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Rising from adversity: The inspiring success of Asma and Tasin’s engineering workshop

Written by dmedina on . Posted in Blogs.

Asma Akter and her daughter, Tasin Fahariya, have emerged as inspiring examples of resilient agriculture-based light engineering (ABLE) entrepreneurs in Bangladesh. Their journey began in the face of tragedy when Asma, at 38, lost her husband to COVID-19. As the proprietor of Belal Engineering Workshop, a family business started by her late husband 32 years ago, Asma took on the responsibility of running the manufacturing enterprise.

The initial challenges were daunting. Customers lost trust in the company’s ability to deliver quality products on time under the leadership of a woman. Even their experienced workshop staff felt insecure about their job prospects under the new management. Financial institutions were hesitant to provide loans to a woman-led business, making it difficult to purchase raw materials for production.

However, their fortunes changed with the connections they made. Tasin received training in Financial Management, Digital Marketing, and Technical Drawing and Design. These courses enhanced her professional skills and boosted her confidence to lead the business effectively. They secured a loan of over US$4,300 from Gram Unnayan Kendra (GUK), addressing their capital needs.

They connected with dealers across Bangladesh, significantly expanding their customer base. They branded their products through smart packaging and organizational branding with logos, which helped them compete more effectively in the market.

As a result of these interventions, Asma and Tasin’s business has seen remarkable growth. They’ve expanded from 10 dealer points to 14, adding new geographical regions to their network. Their order volume and sales have increased tremendously. The mother-daughter duo’s achievements go beyond financial gains—their success underscores the importance of diverse viewpoints in enhancing and optimizing manufacturing processes.

Asma Akter at Belal Engineering Workshop in Bogura

(Photos: CIMMYT)

Seven New CIMMYT maize hybrids available from Eastern Africa Breeding Program

Written by dmedina on . Posted in News.

CIMMYT is happy to announce seven new, improved tropical maize hybrids that are now available for uptake by public and private sector partners, especially those interested in marketing or disseminating hybrid maize seed across Eastern Africa and similar agro-ecologies in other regions. NARES and seed companies are hereby invited to apply for licenses to pursue national release, scale-up seed production, and deliver these maize hybrids to farming communities.

Newly available CIMMYT hybrids Key traits
CIM23EAPP1-01-07 Intermediate maturing, white, high yielding, drought tolerant, NUE, and resistant to GLS, TLB, MSV, ear rots, and root & stalk lodging tolerance.
CIM23EAPP1-02-12 Early maturing, white, high yielding, drought tolerant, NUE, and resistant to MLN, MSV, GLS, TLB, ear rots, and root & stalk lodging tolerance
CIM23EAPP1-02-13
CIM23EAPP1-02-15
CIM23EAPP2-15 Late maturing, white, high yielding, drought tolerant, NUE, and resistant to MSV, GLS, TLB, rust, ear rots, and root & stalk lodging tolerance
CIM23EAPP3-40 Late-maturing, high-yielding, white maize hybrids adapted to high altitudes, with resistance to GLS, TLB, rust, and ear rots.
CIM23EAPP3-42

 

Performance data Download the Seven New CIMMYT maize hybrids available from Eastern Africa Breeding Program from Dataverse.
How to apply Visit CIMMYT’s maize product allocation page for details
Application deadline The deadline for submitting applications to be considered during the first round of allocations is 14 May 2025. Applications received after that deadline will be considered during subsequent rounds of product allocations.

 

The newly available CIMMYT maize hybrids were identified through rigorous, years-long trialing and a stage-gate advancement process which culminated in the Results of the CIMMYT Eastern Africa Maize Regional On-Station (2023 Stage 4) and On-Farm (2024 Stage 5) Trials On-Farm Trials. The products were found to meet the stringent performance and farmer acceptance criteria for CIMMYT’s breeding pipelines that are designed to generate products tailored in particular for smallholder farmers in stress-prone agro-ecologies of Eastern Africa.

Applications must be accompanied by a proposed commercialization plan for each product being requested. Applications may be submitted online via the CIMMYT Maize Licensing Portal and will be reviewed in accordance with CIMMYT’s Principles and Procedures for Acquisition and use of CIMMYT maize hybrids and OPVs for commercialization. Specific questions or issues faced with regard to the application process may be addressed to GMP-CIMMYT@cgiar.org with copy to Michael Nyagowa (m.omondi@cgiar.org), Program Assistant – Seed Systems & Technology Transfer, Global Maize Program, CIMMYT.

 

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Sugar Signalling Breakthrough Could Increase Wheat Yields by Up to 12%

Written by dmedina on . Posted in In the media.

