CIMMYT played a key role in advancing research on yellow rust resistance by supporting field trials in Mexico and providing access to its extensive collection of traditional wheat varieties. Through its collaboration with the University of Zurich and Kyoto University, CIMMYT contributed to the identification of novel genetic regions in Asian landraces that offer resistance to the destructive fungus. Its leadership in conserving one of the world’s largest wheat germplasm collections continues to be vital for global efforts to develop disease-resilient wheat and safeguard food security through biodiversity.
Durham, N.C., and Texcoco, Mexico (June 12, 2025) – Pairwisehas entered a landmark licensing agreement with the non-profit, international agricultural research organization CIMMYT to provide access to its Fulcrum™gene editing platform, including the advanced SHARC™CRISPR enzyme. This partnership will accelerate the development of improved crop varieties for smallholder farmers across 20 countries where CIMMYT implements integrated research and development initiatives.
CIMMYT, based in Mexico and operating in 88 countries, is a key member of the CGIAR network and a global leader in developing sustainable solutions for food and climate security. Under the license, CIMMYT and its National Agricultural Research Systems (NARS) partners will have access to Fulcrum tools in crops including maize, wheat, sorghum, and regionally important staples like pearl millet, finger millet, pigeon pea, and groundnut.
“Advanced breeding techniques replicate what happens in nature in a faster, more focused way. We’re excited to have access to a gene editing technology that allows us to not only develop new traits but also make these traits available to farmers who can benefit from them,” said Sarah Hearne, Chief Science and Innovation Officer at CIMMYT. “CIMMYT is committed to bringing new technologies to smallholder farmers in the Global South, which aims to enhance resilience and nutritional characteristics of crops and help develop livelihoods and communities. Fulcrum will speed up the delivery of the climate resilient varieties that farmers urgently need.”
The Fulcrum™ Platform includes Pairwise-developed gene editing tools for cutting, base editing, and templated editing a toolbox which enables not only turning a characteristic on or off but also tuning it— like a dimmer switch to tailor the trait and deliver the optimum phenotype.
“Our Fulcrum Platform was built to help scientists solve urgent, real-world challenges in agriculture,” said Ian Miller, Chief Operating Officer at Pairwise. “This agreement allows CIMMYT to use our powerful CRISPR tools to deliver real-world improvements for farmers facing food insecurity and climate pressure. We outlicense to organizations like CIMMYT because Pairwise believes this transformative technology should be broadly available to those working to improve agriculture for smallholder farmers.”
Gene editing enables precision improvements in crop yield,resilience, and nutrition that could be achieved through conventional breeding but were impractical due to time and cost restraints. By making these powerful tools more accessible, this partnership accelerates impactful innovation in regions where food system improvements are most urgently needed. Through CIMMYT’s research network, these tools will be deployed in diverse environments, providing researchers with a flexible alternative for product development and a clear pathway to real-world impact.
About Pairwise
Pairwise is agriculture’s leading gene editing powerhouse, building a healthier world through partnership and plant innovation. Co-founded by the inventors of CRISPR, our Fulcrum™ Platform accelerates the development of climate-resilient, nutritious, and sustainable crops. As trusted partners to global industry leaders and nonprofit institutions, we help breeders move faster while transforming food and agriculture for farmers, consumers, and the planet. Founded in 2017 and based in Durham, NC, Pairwise is committed to delivering innovation that makes food easier to grow — and better to eat. For more information, visit www.pairwise.com.
About CIMMYT
CIMMYT is a cutting-edge, non-profit, international organization dedicated to solving tomorrow’s problems today. It is entrusted with fostering improved quantity, quality, and dependability of production systems and basic cereals such as maize, wheat, triticale, sorghum, millets, and associated crops through applied agricultural science, particularly in the Global South, through building strong partnerships. This combination enhances the livelihood trajectories and resilience of millions of resource-poor farmers while working towards a more productive, inclusive, and resilient agrifood system within planetary boundaries. www.cimmyt.org
CIMMYT Media Contact: Jelle Boone
Head of Communications, CIMMYT
Email: j.boone@cgiar.org
Mobile: +52 595 124 7241
Digital champions participating in a training activity in Choma (Photo: Moono Mwiinga Sekeleti)
In Zambia’s Southern Province, CIMMYT’s Atubandike[1] initiative is reshaping agricultural extension – moving beyond traditional top-down, one-size-fits-all models that have historically favored the well-resourced farmers. Instead, Atubandike promotes a more inclusive, demand-driven model that centers the voices of all farmers, regardless of gender, age, literacy level, or economic status. This shift is driven by a ‘phygital’ platform that blends the strengths of in-person support with the efficiency of mobile technology.
