournament, Kabadi, archery competitions etc. are held.

The main attraction of the mega festival are - Pallishree Mela, Art craft Mela and Poet’s meet. Now PARAB has not only become the festival of the local tribal people, but also the state festival of Odisha. MSSRF is participating in this event since 2001, where we showcase various achievements, research models etc. benefitting a large number of visitors and facilitate sales of products by the tribal communities.

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Best Extension Professional Award for MSSRF Scientist

Dr.Smitha K.P, Senior Scientist, Community Agrobiodiversity Centre, MSSRF has been conferred with the prestigious Best Extension Professional Award 2014 by the Society of Extension Education, Agra and ICAR Research Complex, Meghalaya, for her contribution

in building knowledge capacity of resource poor farmers in Kerala. Dr. Smitha’s efforts were instrumental in improving the farm productivity and income of the poor farmers in Kerala especially in Wayanad district through a sustainable agricultural methods and practices.

Policy Interventions to empower “Kurichya” Family Farmers in Wayanad

Wayanad Senior Scientist Prajeesh participates in PVP course, Netherlands

Ms. T.R Suma, Scientist, Community Agro biodiversity Centre, Wayanad conducted a research study with funding support from International Land Coalition. The study was undertaken in the context of wider commitment to promote the year 2014 as International Year of Family Farming (IYFF). The International Land Coalition has supported a

Prajeesh Parameswaran, Senior Scientist at MSSRF’s Wayanad Centre, participated in a Plant Variety Protection hosted by Centre for Development Innovation, Wageningen UR and Naktuinbouw, The Netherlands during 2014. This Course is being organized in Wageningen since 1997.

During Prajeesh’s participation, the course opened doors to participants to PVP systems in 14 countries for presentations and discussions.

The officials of International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV), Community Plant Variety Office (CPVO), Netherlands Ministry of Economics, Agriculture and Innovation, The Netherlands Plant Variety Board, Naktuinbow (Variety Testing Centre for Plant

global research project on “Family Farming and People-Centred Land Governance: Exploring Linkages, Sharing Experiences, and Identifying Gaps”. The research grant was awarded among seven civil society and research organisations, through an open call, globally.

The study titled ‘Research on land governance system of

Breeders’ Rights in Netherlands), Plantum, The Dutch association for the plant reproduction material sector and the leading florists of Netherlands handled the sessions.

Prajeesh Parameswaran also made use of the opportunity to complete the UPOV Distance Learning Course ‘Introduction to the UPOV System of Plant Variety Protection under the UPOV Convention’. His participation was fully covered by the Netherlands Fellowship Program.

The course content helped participants get introduced to PVP systems in different parts of the world. It covered legal, institutional, technical and implementation aspects of Plant Variety Protection and Plant Breeders’ Rights. Though the course aimed to facilitate introduction of plant variety

Kurichya family farmers of south India to advocate for policy changes in family farming’ was conducted in Wayanad district. It emphasises the need for developing ecosystem-based decentralized land management policies for ensuring food security with the case of Kurichya community. The study explores linkages between family farming and land governance with reference to the Kurichya joint family system and suggests policy level recommendations and changes required in the role of different actors to upscale the positive aspects of their unique agricultural management practices.

The research findings explain how the pluralistic governance systems of the Kurichya have changed in response to environmental and political conditions and how they can

protection in countries where legislation is being developed, or has been passed, it was useful for a participant from India where the PVP and Farmers’ Rights system is in place. Prof Swaminathan and MSSRF had played a major role in preparing the draft of this Act in India.

be rendered powerless by the intervention of the centralised state and its governance mechanisms.

The study finds that the community failed to develop its mode of subsistence farming into an economic activity and many Kurichya became labourers in the new economy. The political situation could not help their use of traditionally owned resource bases of land and biodiversity for their livelihoods. The study also notes that women have been relegated to less privileged positions within the community with diminished power in wider society.

The recommendation is for political attention and interventions to create space for communities such as Kurichya by integrating their subsistence production and governance systems into state governance structures.

This training contributed towards Prajeesh’s involvement and contribution for the seed fest programme and farmers’ awareness programmes conducted by MSSRF. He also feels this was an eye opener on developments in European countries in the area of breeders’ rights.

Barter system prevails inPoompuharFor someone who lives in 21st century, barter system (Exchanging

things for things) can be a quaint idea that only existed generations before. But inMadathammal’s petty shop you may even get your mobile recharged for a pound of fish. Madathammal, a native fisherwoman of Poompuhar practices barter system for the last 30 years. In her make shift shop, she has cool drinks, bakery items, boiled tubers, fruits and items like Vada, Idly, Murukku etc. , and even cell phone recharge cards!