Extensive multi-year field trials conducted by CIMMYT in Mexico played a pivotal role in validating the efficacy of the Trehalose 6-phosphate (T6P) spray treatment, confirming its potential to boost wheat yields by up to 12%. Despite challenges posed by fluctuating rainfall—an increasingly common constraint under climate change—CIMMYT’s trial plots consistently outperformed untreated controls across four consecutive crop cycles. These results underscore CIMMYT’s leadership in translating laboratory innovations into resilient, field-ready solutions that enhance food security while advancing sustainable agrifood systems in diverse agroecological conditions.

Read the full story.

Sowing knowledge, Reaping impact: Lydia’s journey from trial farmer to community leader in Monze, Zambia

Written by dmedina on . Posted in Blogs.

Lydia Siankwede explaining her mother trial demonstration to agronomists, sharing insights and results (photo: CIMMYT)

An early morning walk across the fields in Zambia’s Southern province, one is met with maize fields infested with fall armyworm. In contrast to last season’s El Nino induced drought, and as we approached Lydia Siankwede’s field, one is met with her thriving maize and legume field, with its deep-green canopy signaling strong growth and optimal soil health in her crop.

Each morning, Lydia tends to her field with an inquisitive mind, clutching her protocol, which serves as a guide for daily tasks. The dew clings to her shoes as she inspects each plot, checking crop performance, scouting for pests, and noting observations in her trial protocol. Yet beneath this plant vigor, a silent threat lurks—fall armyworm, its larvae discreetly feeding on tender maize leaves.

Her field, which hosts a mother trial under the EU-funded Sustainable Intensification of Smallholder Farming Systems in Zambia (SIFAZ) program, is a patchwork of promising technologies. A mother trial is a farmer-managed, researcher-led experiment that serves as a central site for testing a variety of agricultural treatments under controlled conditions.

Mother trials are part of a mother-and-baby trial approach—a participatory research model designed to test and disseminate new farming technologies while involving farmers in the evaluation process. The approach involves mother trials and baby trials. Baby trials are farmer-managed trials conducted across multiple locations, usually in individual farmers’ fields. Each participant chooses a subset of treatments from the mother trial to test in their own field under specific local conditions. In these mother-and-baby trials, science meets farmer reality, and knowledge grows with every season.

Across the Southern Province, mother-and-baby trials are part of a broader research effort to develop crop intensification practices tailored to smallholder farming systems. In Kazungula Camp, where rainfall is low and erratic, the focus has been on integrating livestock and crop systems, rotating maize with fodder legumes like mucuna and lablab. In other communities, experiments are ongoing with integrating soybean into the maize-based cropping systems and intensifying them with pigeon pea and Gliricidia, both leguminous shrubs that provide fodder and enhance soil fertility. Each treatment is carefully monitored across experimental plots over several seasons to assess its effect on yields, soil health, pest pressure, and its longer-term impact in light of a changing climate.

Lydia, a hardworking farmer with 11 hectares of cultivable land, began her journey as a baby trial implementer, testing a single conservation agriculture (CA) practice in her own field. But her passion for learning and strong work ethic quickly set her apart. Within three years, she transitioned to managing a full-scale mother trial, giving her the opportunity to test a wider array and bundle of technologies across a larger plot. Today, Lydia experiments with crop rotations, intercropping, and fodder management—practices designed to boost productivity for humans, soil, and animals; build resilience; and reduce reliance on chemical inputs.

A maize–velvet bean (mucuna) rotation aimed at improving maize yield, soil fertility, and fodder production in Southern Zambia. (Photo: CIMMYT)

What do the agronomic results bring to the table?

Each season, unique by nature, has brought valuable lessons, with promising long-term results. Since 2021, more than 1,200 farmers in Kazungula Camp, including Lydia, have adopted CA-based crop rotations beyond the trials. While yield gains for maize and legumes are not always immediate, economic analyses consistently show that CA systems generate higher returns compared to conventional tillage systems with sole maize cropping. This proved especially important in years such as 2023/24, when rainfall barely reached 373 mm due to an unprecedented El Niño year. In Kazungula, trials on maize–mucuna strip cropping and maize–lablab rotations showed resilience, with farmers expressing strong interest in growing more fodder and advancing seed multiplication for these crops.

Her reality on-farm

For Lydia, these trials are more than research—they are a valuable tool for transformation. What impressed her most was the maize–lablab rotation. “It’s a game changer for me,” she says. “Lablab suppresses weeds, improves the soil, and even the leaves and pods are useful to eat as relish.” Although lablab is primarily cultivated as animal feed, Lydia’s family has started to enjoy lablab as part of their diet, reducing food costs and increasing nutrition.

In addition, the strip cropping of alternating four rows of narrowly planted maize with four legume rows has also impressed her, especially in terms of weed management. “Weeds are easier to manage, and although armyworm damage is present, it is not destructive,” she explains.