At the heart of Atubandike’s phygital platform are 84 local digital champions (DCs), half of whom are women, and 42% are under the age of 35. Selected by their communities, these champions embody the demographic shift that represents the future of agriculture. They are not external experts; but trusted peers and neighbors who serve as vital links between digital agricultural platforms and the people who need them most: the farmers. Their credibility, rooted in shared experience and local knowledge, is what enables them to build trust and drive meaningful change.
Ireen Chibilika practicing how to deliver a talk during the communications aspect of the trainings in Choma (Photo: Moono Mwiinga Sekeleti)
While mobile technology holds immense potential to sustainably boost agricultural productivity[2], many farmers remain digitally excluded. Barriers such as low literacy, limited phone access and entrenched social norms continue to hinder widespread engagement with digital advisory services [3]. That’s where the DCs step in – not only to introduce new tools, but to help dismantle these barriers; ensuring that no one is left behind.
A foundation of trust
In October and November 2024, Digital Champions from 14 Zambian communities gathered for a two-day, in-person workshop. This training, which complemented previous digital skills sessions, focused on co-developing two pivotal strategies: (1) building trust with farmers through effective communication and (2) addressing the complex gender, diversity, and inclusion (GDI) challenges affecting the DCs as well as the farmers they support.
Why begin with trust? Because trust is foundational to meaningful engagement. For farmers to adopt new climate-smart agriculture (CSA) practices and digital platforms like Atubandike, they must have confidence-both in the messengers and the technology itself. This insight shaped the training design, which was grounded [4] in empirical studies and further contextualized through in-depth interviews with 36 farmers in November 2023. The resulting curriculum emphasized care, communication, and competence – not only to help DCs build trust as messengers, but also to support farmers in using their phones with confidence. By strengthening both interpersonal and digital trust, DCs play a critical role in closing the gap between farmers and the tools that can transform their livelihoods.
The training was designed and delivered through a dialogical approach encouraging open conversation and engagement by the participants throughout the learning process. Through role plays, group discussions, and real-life scenario analysis, DCs engaged deeply with the material, facilitated peer-to-peer learning, and developed a strong sense of ownership and confidence in applying their new skills.
The session explored what it means to connect meaningfully with farmers and as one female participant shared, “the interactive nature of the training, with role plays and real-life scenarios, have given me the confidence and desire to go on and apply what I have learned in the field.”
Trust-building exercises, such as active listening and respectful communication, fostered empathy. These practices not only enhanced the DC’s ability to effectively engage with farmers – they reinforced the values that form the bedrock of inclusive community engagement.
Challenging norms and building inclusion
Trust, however, is only part of the story. True inclusion requires confronting the systemic biases that have long shaped rural agricultural systems. In Zambia, deeply rooted cultural norms often determine who gets to speak, who leads and whose voice is heard. Women, youth and the elderly frequently face significant barriers to leadership roles and are often excluded from participating in community dialogues. and their opinions often pushed aside.
Participants demonstrating how gender roles can be challenged using a drama skit (Photo: Moono Mwiinga Sekeleti)
To address this, the Gender, Diversity, and Inclusion (GDI) curriculum tackled exclusion head-on. Rooted in insights from 13 community engagement meetings held in mid-2024, the course content reflected the lived realities of local communities. These were not abstract concepts-they were honest, community-led conversations about barriers people face and the solutions they envision.
One male Digital Champion reflected: “In our communities, farming tasks like milking, planting, and weeding are often tied to gender. But moving forward, we will encourage our fellow farmers to see these as shared responsibilities.”
Female DCs also shared their personal experiences of exclusion and resilience. “Being a woman, I have faced challenges in earning recognition as a leader,’ one participant shared. “But this training has given me confidence to lead in my community.” Another young mother brought her newborn to the training – an act that symbolized the very inclusion the program espouses. “You didn’t just teach about inclusion,” she said expressing her gratitude to CIMMYT. “You demonstrated it, making sure I had support for my child so that I could focus and learn.”
