Biotechnology

Home > Our Work > Programme Areas > Cross-Cutting Themes > Technology > Biotechnology

Biotechnology

Our Biotechnology Programme is pioneering solutions for the future of agriculture. Through cutting-edge research in climate-resilient crops, nutri-rich plants, and plant microbiomes, we empower farmers to thrive in changing climates while improving nutrition security. Our work bridges science and society, by translating lab discoveries into meaningful, real-world sustainable farming practices. Explore how biotechnology is driving the next green revolution at MSSRF.

Vision and Mission

This programme envisions enhancing crop resilience to abiotic and biotic stresses, improving yields, and promoting sustainable agriculture and nutritional security. Its mission is to apply advanced biotechnology to create climate-smart, nutrient-dense crops, expand agrobiodiversity, and develop microbial solutions to anticipate climate change and address chronic malnutrition.

Programme Overview

The Biotechnology Programme at the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF) is dedicated to strategic and anticipatory research that harnesses cutting-edge biotechnological tools to address today’s agricultural challenges. By generating innovative knowledge and products, the programme supports farmers with eco-friendly, science-based solutions that improve crop resilience, nutrition, and sustainable agricultural practices.

Goals and Focus Areas

Our key goals include:

Increasing crop productivity under abiotic stress conditions.

Developing climate-resilient, nutrient-rich next-generation crops through genome engineering.

Enhancing the agrobiodiversity knowledge base.

Bridging agriculture and nutrition by leveraging nutri-rich plants.

Understanding plant-microbe interactions in the rhizosphere.

Building soil and plant microbiome datasets for sustainable agriculture.

Improving soil nutrient management via microbial innovations

The programme applies molecular biology, bioinformatics, plant breeding, and genome engineering to improve crop stress tolerance and nutrient content. It also conserves nutri-rich plants and disseminates quality planting material to small farmers, supporting both agricultural and nutritional goals.

Our Core Research Themes:

Next-Generation Climate-Smart Crops

Genetic Garden of Nutri-Rich Plants

Microbiome and Microbial Products for Sustainable Agriculture

Scientific Outreach and Education

1. Next-Generation Climate-Smart Crops

Starting with mangrove genetic research, we now identify local crop varieties that naturally tolerate climate stresses. Using genomics, proteomics, and genome engineering, we create crops that thrive even under tough conditions and deliver better nutrition.

2. Genetic Garden of Nutri-Rich Plants

Our "genetic garden" preserves diverse, biofortified crops that help combat malnutrition. It encourages farmers and communities to grow and consume more nutritious, balanced diets, creating healthier societies.

3. Microbiome and Microbial Products for Sustainable Agriculture

We study soil and plant microbiomes to develop eco-friendly solutions like biofertilizers and biopesticides. These technologies improve soil health, support sustainable farming practices, and help farmers reduce dependency on chemicals.

4. Scientific Outreach and Education

Through hands-on training, we equip graduate students and researchers with advanced biotechnology skills. Our "Every Child A Scientist" (ECAS) programme sparks scientific curiosity among school children using modern digital tools and interactive learning, building the next generation of STEM leaders.

Research Impact

Over the past three decades, MSSRF’s biotechnology programme has developed strong national and international collaborations, and yielded rich academic dividends. Our lab-to-field research has made eco-friendly, scientifically validated agricultural innovations accessible to small and marginal farmers. Some milestones:

100+ PhDs in biotechnology awarded through partnerships with the University of Madras.
Nearly 170 peer-reviewed articles published in leading journals.
Proven success in translating lab research into practical, field-ready solutions.
Strong collaborations with national and international scientific research networks.

Overall, MSSRF’s Biotechnology Programme integrates advanced science, farmer-centric solutions, and education to create a robust, sustainable model for future agriculture and nutrition security.