Her determination has grown with each season. Last year, Lydia harvested just 50 bags of maize from scattered parts of her trial field. But instead of pulling back, she leaned in. This season, with better planning and deeper knowledge, she expects to harvest up to 300 bags—enough to feed her household of seven and still have a surplus to sell.

Lydia’s story highlights how participatory research can empower farmers to lead change from the ground up. With access to the right knowledge, support, and tools, she is not merely surviving uncertain seasons—she is farming with purpose.

CIMMYT Appoints Flavio Breseghello as Global Wheat Program Director

Written by dmedina on . Posted in News.

(Photo: CIMMYT)

CIMMYT is pleased to announce the appointment of Flavio Breseghello as the new Director of the Global Wheat Program. A renowned wheat breeder and leader in agricultural research, Breseghello will guide CIMMYT’s flagship wheat initiative at a pivotal moment for global food security. 

“CIMMYT’s wheat program has long been a cornerstone of global food security,” said Breseghello. “I’m honored to contribute to this legacy, while helping shape its future in the face of new challenges.” 

With over two decades of experience advancing wheat research in Brazil and internationally, Breseghello brings scientific expertise and strategic vision to the role. His appointment underscores CIMMYT’s commitment to science-driven innovation that responds to evolving global needs—particularly in low- and middle-income countries where wheat is a staple crop and climate resilience is increasingly urgent. 

“Climate change is reshaping the risks and realities for wheat farmers in low- and middle-income countries,” Breseghello said. “Our challenge—together with our partners—is to stay ahead of these threats with science that is inclusive, adaptive, and driven by the needs of the most vulnerable.” 

CIMMYT’s Global Wheat Program is at the forefront of developing high-yielding, climate-resilient, and disease-resistant wheat varieties that feed over 2.5 billion people around the world. As director, Breseghello will lead efforts to strengthen international research collaboration, expand capacity building, and ensure the program’s innovations reach those who need them most. 

“Flavio is a globally respected leader whose deep experience and inclusive approach will be a tremendous asset to the program and to the global wheat community,” said Bram Govaerts, Director General of CIMMYT. “We are thrilled to welcome him to this vital role.” 

Positive Solutions for Nature in Colombia: A Review

Written by dmedina on . Posted in News.

In a world where environmental and agrifood challenges demand urgent responses, the CGIAR-led Positive Solutions for Nature (Nature+) initiative is transforming agriculture into a catalyst for ecological regeneration and sustainable development.

In Colombia, CIMMYT has played a key role in implementing several activities under this initiative. These efforts have not only improved agricultural productivity but also promoted biodiversity conservation, sustainable resource management, and the strengthening of rural communities—with a special focus on youth, women, and native maize.

One of the first steps in Colombia was conducting a diagnosis and mapping key actors within agrifood systems across different regions. This assessment identified major challenges such as limited access to native seeds, soil degradation, and lack of access to fair market opportunities for smallholder farmers.

To ensure that promoted practices aligned with local realities and needs, CIMMYT worked closely with farmers to co-create solutions. A significant example was the support given to women producers to conserve native maize varieties. Workshops held in Cesar, Nariño, Putumayo, and Valle del Cauca included childcare spaces, enabling full participation by women.

Another important milestone was facilitating dialogue between producers and niche markets, helping connect farmers growing native maize with potential buyers. This has been key to revitalizing the value chain for these crops. In parallel, twelve community seed banks were strengthened in various regions, ensuring the availability of native varieties and encouraging intergenerational knowledge exchange.

CIMMYT also conducted extensive training activities, benefiting hundreds of farmers in the post-harvest management of native grains and seeds. In workshops held during 2023 and 2024, over 780 producers—many of them women—received training in practices such as harvesting, drying, shelling, and hermetic storage, which reduced post-harvest losses and improved seed quality.

Infrastructure improvements further supported these efforts. One standout example is the YEL-PUE Cumbe seed bank in Cumbal, Nariño—established with support from CIMMYT and the Bioversity-CIAT Alliance. This seed bank not only conserves agricultural biodiversity but also serves as an intergenerational learning hub, where farmers, students, and technicians share experiences and knowledge.

A key component of the initiative has been youth participation. Through collaboration with the José María Falla Educational Institution and youth networks like Herederos del Planeta, students have engaged in agroecological maize production. This involvement fosters stronger rural ties and ensures the continuity of traditional knowledge for future generations.

While challenges remain, the implementation of Positive Solutions for Nature in Colombia has demonstrated that agricultural production can go hand in hand with environmental conservation and community well-being. Thanks to collaborations with research centers such as CIMMYT, many Colombian farmers are now adopting regenerative practices, enhancing agrobiodiversity and boosting resilience to both climate and economic shocks.

