P. Pechiyammal of Ramanathapuram and Govindhammal of Villupuram received the Dr. M.S. Swaminathan Award for Environment Protection 2026 in Chennai.
Pechiyammal was honoured for removing abandoned fishing nets to protect marine life and coral reefs, and Govindhammal for promoting organic and climate-resilient farming and strengthening Farmer Producer Companies. The award, instituted by the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF) with CavinKare and the Rotary Club of Madras East, recognises grassroots environmental work.