An extension officer assisting a mother with her child during the training in Choma (Photo: Moono Mwiinga Sekeleti)
As the training came to a close, the DCs moved beyond theory. Together, they co-created practical strategies to address cultural resistance, promote inclusive participation, and support marginalized farmers in accessing essential agricultural resources. Empowered by new skills and a strong sense of ownership, they left not only informed but ready to act.
From insight to impact
Some of the most meaningful learning moments came from lived experience. In one session, a DC recounted how a shift in approach – simply listening – changed her relationship with a skeptical farmer. “He told me that no one had really listened to him before. That act marked the moment we started working together.”
Breakthroughs emerged during the sessions on gender dynamics. Initially met with hesitation, the role-play exercises and open dialogue gradually opened space for reflection and growth. Male DCs began to recognize the value of women’s perspectives, while female participants found renewed confidence to speak up and voice their opinions. These seemingly small shifts in mindset marked important steps toward broader social change, grounded in empathy, understanding and mutual respect.
The training also brought logistical challenges, such as the high cost of reaching remote farmers, limited phone access, and the digital divine within some households. In response, the Atubandike program introduced practical solutions, including airtime and data allowances for DCs, encouraging people to share their phones or advising farmers to borrow handsets from trusted neighbors.
To sustain this momentum, CIMMYT launched regular one-on-one check-in calls with each DC. These touchpoints offer mentorship, reflection and tailored support as DCs continue to embed trust-building and inclusive practices into their everyday work.
Looking ahead: a story of empowerment
As the sessions concluded, a new energy and sense of purpose took hold. DCs left not only with new skills, but with a clear commitment to act. They pledged to attend and host regular community meetings, conduct home visits for farmers unable to attend meetings and use WhatsApp groups to foster ongoing peer learning and collaboration.
This is just the beginning. The next chapter is about turning plans into practice ensuring that the digital revolution in agriculture is truly inclusive and leaves no farmer behind.
The story of digital champions in Zambia is one of empowerment. It is not only about their growth as leaders, but also about the transformation they are catalyzing in their communities. As they challenge social norms, build trust, and amplify unheard voices, they are shaping a more inclusive and resilient agricultural future.
[1]Atubandike, meaning “let’s chat” in Tonga, a local language spoken in Zambia’s Southern Province.
[2] Fabregas, Raissa, Michael Kremer, and Frank Schilbach. 2019. “Realizing the Potential of Digital Development: The Case of Agricultural Advice.” Science. American Association for the Advancement of Science. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.aay3038.
In the May 2025 webinar co-hosted by CA4SH and the Vision for Adapted Crops and Soils (VACS), CIMMYT played a leading role through its co-leadership of VACS, promoting resilient food systems grounded in healthy soils and climate-adapted crops. Represented by Daniela Vega (CGIAR/CIMMYT), the Center highlighted VACS’ rapid growth and its efforts to bridge science, policy, and practice—supporting integrated soil health solutions, evidence-based decision-making, and advancing global commitments like the Soil Health Resolution.
Dr Velu Govindan from CIMMYT pictured here in action during field days as part of CIMMYT’s Global Wheat Program activities in Obregón, México. (Photo:CIMMYT Comms / Dinorah Guzmán Espinosa).
We have the great pleasure of announcing the Derek Tribe Award recipient for 2025 is Dr Velu Govindan, the Principal Scientist – Wheat Breeder at The International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) in Mexico.
Dr Govindan received the award in recognition of his work in plant breeding and genetics. His pioneering work on accelerating genetic gains in wheat has led to the release of over two dozen climate-resilient, zinc-enriched wheat varieties, significantly benefiting farmers across South Asia, Africa and Latin America, highlighting his influence on global food security.
The Crawford Fund’s Derek Tribe Award recognises the distinguished contributions of a citizen of a developing country to the application of research in agriculture or natural resource management in a developing country or countries. These people are often unsung heroes in their fields, with long and dedicated service that has incredible impact.
The Award was inaugurated in 2001 to mark the outstanding contributions of Emeritus Professor Derek Tribe AO OBE FTSE, Foundation Director of the Crawford Fund, to the promotion of international agricultural research.