Looking ahead, these efforts will continue within the CGIAR Multifunctional Landscapes Science Program. CIMMYT, in collaboration with other CGIAR centers, will focus on participatory varietal selection, business models to enhance the value of agrobiodiversity, connections to niche markets, and the empowerment of women as agents of biodiversity conservation.

Sistema tradicional maíz-frijol en Valledupar, Cesar, Colombia

Caring for the Earth to Secure the Future

Written by dmedina on . Posted in Blogs.

The first leaves of a crop emerging through crop residue. (Photo: CIMMYT)

“The conventional way we used to prepare the land involved heavy soil disturbance, and now we see that’s not necessary. We used pesticides that were, let’s say, not kind to the soil. Now, we are becoming increasingly mindful of the environment — and it turns out to be more profitable. Today, I wouldn’t dare use a pesticide or any polluting product that could harm people or the environment.”

Leopoldo is a farmer from Sinaloa participating in the Supporting Responsible Sourcing in Mexico project — a collaboration between Kellogg Company and CIMMYT. For him, ceasing the practice of burning crop residues and instead using them to cover and protect the soil from erosion signifies a shift in values and a better way of practicing agriculture — one that actively contributes to regenerating the Earth.

The agronomic innovations adopted by farmers involved in the project promote a more balanced relationship with nature, aiming to strengthen a responsible sourcing model that ensures equilibrium between the economic, social, and environmental needs of both current and future generations. This contributes to a more sustainable production and consumption model, capable of feeding a growing global population within planetary boundaries.

If current patterns of production and consumption persist, it is estimated that in less than 30 years we would require the resources of three Earths to meet global needs. The rising scarcity of water and the reduction in arable land—driven by urban expansion and soil degradation—are clear reminders that our planet’s natural resources are finite. These facts underline the urgent need to accelerate the adoption of sustainable practices in agrifood systems.

Within the observance of International Mother Earth Day, efforts like the Supporting Responsible Sourcing in Mexico project serve as a reminder of the importance of forging a new relationship with the planet. Above all, they emphasize recognizing the Earth and its ecosystems as the shared home of all humanity. Failing to care for this home could lead us into further crises — in health, socioeconomic stability, and food security — and agriculture offers powerful solutions to safeguard this common home.

Globally, the agriculture sector is responsible for 24% of greenhouse gas emissions — which contribute to climate change — and 70% of freshwater withdrawals from rivers, lakes, and aquifers. Additionally, for every 1°C increase in global temperature, cereal yields are estimated to decrease by about 5%. Therefore, a new model of sustainable production and consumption must aim for reduced environmental impact, while increasing productivity and delivering benefits for farmers.

The Conservation Agriculture practices promoted by the Kellogg-CIMMYT project are advancing these goals: in just three years of work in Sinaloa and Guanajuato, nearly 7,000 hectares have adopted sustainable agricultural practices, leading to a 36% increase in average maize productivity. In 2021 alone, more than 350 farmers were engaged across over 2,400 hectares, producing nearly 26,000 tons of yellow maize through sustainable intensification technologies.

Looking ahead, the initiative aims to impact around 20,000 hectares to produce close to 180,000 tons of maize with a reduced carbon footprint. Already, farmers have achieved reductions in fuel use for grain production and improved water-use efficiency in irrigation.

“We save on machinery, on fuel, on agrochemicals, and on fertilizers. Now we produce with higher quality and at a lower cost because we practice minimal tillage. They also teach us integrated pest management and even how to optimize fertilizer use,” says Leopoldo, highlighting a system that also eliminates crop burning, one of the leading causes of wildfires.

By providing farmers with the knowledge and tools they need to integrate sustainable production methods, we benefit not only the Earth — but all of humanity.

Pest and disease attacks on crops rising due to climate change: Scientist

Written by dmedina on . Posted in In the media.

Pest and disease outbreaks in agriculture are increasing at an alarming rate due to the impacts of climate change, with shifting temperatures and erratic weather patterns creating favorable conditions for pests and pathogens to thrive. This growing challenge threatens crop yields and food security across climate-vulnerable regions. Dr. Prasanna Boddupalli, Distinguished Scientist and Regional Director for Asia at CIMMYT, underscores the urgent need for climate-resilient, pest- and disease-resistant crop varieties, alongside robust surveillance systems and strengthened capacity building. Addressing these risks through integrated, science-driven strategies is vital to safeguarding plant health and securing resilient agrifood systems for the future.

Read the full story.

Sonia Jannat: defying odds, reaping success as a combine harvester MSP

Written by dmedina on . Posted in Blogs.

