C-CAMP and MSSRF launch RAIN programme to boost rural agricultural innovation

New Delhi: In a significant development for India’s agricultural sector, the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms (C-CAMP) and the M S Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to launch the Rural Agriculture Innovation Programme (RAIN). 

RAIN is designed to foster agricultural innovation and entrepreneurship, aiming to bolster India’s food security and promote sustainable practices in agriculture. The initiative focuses on providing technologies for on-farm sustainable agriculture, enhancing production and quality control, and aiding farmers in diversifying their opportunities and adding value in line with global standards. 

The program primarily focuses on small and marginalized farmers, particularly women, who contribute 60-90% of the world’s rice cultivation. It also supports women-led fisheries enterprises to maintain sustainable yields, which are increasingly threatened by climate change. With climate change impacting yields, RAIN seeks to support these communities by offering solutions that address local challenges and improve agricultural productivity.

Dr. Taslimarif Saiyed, Director-CEO of C-CAMP highlighted, “Agriculture and climate are closely interlinked. Due to climate change large parts of the world are becoming food insecure. RAIN with MSSRF comes at this crucial time so that we can build a joint innovation programme in India especially for the vulnerable communities in various ecologies in India, whether it be coastal, or small and marginalised farmers who will benefit from switching crops, etc. The aim is to increase agricultural productivity; identifying rural innovations; increased income for smallholder farmers; women empowerment in agriculture; and foremost local solutions to address local or micro pain points.”

Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, Chairperson of MSSRF expressed, “Delighted to sign an MoU with C-CAMP, a real star in the innovation ecosystem. We will jointly work on the RAIN programme focusing on solving problems of small & marginal farmers through a science-based approach.”

The RAIN initiative will begin with a four-fold focus on eco-harmony, which involves innovations in soil health and biodiversity; harvest-secure methods to minimize produce wastage; climate resilience strategies to withstand agricultural challenges; and cleantech and sanitation to enhance environmental and health standards. 

Additionally, C-CAMP and MSSRF plan to collaborate at the Centre of Excellence for Agri Innovation, supported by the Government of Karnataka, and exchange technical and field support for validating technologies that are culturally suited to target areas. They will also launch a joint call for innovations in food, agriculture, pisciculture, animal husbandry, and related fields.

The partners are considering expanding the program to other states such as Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, and Kerala, and exploring CSR or public-private partnership opportunities to further their reach. 

C-CAMP’s Centre of Excellence for Agri Innovation (Agri CoE) has fostered over 60 innovations, with several advancing to the product stage. A key aspect of the joint program is to implement these products with local farmer groups, promoting the adoption of technology for sustainable agriculture, alternative livelihoods, enhanced biodiversity, and agroforestry.

The agreement was formalized by Dr. Taslimarif Saiyed, Director-CEO of C-CAMP, and Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, Chairperson of MSSRF and former Chief Scientist at the WHO, with notable attendees including Shrikumar Suryanarayan, Chairman & MD of Sea6 Energy & former Director of Association of Biotechnology Led Enterprises (ABLE) and K.K. Narayanan, Founder and Director of Sthayika Seeds & and Former MD, Tata Group’s Metahelix Life Sciences.