Dr Velu Govindan from CIMMYT, pictured here in wheat trials in India, is the Crawford Fund’s 2025 Derek Tribe Award recipient (Photo: CIMMYT/Velu Govindan).
Velu is in very distinguished company with his Derek Tribe award, with other CIMMYT awardees including Sanjaya Rajaram, who received the inaugural award in 2001 and was also the recipient of the world food prize in 2014, Ram Kanwar Malik (2015) and Ismail Çakmak (2007). Details about previous recipients of the Crawford Fund Derek Tribe Award are available here.
“Velu has an outstanding record of applying cutting-edge research to enhance agricultural productivity and natural resource management in developing countries. Over the past 15 years, his research at CIMMYT, Mexico, has played a pivotal role in breeding high-yielding, climate-resilient, and biofortified wheat varieties, addressing food security and malnutrition challenges across South Asia and Africa,” said Shaun Coffey, Chief Executive Officer, the Crawford Fund.
“Velu’s research has had significant impact, leading to the release of over 25 improved wheat varieties, benefitting millions of smallholder farmers in India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Ethiopia, and Mexico,” he said.
“Dr Govindan has been instrumental in integrating genomic selection, high-throughput phenotyping, and precision breeding techniques to accelerate genetic gains in wheat and zinc mainstreaming efforts at CIMMYT. His collaborations with national agricultural research systems (NARS) in developing countries have strengthened local breeding programs, enabling faster varietal development and dissemination,” said Shaun.
Velu’s work has received significant funding from international agencies such as the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, USAID, and other national and international funding, further demonstrating its global impact.
“Beyond breeding, Dr Govindan has contributed to sustainable agricultural practices by promoting climate-smart wheat varieties that require fewer inputs and are resilient to heat, drought, and resistant to multiple wheat diseases,” he said.
Prior to his role at CIMMYT, Velu was involved in pearl millet biofortification at ICRISAT through the HarvestPlus program, leading to the development of high-iron pearl millet hybrids adopted by smallholder farmers in India.
“He is also an advocate for capacity building, training young scientists and breeders across Asia and Africa; fostering the next generation of agricultural researchers; and actively participating in policy discussions that have influenced large-scale adoption of improved wheat varieties,” said Shaun.
“The Crawford Fund congratulates Dr Govindan on his lasting impact on global food security and natural resource management. We look forward to highlighting his work with the Derek Tribe address, and further raising awareness of the benefits to Australia and developing countries of agricultural research for food and nutrition security,” concluded Shaun.
The Crawford Fund is pleased to partner with the University of Western Sydney and the University of Sydney for Velu’s visit to Australia. Plans are underway for him to be presented with his award and deliver the 2025 Derek Tribe Address in the coming months. Information regarding the 2025 Derek Tribe Address will be shared when Dr Govindan’s trip is finalised.
In Zimbabwe, farmers are turning to conservation agriculture and climate-resilient crops such as millet, sorghum and cowpeas in order to combat the growing threat of drought, which has been exacerbated by El Niño. Traditional farming methods have left soils degraded and yields diminished, prompting many farmers, such as Memory Mukototse from Kaidza village, to adopt new techniques through programmes like the R4 Rural Resilience Initiative, which is led by the World Food Programme.
By comparing conservation and conventional farming methods, farmers have discovered that practices such as minimal soil disturbance, crop rotation and maintaining ground cover can greatly enhance harvests and improve water retention. Backed by CIMMYT, this farmer-driven research and peer-to-peer knowledge exchange, facilitated through seed fairs, group coordination and exchange visits, has not only enhanced food security, but also empowered communities to adapt and flourish in the face of challenging climatic conditions.
Norman Borlaug was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1970 for leading an agricultural revolution in Mexico, specifically in the Yaqui Valley in Sonora, where he developed high-yield, disease-resistant wheat varieties that helped save the lives of thousands threatened by hunger.
Evangelina Villegas, together with Dr. Surinder Vasal (left) and Norman Borlaug (second from right), share a moment together. (Photo: CIMMYT)
His legacy, driven by CIMMYT in collaboration with the Government of Mexico, has had a profound and lasting impact on global food security. This legacy has inspired and empowered the role of numerous women in agricultural science, encouraging them to lead innovative and essential research to address global food challenges.
