The M. S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF) was established in 1988 as a not-for-profit trust. MSSRF was envisioned and founded by Professor M. S. Swaminathan. The Foundation aims to accelerate use of modern science for agricultural and rural development for development and dissemination of technology to improve lives and livelihoods of tribal and rural communities. MSSRF follows a pro-poor, pro-women and pro-nature approach and applies appropriate science and technology options to address practical problems faced by rural populations in agriculture, food and nutrition.
The Foundation works in the areas of Natural Resource Management, Biodiversity, Biotechnology, Food, Nutrition and Livelihood Security and Skill and Capacity Development using modern Information and Communication Technologies. MSSRF is present in six states of India.