Partners in India

M.S.SWAMINATHAN RESEARCH FOUNDATION (MSSRF)
During the last 21 years, the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF) has been instrumental in designing and implementng projects relating to sustainable livelihoods and technology development. MSSRF initiatives have not only brought about the successful transition of village agricultural systems but have also touched the lives of the most vulnerable sections of society. Under the able guidance of Prof. M.S. Swaminathan, the institution advocates pro-nature, pro-poor, pro-women and pro-sustainable livelihood options.

MSSRF leads the climate and environment research theme for PISCES. The theme focuses on the tripartite relationship of bioenergy, climate change adaptation and rural livelihood. Energy is a critical ingredient in strengthening vulnerability towards climate change. MSSRF’s research recognises bioenergy as a critical entry point in building climate resilience in local communities, and has adopted case study research to draw out the links between livelihoods and bioenergy.
MSSRF has been actively engaged in influencing bioenergy policy in state of Tamil Nadu. MSSRF spearheads the Policy Working Group for the state, and is working towards strengthening the existing policy environment towards more sustainable bioenergy policies.

KEY PROJECTS
Selected ongoing small-scale bioenergy initiatives in India are being taken up for detailed study as part of the PISCES project. The case studies have been selected across agro-climatic zones, biomass feedstocks, socioeconomic set up and level of socio-technical composition. This enables MSSRF to look into the multiple influences energy has on livelihoods and the resulting tradeoffs from different energy choices.

The case study undertaken in Punjab identifies Eucalyptus plantation in the waterlogged and saline agricultural land as an adaptation action which caters to the feedstock demand of a megawatt scaled biomass power plant. The power facility has triggered a cascading effect by promoting social entrepreneurship, effective land management and improved access to electricity to rural households.

The Saran gasifier case study in Bihar underlines marginal land management through energy plantation as a way out for electricity deprived paddy farmers. Sesbania plantation in the marginal land and subsequent use in a kilowatt scale gasifier provided farmers the opportunity of irrigation thus enhancing the likelihood of enhanced agricultural productivity.

In Rayagada district, tribal agricultural land is being converted to Jatropha block plantation. The case study conducted here highlights the tradeoffs of land use change on farm income resulting from non-responsive Jatropha. In addition, the study points out exasperated climate vulnerability of tribals because of land resource locked up in Jatropha and impacts on agricultural crop diversity.

Apart from subsistence agriculture, bamboo based small- and medium-scale enterprises cater to the multiple needs of locals in Nagaland. Bamboo charcoal making for domestic and small businesses has been prevalent. Gregarious bamboo flowering tends to harm bamboo enterprise but Nagaland Bamboo Development Authority has come up with regulated and improved charcoal making system. The case study identifies immediate harvest of flowered bamboo before seeding; technology guided charcoal making and marketing as adaptation options.