Among the women who have stood out due to this influence is Evangelina Villegas, a Mexican scientist whose pioneering work in nutritional maize improvement had a global impact. Together with Dr. Surinder Vasal, Villegas developed quality protein maize (QPM), an innovation that significantly reduced malnutrition and improved nutritional quality for millions of people in developing countries. For these contributions, Evangelina Villegas was awarded the World Food Prize in 2000, becoming the first woman to receive this prestigious honor.
Beyond her scientific achievements, Evangelina Villegas stood out for her commitment to mentoring new generations of researchers, especially women. Her efforts opened doors for more women scientists to participate in high-impact social projects, establishing her as a role model for female leadership in agricultural science.
Villegas’s career clearly reflects the continuation of the social and scientific commitment initiated by Borlaug. Her example highlights how his legacy has not only positively influenced science but also played a crucial role in advancing gender equity within the agricultural and scientific sectors.
An award presented to Evangelina Villegas for the 2000 World Food Prize, recognizing her contribution to global food security. (Photo: Jenifer Morales/CIMMYT)
Today, the life and work of Evangelina Villegas continue to inspire young women researchers, demonstrating how fostering female leadership in agriculture is essential for building sustainable, inclusive, and equitable food systems capable of addressing current and future challenges.
Evangelina Villegas in her laboratory conducting analyses that led to the development of quality protein maize (QPM). (Photo: CIMMYT)
Regional partners in front of the CIMMYT maize lines displayed during field day. (CIMMYT)
Every year, public and private sector partners participate at The International Maize Improvement Consortium for Africa (IMIC-Africa) Field Day for Southern Africa, a unique event that seeks to transform the maize sector. The 2025 field day, hosted at the University of Zimbabwe farm on April 9th, brought together an eclectic blend of partners from seven African countries, including long-standing collaborators and new entrants such as AMAC Seeds and Grow Trade Seeds. Moving beyond just showcasing key achievements and new germplasm to partners, the field day fostered critical and meaningful discussions and experience sharing among partners, from lab to farm.
By offering access to both early- and advanced-generation maize lines, the event was a critical intersection point where public and private players align to tackle the continent’s most pressing agricultural challenges. In addition, members have the opportunity to test their pre-commercial hybrids through CIMMYT-led multi-location trials, ensuring that the products are carefully evaluated across diverse agroecologies and for essential traits such as drought tolerance, pest resistance and high yield potential. It also provides an avenue for suggesting improvements to the demonstrations, ranging from labelling.
We took time to get a clear perspective from CIMMYT scientists, private and public sector representatives.
Q: How important is the IMIC-Africa Field day in addressing maize sector challenges?
“Success of breeding programs is hinged on injection of new genetics that drive gains. Developing high value inbred and donor lines is an expensive process and platforms such as IMIC Africa help reduce product development costs in maize breeding programs of the partners and reduce time taken to deliver solutions to farmers,” emphasized Aparna Das, Senior Technical Program Manager for the Global Maize Program.
“It is rare to get an opportunity to observe and select hundreds of lines in one location as it offers each participant an opportunity to see the performance potential of each line at a glance” said James Gethi, southern Africa Seed Systems Specialist and IMIC Africa southern Africa coordinator.
Mainassara Zaman-Allah, CIMMYT’s Country Representative for Zimbabwe, reflected on the core strengths of the consortium, “It has been 8 years since the launch of the initiative, and one of the core strengths of IMIC-Africa is its inclusivity. Whether from a national agricultural research institution, maize seed company or international agricultural research organizations, IMIC-Africa opens its doors for all involved in maize breeding for the African market. This diversity enables us to leverage a broad range of expertise and resources, to articulate the challenges faced by African farmers.”
Q: What impact have the maize lines had on breeding programs?
“We have seen major improvements in the vigor of materials displayed that open a new frontier for single cross hybrid varieties development” commented Oswell Ndoro from AMAC seeds, a new member of IMIC Africa, signalling optimism for the future.
Walter Trevisan, consultant for Helix Seeds, praised CIMMYT’s Zimbabwe scientists for their collaborative support in selections, “Thank you very much for this outstanding work! We sure appreciate the help of the CIMMYT Zimbabwe scientists in helping us with this task.”
Davison Chaingeni from ARISS, formerly DR&SS Zimbabwe, echoed this, “We continue to see value in getting more DH-based lines. We hope the vigor translates to yield.”