In the male-dominated realm of agricultural machinery services, Sonia Jannat, a 28-year-old from Jhenaidah, Bangladesh, has inscribed her name as a successful Machinery Solution Provider (MSP). Her determination—and the transformative power of new technologies—has launched her on an extraordinary journey of empowerment and financial independence.

Growing up in a farming household, Sonia was already familiar with cultivation. Rooted in agriculture, she harbored a longstanding ambition to make a meaningful impact in this field. To realize her vision, she consistently stayed abreast of the latest technologies and machinery designed to boost production while minimizing labor and time. However, life took an unexpected turn when her father fell ill with heart disease, forcing Sonia to shoulder the responsibility of financially supporting her family while pursuing her honors degree. This phase of hardship proved to be a turning point in her life.

Sonia Jannat operates one of her combine harvesters in Jhenaidah, Bangladesh. (Photo: CIMMYT)

During this challenging period, Sonia came across a YouTube video showcasing a combine harvester—a cutting-edge machine that could revolutionize harvesting. She immediately recognized its potential to transform farming practices and offer a reliable income stream. The first major hurdle was overcoming her family’s financial constraints and convincing them to invest in a machine without any tangible proof of its benefits.

In October 2020, Sonia and her family attended a live demonstration organized by the private sector, where she successfully persuaded her father to invest in a combine harvester. With the support of a machinery subsidy, she selected the best model suited to her business needs.

Sonia took part in business expansion meetings, built linkages with spare parts shop owners, dealers, and commission agents, and received operational and maintenance training—for both herself and her machine operators.

In the first season of 2021, Sonia’s combine harvester generated an impressive income of approximately US$10,000 (excluding operational and labor costs). This early success fueled her ambition, and with her family’s support, she invested in a second combine harvester, expanding the business.

Today, Sonia Jannat proudly owns three combine harvesters, generating an annual income of BDT 30 lakh (approximately US$33,000). Her customer base has grown to span around ten geographical divisions across Bangladesh. Sonia’s achievements have not only reshaped her own financial future but have also broken deep-rooted societal stereotypes. Once ridiculed for her unconventional path as an unmarried woman, she now commands respect and admiration from the very community that once doubted her.

Sonia shares with pride:

“The same society that once criticized me with comments like, ‘Why is an unmarried girl traveling around to earn money? Why is she breaking social norms?’ is now praising me. After witnessing my talent, social contributions, and support for my family, they now see me as one in a thousand girls!”

With academic credentials that include honors and a master’s degree in Bangla, Sonia’s aspirations continue to grow. She now envisions launching a new entrepreneurial venture offering a wider range of agricultural machinery services. She is committed to empowering women by actively engaging them in her business model—aiming to be an inspirational entrepreneur for many others.

Shaping a CIMMYT maize program to serve at-risk farmers: A tribute to Ernest W. Sprague (1925-2025)

Written by Mike Listman on . Posted in News.

Photo caption: Ernest W. Sprague, director of CIMMYT’s maize program during 1970-1983 (Photo: CIMMYT)

Architect of CIMMYT maize research during the 1970s, Ernest W. Sprague pulled together a coherent global program from diverse regional and country initiatives in Latin America, Asia, and eastern Africa, building partnerships with national maize research programs to serve smallholder farmers.

On 25 February, Ernest W. Sprague, who served as Maize Program Director at CIMMYT from 1970 to 1983, passed away at the age of 100.

Sprague led the development and adoption of systematic approaches for breeding improved maize populations adapted to the tropics and subtropics, including the international testing of varieties and crosses at scale.

After leading the Inter-Asian Corn Program established by the Rockefeller Foundation in Thailand in 1966, Sprague joined CIMMYT, where he vigorously championed the role of open-pollinated maize varieties (OPVs) for smallholder farmers in rain-fed maize cropping areas. These farmers often faced diseases, pests, and drought and lacked access to or could not afford hybrid seed or large quantities of fertilizer.

OPVs generally yield less grain than maize hybrids but are often preferred by smallholders for their suitability in local foods. They can also be grown by saving and sowing seed from previous harvests without sacrificing yield or other qualities—a problem that arises when grain harvested from hybrids is replanted.

In Thailand, Sprague had witnessed a thriving maize sector powered by the widespread adoption of an improved OPV known as “Suwan 1.” Conversely, he believed that hybrid seed systems designed to serve small-scale farmers were lagging in many other countries where CIMMYT worked.

“From the late 1980s, CIMMYT has worked successfully to develop and share hundreds of maize inbred lines—parents for high-yielding hybrids that feature farmer-preferred traits—as well as supporting and partnering with competitive private seed sector companies that truly benefit smallholder maize farmers,” said Bram Govaerts, CIMMYT Director General. “Still, population improvement in the OPV breeding program under Sprague’s leadership clearly contributed to the success of CIMMYT’s hybrid research by increasing the average performance of lines extracted from those populations.”