Fishers who venture out to sea early by 2.am, return with their catches, come to Madathammal’s shop and eat whatever they want. In return, they give her a quantity of fresh fish, not money !. Madathammal sells the fishes to people and makes money. She even sort the fish and sell them as fresh fish , dry fish and even trash fish sold for poultry feed.

Thus, barter system still prevails even in 21th Century- practiced by the friendly fisherwoman Madathammal !

Mr. S P Shanthakumar, Scientist working under biotechnology at MSSRF, Chennai has been awarded Ph. D in Agriculture entomology for his thesis titled “Agriculture entomology; Insect Breeding and Insect pathology and Biological control of insect”.

Ph D award for MSSRF Scientist

Participants at the PVP course

Dr Smitha receiving the award

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Mother Teresa Award to Sanitation Movement Man : Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak

“We should join hands with the our Prime Minister who ignited the candle of cleanliness among Indians to make India clean and free from defecation in the open, with all the might and resources. Be civilized, be cultured, be clean to make India clean and standout in the row of civilized, cultured and clean nations”, observed Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak, while receiving the Mother Teresa Award 2014 from Prof. M.S. Swaminathan at

a function organized by Indian Development Foundation (IDF) at MSSRF Chennai on 27th of October 2014.

Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak, founder of Sulabh International was conferred with the prestigious Mother Teresa Memorial Award 2014 for his five decades of relentless contributions to India’s sanitation, health and hygiene movement.

‘It gives me immense pleasure to receive an honour in the name

of Mother Teresa, who set a sterling example for serving the sick and needy. The efforts of IDF in enlisting people’s participation and support for national health and development programs are noteworthy’ he added.

Prof. M S Swaminathan, former winner of the Award in 2010, paid glowing tributes to Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak for his historic contribution to the national sanitation programmes. Dr. Pathak’s great

“Soulfull” Ragi gives a new flavour to health

‘Ragi’, all along considered to be a poor man’s diet, has now been given the flavour and soul so that anybody can enjoy this highly nutritious cereal in a way they wish to consume it. Kottaram Agro has packaged the humble Ragi into tasty, delicious, healthy, breakfast options.

Citing health benefits that can be obtained on regular consumption of Ragi, during the launch of millet based products brand “Soulfull” in Chennai, Prof. M.S. Swaminathan, said, “Through consistent policy advocacy, the Indian Food Security Act now provides for enlargement of the food basket under the Public Distribution System (PDS) by including a wide range of millets like ragi, as well as maize, sorghum, pearl millet (bajra) etc. The need of the hour is for nutrition literacy, where people from all segments of society understand the benefits of millets. When this happens, the consumption of millets would enable the movement towards both food and nutrition security, and lead us towards achieving the Zero Hunger Challenge. We must

soon have more retail companies providing various categories of health foods like Ragi, in a more palatable form,” he added.

Mr. Prashant Parameswaran, Managing Director, Kottaram Agro who conceptualized and launched Ragi in up-market formats, said “India is a young nation, and trends have shown an increased awareness about health and nutrition. “Soulfull” wants to make a mark by providing a good combination of breakfast innovations with focus on health.”

Farmers from Kolli Hills, Tamil Nadu who have been traditionally producing millets also exhibited their value additions under the “KhabcoFed” co-operative brand with snacks such as Ragi Murukku (a salty snack) and Thinai Laddoo (a sweet) besides ragi malt and other innovations. The focus as Professor Swaminathan emphasized is to ensure that it is not only the urban consumber who benefits from health, but also the poorer communities who also need nutritious products in more interesting formats.

“Studies reveals that a considerable amount flora and fauna in our country are critically endangered and over the years a massive extinction has been witnessed among the different species of mammals, birds , animals and plants”, said K Rosiah, Governor, Tamil Nadu while inaugurating the 3rd Indian Biodiversity Congress at SRM University.

The three day conference focusing on biodiversity for poverty alleviation was organized by the Centre for Innovation in Science and Social Actions, Thiruvananthapuram and CPR Environmental Education Centre, Chennai, along with School of Public Health, SRM University, Chennai and Navdanya, New Delhi. The event was held from on 18-20 December 2014.

Dwelling upon the pathetic condition of rivers, lakes and coastal lands in our country, Shri K. Rosiah urged for strengthening political support and policy implementation to ensure the cultural ethos and enshrine the biodiversity.

Dr G.G .Gangatharan, President, CISSA, said that the “Future of the globe has become a serious threat due to extremism happening in the environment. Farmers, tribals and local people are the actual stake holders of the biodiversity and we need to recognize their

Combating environmental extremism - Biodiversity Congress

initiatives in sanitation technology will spearhead the national Clean India movement, he observed.