Q: Take us through on what was on offer in the field, where science meets need and demand.
“An array of 624 CIMMYT maize lines were on display, which consisted of 614 new lines from 4 different product profiles providing insights into the performance of different materials. The materials span early-, intermediate, and late- maturity groups to nutritious maize breeding pipelines. A critical component of the field display was trait donor lines where 5 lines were on display for selection. The traits donor lines on display were for drought, drought & heat and Low N & MLN tolerance. This comprehensive showcase enabled seed companies and NARS partners to make informed selections, tailored to their breeding needs,” Gethi explained.
Development of provitamin A-enriched maize (PVA) addresses one of the emerging challenges in combating hidden hunger and animal feed. He further adds, “On display were 126 lines originating from the PVA-enriched maize breeding pipeline. The efforts underscore CIMMYT’s commitment to address regional nutritional needs through targeted breeding initiatives.”
IMIC-Africa lines on display showing differences in phenotype for exploitation by partners (CIMMYT)
Q: What improvements would partners like to see moving forward?
Amsal Tarekegne, head of breeding at Zamseed Seed Company, pointed to a practical bottleneck, “It is a challenge understanding the pedigree information provided in the field book due to its length.”
Yet, the road ahead still demands refinement. Lubasi Sinyinda from Zambia Agricultural Research Institute (ZARI), one of the NARS partners in IMIC-Africa since its inception, noted, “I would like to see more fall armyworm (FAW) and heat-tolerant lines displayed.”
For new entrants like Petros Guveya of Grow Trade Seed company, navigating CIMMYT’s updated heterotic groupings was a challenge, underlining the need for improved orientation for first-time participants.
On the brighter side, Themba Mutuvira complimented the design of the fields by indicating they were easy to navigate through. “The fields were well labelled, and we had no challenges at all identifying the materials”
A living laboratory for Africa’s Maize future
The 2025 IMIC-Africa Field Day was not just an event, but a living laboratory of innovation, critique, and partnership. In the face of mounting climate pressures, pest threats, and nutritional gaps, such platforms offer a rare and invaluable opportunity for the maize breeding community to align, adapt, and accelerate. As IMIC-Africa evolves, the call from partners is clear: deepen inclusivity, enhance clarity, and continually refine the experience to ensure that each plot, each line translates into impact on the farm and food on the table. The future of Africa’s maize sector will be built not in silos, but in such collaborative spaces where science meets the lived realities of farmers and seed companies alike.
MEXICO CITY — CIMMYT and the World Vegetable Center (WorldVeg ) accelerated its global partnership by launching a new WorldVeg office in Mexico at CIMMYT’s headquarters. This joint location will provide improved nutrition, soil health and earning potential for global farmers.
“When vegetables and cereals grow together, the benefits multiply for people and the planet,” said Bram Govaerts, Director General of CIMMYT.
Govaerts said he is eager to scale a proven global track record of collaboration across Mexico, Latin America and the wider world. CIMMYT and WorldVeg’s partnership is already delivering results in Mexico and Central America. For years, the organizations have collaborated to improve production in the traditional milpa system—where maize is grown with beans and squash, often known as the “three sisters.” Collaboration increased yields, helped balance diets and conserved biodiversity.
The collaboration also builds on the more than 100,000 people reached in Sudan, Malawi, Tanzania, and Zambia through CIMMYT and WorldVeg collaboration. These joint projects have improved dietary diversity, soil health and incomes by cultivating both vegetables and cereals. In Tanzania alone, the collaboration has increased the sales of value-added products by 50%.
“This partnership represents tangible, scalable diversification options for farmers,” said Marco Wopereis, Director General of WorldVeg. “Integrating vegetables into cereal systems improves nutrition, raises incomes, and builds sustainability, beginning in Mexico and expanding globally.”
Led by WorldVeg Scientist Roland Schafleitner, the WorldVeg Mexico office in partnership with CIMMYT, local universities, research organizations and farmers will identify and promote adapted vegetable varieties suitable for smallholder production, as well as intercropping systems.
This initiative will improve supply of nutrient-rich vegetables that directly address the pressing global challenge highlighted by a 2020 FAO report—that over 3 billion people worldwide lack affordable access to diverse and nutritious diets.