In addition, much of CIMMYT’s research on hybrid breeding for tropical maize in the 1980s and 1990s was led by Surinder K. Vasal, an Indian maize scientist brought to CIMMYT by Sprague.

Vasal’s pre-biotech research, together with CIMMYT cereal chemist Evangelina Villegas, led to the development of quality protein maize (QPM), whose grain contains enhanced levels of two amino acids essential for human protein synthesis. This groundbreaking work—initiated by Sprague—was recognized with their joint reception of the 2000 World Food Prize.

Building up partners and partnerships

Sprague was a strong proponent of in-service training at CIMMYT headquarters in Mexico for young researchers from partner countries. These courses were formally organized and scaled up in the early 1970s as a major component of CIMMYT’s maize program. Participants worked for several months within the main breeding or production programs, usually in the lowland tropics of Mexico, gaining hands-on skills in the field through activities such as laying out on-farm trials, selecting germplasm, making crosses, and evaluating results. By 1982, the program had graduated 650 maize scientists from 61 countries. Many alumni rose to influential positions in national programs or the private sector, thereby strengthening regional cooperative maize research networks.

“Ernie was my boss when I first arrived as a postdoc to CIMMYT in 1976, and I was always amazed at his commitment to high-quality field work,” said Greg Edmeades, a maize physiologist whose research accomplishments included methods to select for drought tolerance in maize. “I will always remember Ernie as a friend and a great supporter of the task we faced in Ghana, where I worked as a maize agronomist and lived with my family during 1979–84. He thought often of the challenges that we as a family faced with frequent water and power cuts and generously provided support. I was always amazed at his stamina and his capacity to survive and keep fit and well on black coffee alone in the mornings and no major meal until evening.

“Sprague’s contributions to CIMMYT were significant. The setting up of the international testing system was his baby and a masterpiece in getting CIMMYT germplasm out to national programs. He elevated the status of national programs in all sorts of ways, not the least of which was training.”

The CIMMYT global community joins in remembering Ernie Sprague and extends heartfelt condolences to his family.

Strengthening One Health Approach in Agriculture Requires Cross-Sectoral Partnerships, Information

Written by dmedina on . Posted in In the media.

The One Health approach, which connects human, animal, and environmental health, is increasingly shaping agricultural research to address global health and food security challenges. During CGIAR Science Week, experts highlighted the need for cross sector collaboration and evidence based policy. CIMMYT’s Dr. Jordon Chamberlin shared how research on livestock health and sustainable farming aligns with this approach, supporting integrated solutions for resilient agrifood systems.

Read the full story.

CIMMYT and IICA Partner to Strengthen Agricultural Innovation and Economic Growth in the Americas

Written by dmedina on . Posted in Press releases.

Nairobi, 2025 – The Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) and CIMMYT have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance agricultural research, innovation, and trade across the Americas. 

This strategic partnership aims to advance productivity, resilience, and economic opportunities for farmers by leveraging science, technology, and strong international collaboration. The MoU focuses on key areas such as innovation and bioeconomy, trade and regional integration, climate-resilient agriculture, family farming, agrifood digitalization, and agricultural health and safety. 

Dr. Bram Govaerts, Director General of CIMMYT, highlighted the importance of innovation and market-driven solutions: “Partnerships like CIMMYT–IICA turn science into scale. Together, we’re accelerating innovation, supporting farmers, and strengthening food systems across the Americas—because global challenges demand connected solutions.” 

Dr. Manuel Otero, Director General of IICA, added: “This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to strengthening agricultural resilience, enhancing food security, and promoting economic growth in rural areas. With the increasing global demand for transforming food systems, IICA views this partnership as another testimony to its commitment to ensuring that farmers and agribusinesses across the Americas benefit from science, innovation and responsible resource management .” 

Through this agreement, CIMMYT and IICA will implement joint research initiatives, promote knowledge exchange, and support innovation-driven solutions that empower farmers, enhance supply chains, and expand market opportunities. 

For more information, visit iica.int and cimmyt.org 

A transformative leap in effective subaward implementation: Inside the revitalized sorghum and millets breeding programs at ZARI

Written by dmedina on . Posted in Blogs.

In the heart of Africa’s farming landscape, the Zambia Agricultural Research Institute (ZARI) is setting a new standard for agricultural research and climate resilience, thanks to a critical subgrant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, facilitated by the Africa Dryland Crops Improvement Network (ADCIN).

Established in August 2023 and convened by CIMMYT’s Dryland Crops Program (DCP), ADCIN is a collaborative network uniting over 200 scientists from more than 17 countries across sub-Saharan Africa. Its mission is to create a dynamic and sustainable community to develop and deliver improved varieties of dryland crops in the region. By leveraging the collective expertise of its multidisciplinary members, ADCIN strives to accelerate the access of enhanced crop varieties to smallholder farmers.

