The M S Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF)1 is a not for-profit organisation set up in 1988 to work for sustainable and equitable rural development. The Foundation's approach is to harness modern science and technology to improve the lives and livelihoods of tribal and rural communities. Towards this end, MSSRF undertakes participatory and anticipatory research for sustainable development in partnership with local communities, leveraging support from other knowledge based institutions and public and private sector organisations.