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Author: dmedina

Progressive development: preparing women for employment in agriculture-based light engineering

CIMMYT’s CSISA-MEA initiative, supported by USAID’s Feed the Future, is transforming the role of women in Bangladesh’s agricultural engineering sector. By providing technical training, such as sand molding and machine operation, the program has improved employment opportunities and fostered safer, more inclusive work environments for women. Success stories like Mita Khatun’s highlight the positive shift from informal to semi-formal employment, showcasing CIMMYT’s commitment to gender equity and economic empowerment in agriculture.

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Enhancing food security and income for smallholder farmers in Angola

The Angola Smallholder Agriculture Development and Commercialization Project (SADCP or MOSAP2), with crucial input from CIMMYT, markedly improved food security and income for 179,000 smallholder farmers in Angola from 2016 to 2022. By introducing 4,000 Farmer Field Schools and innovative agricultural practices, including CIMMYT’s improved seeds, the project boosted crop yields by up to 196% and increased the sale of produce significantly, showcasing the transformative impact of integrating scientific research with farmer education in post-conflict agricultural recovery.

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NGOs hold youth business expo in Mwenezi

At a business expo in Mwenezi, organized by NGOs including Junior Achievement Zimbabwe and Silveira House, with funding from Plan International Zimbabwe, CIMMYT showcased its products and services. Aimed at empowering youth through entrepreneurial projects, the event provided a platform for young entrepreneurs to connect with potential suppliers and clients, including leading organizations like CIMMYT, which exhibited alongside others to support economic development through value chains.

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CIMMYT delegation explores collaboratives avenues with PAU for agricultural advancement

A delegation from CIMMYT and Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) met to discuss collaborations aimed at advancing agricultural practices. The discussions, led by Dr. Kevin Pixley and Dr. Satbir Singh Gosal, focused on transitioning to agribusiness, integrated farming systems, and innovative technologies like surface seeding for wheat. Key areas of interest included root traits, heat tolerance, and photosynthetic efficiency in wheat. The meeting highlighted the potential for mutual learning and advancements in agriculture.

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Study links climate change with wheat blast; warns crop yield could drop by 75% in South America, Africa by 2050

CIMMYT’s latest study reveals climate change could significantly expand wheat blast’s reach by 2050, threatening a 13% drop in global wheat production. The research highlights the critical need for developing resistant wheat varieties and adapting farming practices to counter this growing threat to food security.

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Prospect of boosting lentil production bright in Rajshahi region

The collaboration between CIMMYT, the Regional Wheat and Maize Research Center RWMRC and the Krishi Gobeshona Foundation is set to significantly boost lentil production in Bangladesh’s Rajshahi region. By introducing high-yielding lentil varieties and modern farming practices, and offering farmer support through training and resources, this initiative aims to capitalize on underused lands, enhance food security, and reduce imports, promising a substantial increase in the local lentil supply.

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Mechanization can transform but scaling is a challenge

CIMMYT advances agricultural mechanization to boost smallholder farming, targeting efficiency and inclusivity. Addressing challenges like financial access and market collaboration, it fosters mechanization scaling through initiatives like MasAgro in Mexico, MasAgro Africa and tools like Scaling Scan. This approach aims to rejuvenate agriculture for youth, under the guidance of director general Bram Govaerts, ensuring sustainable and globally inclusive agricultural systems.

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CIMMYT unveils 20 heat-resistant maize hybrids to combat climate change in South Asia

CIMMYT has introduced 20 heat-resistant maize hybrids in South Asia, including Pakistan, to boost resilience against climate change and support smallholder farmers. This breakthrough, achieved after a decade of collaboration with regional research institutes and seed companies, aims to secure food supplies amid rising temperatures. Through initiatives like Pakistan’s Agricultural Innovation Programme, CIMMYT is committed to enhancing maize production and food security, showcasing the power of scientific innovation in addressing global agricultural challenges.

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Scientists at NaSARRI to develop iron and zinc bio-fortified sorghum

CIMMYT is collaborating in a major project in Uganda, led by NaSARRI, to fortify sorghum with the essential nutrients iron and zinc to combat malnutrition in East Africa. Over four years, this partnership, which includes universities and research organizations, aims to improve the nutritional value of sorghum for human and livestock consumption using conventional breeding. This effort reflects CIMMYT’s commitment to sustainable agriculture and food security, with a focus on improving crop quality and safety to support healthier communities and livestock.

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Will plants ever fertilize themselves?

Researchers, including Sieg Snapp from CIMMYT, are pioneering crops that fertilize themselves by harnessing atmospheric nitrogen. This revolutionary breakthrough promises to slash synthetic fertilizer use, combat environmental damage, and usher in a new era of sustainable agriculture. A leap towards greener, self-sustaining food production is on the horizon.

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Researchers push for adoption of high-yielding millet varieties in Busia

In Busia, Chris Ojiewo from CIMMYT and partners are spearheading the adoption of high-yielding millet varieties to boost food security and tackle climate change. This initiative aims to equip farmers with quality seeds and modern farming techniques, ensuring the sustainable cultivation of millet, a crop resilient to harsh climates.

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USAid programme equips rural farmers

With generous support from USAID, CIMMYT, in collaboration with the lead organization World Food Programme and partner organizations SNV, Tree of Life, and MTDC, has significantly enhanced climate resilience in Zimbabwe through the promotion of conservation agriculture practices under the Zambuko Livelihoods Initiative initiated, since 2020.

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Transforming Agriculture: A Day in Cambodia with Wanjiku Guchu

The Excellence in Agronomy Initiative, supported by CGIAR centers including CIMMYT, is driving significant advancements in sustainable farming. Highlighting a case from Cambodia, this initiative exemplifies how innovative agronomy, adapted for climate resilience, is transforming agriculture globally. CIMMYT’s role in this collaborative effort underscores its commitment to sustainable agricultural development and climate change adaptation.

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Siman hybrid: revolutionizing maize farming for prosperity in Somalia

In a significant breakthrough for Somalia’s agriculture, Filsan Seed Company and CIMMYT have introduced Siman, a high-yielding hybrid maize. Developed under CIMMYT’s Stress Tolerant Maize for Africa program, Siman marks a new era of enhanced productivity and food security in Somalia. Stay tuned for more on this game-changing agricultural innovation.

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Padma Shri for Kashi scientist Ravi Prakash Singh

Dr. Ravi Prakash Singh, associated with CIMMYT, is awarded the Padma Shri. He’s recognized for his global impact in agricultural science, notably developing over 730 climate-resilient, high-yield wheat varieties, benefiting small-holder farmers.

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