Through this partnership, ZARI has modernized its facilities and practices, creating a model for agricultural innovation in Eastern and Southern Africa. These advancements reflect a powerful vision of enhancing the capacity of breeding programs, improving crop resilience, and boosting food security for communities across the continent.

The Challenges of Transformation

Historically, ZARI faced significant challenges that limited its potential. As Lloyd Mbulwe, Acting Chief Agriculture Research Officer at ZARI, recalls:

“We faced research-related hurdles, from outdated lab facilities and inefficient irrigation systems to limited digital infrastructure and insufficient seed storage.”

These issues hindered not only ZARI’s ability to innovate but also its capacity for collaboration with regional and international partners.

With limited resources, ZARI was unable to meet the demand for high-quality, consistent research and innovation. Data collection was often manual, errors were common, and collaboration was difficult. The lack of modern infrastructure restricted the scope of experiments and the institute’s ability to respond to critical regional issues such as climate change and food insecurity.

A New Era of Modernization and Strategic Partnerships

In partnership with ADCIN, ZARI has received targeted funding and technical support, enabling transformative upgrades across its infrastructure that are redefining its research capabilities.

“The upgrades have reshaped our research capabilities,” Mbulwe explains. “With new equipment, enhanced data management systems, and a suitable greenhouse, we’re conducting better plant breeding experiments that directly address the region’s target product profiles.”

In July 2023, CIMMYT’s Dryland Crops Program conducted breeding program assessments of ZARI’s Golden Valley location, where the national institute’s sorghum and millets breeding programs are being conducted. Mark Nas, CIMMYT’s Sorghum and Millets Breeder for Eastern and Southern Africa, describes ZARI’s program as, “a high-potential program composed of talented and dedicated researchers and technicians, but in need of significant infrastructure upgrades if they are to meaningfully contribute to the shared regional breeding pipelines.”

With a subaward granted to ZARI by the end of 2023, Mbulwe and his team quickly worked on implementing the suggested improvements from the program assessments. Key upgrades include a greenhouse facility for speed breeding and controlled drought research, allowing researchers to rapidly produce lines for regional trials, while evaluating regional materials for drought tolerance. Enhanced water storage and solar power installations now enable uninterrupted research, even during power outages, a frequent challenge in this region. Transitioning to Starlink internet has also strengthened ZARI’s capacity for regional and international collaboration, and real-time data delivery, bridging communication gaps and enabling seamless data sharing.

Boosting Capacity for Impact

The new facilities have transformed ZARI’s capacity for impactful research. Rapid generation advance techniques, where breeding populations are quickly advanced through successive selfing generations, allow ZARI researchers to conduct multiple plantings within a year—dramatically boosting progress in line development.

Additionally, the upgrades also enable off-season research through the ZAMGRO Project, which has expanded water storage capacity from 45 cubic meters to an impressive 3,600,000 cubic meters. With year-round breeding, farming and water management research are now possible, giving ZARI an edge in breeding programs.

Mbulwe shares how automated data collection systems and standardized procedures have further improved the precision and reproducibility of ZARI’s research. “Our teams are now equipped to produce high-quality data leading to actionable results,” he says. “These improvements ensure the quality of outcomes and make our processes more efficient.”

A Vision for the Future

Looking ahead, ZARI plans to scale its research impact by establishing a Center of Excellence for Climate-Smart Agriculture and establishing a biotechnology lab to advance genetic improvement. Expanding greenhouse and irrigation systems, as well as enhancing digital infrastructure for data management, are key priorities. ZARI also aims to strengthen public-private partnerships to bridge the gap between research and practical applications for farmers across Zambia and beyond.

Inspiration and Best Practices for Other NARES Institutions

ZARI’s success story serves as an inspirational blueprint for other National Agricultural Research and Extension Systems (NARES) institutions. Through strategic partnerships, targeted investments in infrastructure, and an emphasis on capacity building, ZARI has shown what is possible when organizations and their leaders commit to modernizing and adapting to the evolving challenges of agriculture.

From irrigation upgrades to energy-efficient, solar-powered facilities, ZARI’s best practices are setting the stage for similar projects in other regions. “We’ve demonstrated that modernization can make a profound difference in NARES breeding programs,” says Dr. Mbulwe. “It’s about leveraging every resource to upgrade our plant breeding capabilities to address the challenges that climate change and food security bring to our region.”