Dr. A.R.K. Pillai, founder President of IDF said that IDF has been working for the improvement of health, education of the deprived children and empowerment of women, belonging to lower economic strata. “In the course of our varied activities in the social field, it has also been our resolve to locate gems of human beings who have outlived the dimensions of normal life and served humanity all through their lives” he added.

Dr. V. Shanta, Chairperson, Adyar Cancer Institute - Shri M. B. Nirmal, Founder, Exnora International - Dr. Jasintha Quadras, Principal, Stella Maris College, Chennai - Shri P. Ravi, Regional Director, National Institute of Open Schooling and Prof. K. J. Nath, President, Institution of Public Health Engineers, also spoke at the function.

role in conserving bio happiness. Irrespective of their ideologies all political parties should join in hands to achieve food security and development at any cost has to be questioned, he added.

Over 750 delegates made presentations on varied topics including climate change and food security, unanimously calling for a massive awakening from the nation as a whole to protect bio-treasure. Dr V. Arivudai Nambi, Director, Biodiversity MSSRF, in his presentation on Agro-biodiversity for food security, stressed for promoting in-situ conservation and use of agro-biodiversity.

“We need to Support for agro-biodiversity-nutrition sensitive agriculture that is linked to increased dietary diversity among the rural and urban populations. Temples and public institutions including universities may be involved in in-situ and ex-situ conservation efforts said, Dr Nambi.

MSSRF participated in the biodiversity expo held at the programme venue displaying various reading materials, journals, and handicrafts to create awareness about the various programme areas and projects of the Foundation. It also used the platform to promote millet-based products made by the farmers from Kolli Hills, Nammakkal.

Delegates at the award function

Launch function of Soulfull held at MSSRF

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Public policy and Green revolution

LANSA Technology Platform and Stake holder meeting

Describing the consecutive droughts , near famine conditions and political compulsions that existed in the middle of 19th Century as the reasons for the birth of Green Revolution, T.N.Srinivasan, Prof of Economics, Yale University, dug into the pros and cons of the phenomenon that saved India from an extreme poverty and crisis during the mid 1960s. Prof. Srinivasan was delivering a Millennium Lecture on the topic, Technology and Public Policy Interaction: The Green Revolution, held at MSSRF.

The result of green revolution, according to Prof. Srinivasan, was a boost in agricultural output, increasing yield per hectare, diffusion of high yielding variety cultivation to wider areas and cultivation of crops other than rice and wheat. Apart from these the revolution witnessed the emergence of a farmers lobby and a fundamental shift from protective to productive irrigation and greater production for markets.

The Second Knowledge and Technology Platform Meeting of LANSA consortium (for which MSSRF is the lead partner) was organised at Bhubaneswar in November 2014 to seek guidance and support from Research Institutes, the Odisha Government and academics. The Meeting was chaired by Prof. M.S. Swaminathan. Dr. Ajay Parida, Executive Director, MSSRF, Dr. R.S. Gopalan, Director Agriculture, Govt. of Odisha, Dr.D.P Ray, former Vivce Chancellor, OUAT and Dr. V.P. Singh spoke on the occasion.

The second Stakeholder Consultation for the FSN study was

He attributed the success of green revolution to the technology, public policies and enthusiasm of farmers. However, citing the economical and environmental distortions caused by the Green Revolution Prof. Srinivasan said that “the revolution resulted in fiscal deficit and multiple markets with distorted prices that adversely affected the economy.

“The technology needs to be reached to the farmers and the government should encourage farmers and institutions who are working into the genetically modified (GM) crops. Farmers

convened by MSSRF, at Jeypore, Koraput on 20th Dec 2014. Dr. Ajay Parida, Executive Director, MSSRF presided over the meeting and representatives from research institutions, community and media participated in the event. 33 participants from line departments, NGOS, research institutes, ICAR, PRIs and community participated in the consultation.

Publications titled “Entitlement Pass Book” and a brochure of LANSA (in Odia) were released by Dr Ajay Parida and received by the community representative Ms Champa Khara.

need to be given an opportunity to experiment” added, Prof. Srinivasan.

Replying to a question arouse among the audience about the Green Revolution 2.0, he said that “Policy support is crucial for the innovations in agricultural sector but at the same time public policies enacted without considering the long term consequences may cause more harm than gain”.

The Millennium lecture was attended by more than 60 participants including Scientists , Academicians, Students and Journalists.

The Earthen Highway

The Earthen Highway is a novel venture of MSSRF through IEC, that promotes conscious consumerism by realizing the small dreams of creative, hardworking, and enterprising rural farmers and producers across India.

Organic handmade soaps and oils, traditional Kalajeera rice, hygienically handled dry fish products, home-made fragrant incense sticks, delicious podis and pickles are some of the products sold through this platform.

