This was the advice of Hippocrates given as early as 370 BC. This was the theme for the Borlaug Symposium held this month at Des Moines, Iowa State, US on the occasion of the award of the World Food Prize to a group of four scientists who were involved in the biofortification of sweet potato. The biofortified sweet potato, rich in vitamin A, became an important tool for the eradication of vitamin A deficiency in the diet of the people in several countries of East Africa and Latin America.

On the basis of my suggestion, a few years ago, the Government of India, Ministry of External Affairs decided to extend support to Myanmar in the following two project

In the context of high levels of malnutrition facing the world due to wars, natural disasters and climate change, what is the signifciance of UN agencies and what role can they play? October 24 is designated as UN Day. Professor Swaminathan speaks about the relevance of this day.

“Shetkari Mitra” (farmers’ friend) a whatsapp group in Yavatmal, Maharashtra, is becoming a popular method for sharing information on agriculture. M. S. Swaminathan Research Foundation’s Village Resource Centre, created this group with over 130 farmers from different villages, who use Whatsapp. Through this group, information is shared on agriculture, marketing, animal husbandry and government schemes.

The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) has identified a credit potential of Rs. 1.91 lakh crore for Tamil Nadu.

The Board of Trustees of the M S Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF) has appointed Dr V Selvam as the Foundation’s new Executive Director with effect from February 15, 2016.

M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation in collaboration with the KIIT University, SRM University and Rajiv Gandhi National Institute of Youth Development has rescheduled the 7th Indian Youth Science Congress for 26 - 28 February, 2016 at KIIT University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha.

One of our great blessings is the adherence to secular democracy expressed through our Parliament. Unfortunately off late disruptions of Parliamentary work are becoming more frequent as often pointed out by our Rashtrapati.

New Species Identified by MSSRF adds fillip to biodiversity conservation. Dendrobium anilii (Orchidaceae), a new species from the Southern Western Ghats, India has been identified adding fillip to M S Swaminathan Research Foundation’s contribution to the study of Angiosperm plant diversity. The new species identified by MSSRF staffer P M Salim has been named in recognition of Dr N Anil Kumar Director, MSSRF’s Biodiversity programme. Dr Anil has contributed to conservation of a number of species for over two decades.

On 13th October the King of Thailand Bhumibol Adulyadej passed away. He was a much loved President and was a stabilising force in Thailand.

Most of the media reports relating to farmers and farming in our country usually relate to agrarian distress and farmer suicides.

We are currently in the midst of Make in India week (13-18 February 2016) This is a welcome revival of the Swadeshi Approach of Mahatma Gandhi of which the Charka and Khadi became the most powerful symbols.