The Role of ADCIN in Agricultural Innovation

ADCIN has been instrumental in supporting this transformation. Through its technical assistance, funding, and strategic guidance, ADCIN has empowered ZARI and other NARES institutions to elevate research standards across Africa. By aligning investments with regional research priorities, ADCIN not only supports individual institutions but also strengthens agricultural networks on a continental scale. Harish Gandhi, Associate Director of CIMMYT’s Dryland Crops Program, states, “We are operating in a new and transformative model of working with our partners. We want our partners to be resourced to succeed.”

ADCIN’s efforts to enhance research capacity, foster collaboration, and improve governance have seen significant returns. “This partnership has made ZARI a stronger institution,” Mbulwe asserts. “Our research output, regional partnerships, and access to funding have all grown. ADCIN’s support reaffirms its commitment to advancing the excellence of regional breeding and other research in dryland crops across Africa.”

Take-Home Message

ZARI’s journey is a prime example of the power of strategic investment, collaboration, and a shared commitment to addressing climate and food security challenges by building the capacity of national programs through equitable subawards. As it continues to innovate, ZARI remains a symbol of progress for agricultural research across Sub-Saharan Africa. With support from ADCIN, ZARI’s advancements signal a brighter, more resilient future for African dryland crops agriculture—one rooted in science, collaboration, and the promise of food security for all.

Munich Statement on Agriculture, Biodiversity and Security: there is no security without food security

Written by dmedina on . Posted in News.

In February 2025, leading voices in the global food and agricultural system came together on the occasion of the Munich Security Conference to discuss how to achieve food security in an increasingly insecure world.

Biological diversity is key to food and nutritional security, but all too often neglected. The loss of agricultural biodiversity (which includes crop diversity) threatens not just the resilience of global food systems but also their productivity. This in turn undermines rural livelihoods and economic activity, increasing the likelihood of migration. It also heightens the risk of price spikes and restricts the availability of staple food products, which may hamper trade in important commodities as governments seek to shore up sufficient stockpiles for domestic markets.

Compromised food systems and agricultural biodiversity loss destabilize and damage communities, potentially to an existential level, while preserving agricultural biodiversity and investing in resilient farms are the foundations for peace and prosperity.  Stakeholders across the international community, including the security community, civilian agencies, civil society and businesses, should act to preserve and use agricultural biodiversity and promote sustainable agriculture by putting farmers first.

As the ultimate providers of life-sustaining nutrition, farmers are indispensable global security partners. Farmers provide a steadying economic force, but only if they have adequate safety, and access to land, investment, innovation, and functioning markets. It is imperative to provide farmers with the support, investment, and opportunities for innovation to adapt to changing global environmental conditions and persevere through social unrest and conflict. Farmers must be able to employ agricultural practices that concurrently promote nutrition, water security, human health, and biodiversity preservation. Prioritizing the delivery of nutrient-rich foods and bio-based products in ways that respond to water and weather stress is essential.

Crucially, for farmers to be successful, they need continued access to agricultural biodiversity. To ensure that, genebanks must be seen as a shared strategic strength.

Reliable, sufficient, and nutritious food for the current and future population depends on the crop diversity that underpins critical research and breeding efforts. Despite its increasing importance in light of a changing climate, the conservation and availability of crop diversity is increasingly at risk: it is declining in farmers’ fields and in the wild, and genebanks are chronically underfunded. Growing food demands, land degradation, and geopolitical tensions threaten crop diversity, and more generally agricultural economies.

Given their essential role in food security, genebanks should be strategically protected and funded. Sufficient attention and resources should be available to ensure an effective and efficient global system of genebanks under the policy umbrella of the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture. In addition, the security community should incorporate food security and agricultural biodiversity into national and international security risk assessments and strategies.


Call to Action

It is our duty to alert the world to the threats to security and state stability posed by compromised food production systems and the loss of agricultural biodiversity. We wish to highlight the need for greater attention and investment from all stakeholders across governance, including the security sector, as well as civil society and the private sector.

Leading international organizations in agricultural biodiversity conservation and agricultural research, philanthropies, multinational corporations, and representatives from governments share this concern and endorse this statement arising from discussions at the 2025 Munich Security Conference.

Munich Statement on Agriculture, Biodiversity and Security: there is no security without food security

Building IP Capacity Across Nations: ICRISAT’s South-South Training Sparks Cross-Country Learning

Written by dmedina on . Posted in In the media.

CIMMYT participated in the international training on Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) organized by ICRISAT under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Program, joining CGIAR centers and institutions from 16 countries to strengthen global understanding of IPR in agricultural research. Through its involvement, CIMMYT contributed to the exchange of knowledge and best practices on innovation protection, policy development, and strategic interventions essential for advancing responsible agricultural innovation. This engagement reflects CIMMYT’s broader commitment to capacity development and the promotion of equitable access to agricultural technologies that support sustainable and inclusive food systems.

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