“Earthen Highway brought a relief for small farmers like me, as it gives us a platform to produce and sell different kinds of handmade products. It helps us generate additional income for our families. We also use the value added products made from fish and millets for personal consumption as they are tasty and nutritionally rich”, says Vijaya, farmer and entrepreneur from Kolli Hills.

Food Availability in Households of Young Children (Upto 3 Years) in Three Tribal Villages of Odisha

A one year study was undertaken in three tribal villages in Koraput district of Odisha, to understand the food availability situation in households of children upto three years. The study mapped the food items available in the households, their sources, seasonal variations and strategies for augmenting food supply. Eighty per cent of the households were small and marginal farmers. Fifty five food items were reported throughout the year and eight food sources. Major dependency for food was on agricultural land, public distribution system and markets while landless households also utilized community initiated grain banks. About 50% of households had ration cards. Rice was available throughout in all households. Ragi was available in more than 80% and 68% of households respectively for six months each.

Lentil was available in 68 - 80% of households, throughout the year, but purchased from market, since pulse cultivation was not a viable opotion. Animal foods and fruits were consumed rarely. Drumstick leaf was available for 7 months in a year, while potatoes, onions and tomatoes purchased from market were available throughout. Small farmer households showed significantly higher number of food items. Maximum number of food items were available in winter, soon after harvest. There was no starvation. More than 50% of households reported availability of four food groups including animal food. Universal PDS, supply of ragi, a pulses and essential oil through the PDS, alongwith livelihood initiatives and improved agricultural technologies are suggested policy measures for improving dietary diversity.

Prof T N Srinivasan at the lecture

Community representatives receive publication copies

Printed and Published by M S Swaminathan Research Foundation, Taramani, Chennai 113. All rights reserved. Editor: B JayashreeEditorial Support: A Mansoor, Aparna Narayanan Design: K PrabakarEditorial inputs from all Programme Teams, MSSRF

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“Payanam” series on Thanthi TV travels with MSSRF through rural India

A refreshing journey through rural landscape, meeting with communities and learning more about their lives and agriculture is Thanthi TV’s new show “Payanam- via forest and field”. Through the travels of the camera and the team, the show captures the impact of agriculture, change and innovation in each of the places it moves to.

The series that went on air from the 11th of January, is aired every Sunday at 2 pm with repeat telecasts during the week as well. Filmed in partnership with MSSRF, the show has been directed by Damayanthi, a well-known writer who works with Thanthi TV. MSSRF programme and site heads have worked closely with the HMRC to support content

for filming each episode. According to Mr R R Pandey,

Chief News Editor, Thanthi TV, “Though mainstream current affairs channels don’t speak out loudly on agricultural or environmental themes, many issues spoken there do have such backdrops. While focusing mainly on agriculture, the new techniques involved and environment has to be given in a thoroughly different format with visual excellence and aesthetic package.”

Moving away from the regular format of a news-based show, “Payanam” steps back to make each episode, lively and informative, using the travel or the journey as a base for unravelling the story of each community member and their work, in relation to each topic.

“The travelogue format has been the distinct difference seaming various elements on agriculture,

environment, gender & techniques. The camera has been the traveler along with Anchor (Arvind) who registers his reflections,” says Mr Pandey.

Accompanied by striking camera work by Jones Raja of Thanthi TV that captures the beauty in each terrain, the commentary and inputs on innovation and change make for a compelling show. The show is not backed by a corporate sponsorship, with Thanthi TV shouldering the production costs. Asked about this approach, the News Editor responds that the goal is more important and the effort is to take agriculture and environment to the public in an era when people are slowly losing their rural connect.

“Payanam” is indeed a rare combination of development in relation to agriculture being focussed on mainstream media.

❏ Fitzwilliam College, University of Cambridge confers Honorary Fellowship to Prof. M S Swaminathan

❏ School of Agricultural Science in Odisha is named as Swaminathan School of Agricultural Science

❏ Prof.M S Swaminathan spoke at the prestigious Indian National Association for the Club of Rome held at New Delhi on 30 October, 2014. The Conference addressed the urgent need for coherence in policies and action to secure food for all.

❏ Professor M S Swaminathan has been honoured by the University of Minnesota with Doctor of Science award for his work in developing new varieties of wheat and rice and working hand in hand with farmers.

❏ Kalinga Institution of Technology (KIIT) Odisha conferred Prof. M S Swaminathan with a Degree of Doctor of Science for his contribution towards helping farmers and tribals in the remote villages of India and development of sustainable agriculture through his scientific research.

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M S Swaminathan Research Foundation3rd Cross Street, Institutional Area, Taramani, Chennai 600 113, IndiaTel: +91 (44) 22541229, 1698www.mssrf.org

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