“Whether it is in the field or on plates – cereals and vegetables go better together,” said Govaerts. “This marks an acceleration CIMMYT’s efforts to work with other organizations that share in our mission to advance a more food- and nutrition-secure world for all. We are eager to partner with other organizations that share this focus.”
The strategic alliance between CIMMYT and WorldVeg marks the first of several anticipated collaborations, transforming CIMMYT’s global headquarters into a hub for food and agricultural innovation.
CIMMYT and the World Vegetable Center inaugurate their new office at CIMMYT headquarters (Photo: CIMMYT)
About CIMMYT
CIMMYT is a cutting edge, nonprofit, international organization dedicated to solving tomorrow’s problems today. It is entrusted with fostering improved quantity, quality, and dependability of production systems and basic cereals such as maize, wheat, triticale, sorghum, millets and associated crops through applied agricultural science, particularly in the Global South, building strong partnerships. This combination enhances the livelihood trajectories and resilience of millions of resource-poor farmers while working toward a more productive, inclusive, and resilient agrifood system within planetary boundaries. For more information, visit: cimmyt.org.
About WorldVeg
WorldVeg is an international non-profit institute for research and development of vegetable technologies. It mobilizes resources from the public and private sectors to realize the potential of vegetables for healthier lives and more resilient livelihoods. WorldVeg’s improved varieties, production and postharvest methods help farmers increase vegetable harvests, raise incomes in poor rural and urban households, create jobs, and provide healthier, more nutritious diets for families and communities.Headquartered in Taiwan, it operates in 15 countries.More information: worldveg.org.
As a key partner in the release of Nigeria’s first biofortified hybrid pearl millet varieties, CIMMYT contributed its scientific expertise and commitment to advancing climate-resilient, nutrition-rich crops for smallholder farmers. Collaborating closely with ICRISAT, HarvestPlus, and the Lake Chad Research Institute (LCRI), CIMMYT played a pivotal role in supporting the development and scaling of high-yielding, early-maturing millet hybrids enhanced with iron and zinc. This effort reflects CIMMYT’s broader mission to strengthen agrifood systems through innovation and partnership, addressing the dual challenges of malnutrition and climate stress while empowering rural communities across Nigeria’s drylands.
Nestled amidst the enchanting Eastern Ghats in southern Odisha lies Koraput district, where agriculture is more than just a livelihood — it is a vital part of cultural identity. For Ranti Golari, a 58-year-old farmer from Jantaput village, this bond with the land runs deep. Yet, like many women farmers in her community, she faces numerous challenges. As she explains, “Reaching the marketplace is time-consuming,” she says, “and often, I return home empty-handed because there are no seeds available.”
Ranti Galori portrait (Photo: TAFFSA)
A Deep-Rooted Farming Heritage
Koraput’s agricultural heritage is as unique as its landscape. For centuries, tribal communities have cultivated this land using practices passed down through generations. Their traditional methods received global recognition in 2012 when the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) designated Koraput as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System. This accolade celebrates their sustainable practices, which preserve native biodiversity, ensure food security, and protect the environment.
Local farmers possess an intrinsic understanding of their land, knowing precisely which crops will thrive in each season and how to maintain soil health. However, behind this legacy lies a complex web of challenges that threaten the region’s agricultural sustainability.
Better seed quality means better yields. (Photo: TAFFSA)
Challenges Beneath the Surface
Although agriculture employs 44% of Odisha’s workforce, it contributes only 24% to the state’s economy, reflecting low productivity and incomes.
Land fragmentation is a critical issue — 93% of farmers own less than two hectares, with the average size shrinking to just 0.95 hectares. These scattered plots reduce bargaining power and limit access to quality inputs and advanced farming technologies. Koraput’s remote location exacerbates these problems, leaving farmers disconnected from market trends and newer farming practices.
Women farmers, who make up 57% of Odisha’s agricultural workforce, face additional barriers. Weekly markets, known as padwas, are often 10 kilometers away, requiring arduous travel through rugged terrain. Limited transport and safety concerns compound their struggles. The unreliable quality of seed, often untreated or mixed with inferior varieties, further undermines their efforts.
Women farmers with their potato harvest (Photo: TAFFSA)
Economic constraints further compound the problem. High seed costs, limited credit access, and weak market bargaining power trap farmers in a cycle of low productivity and profitability. As Ranti poignantly puts it, “Sometimes, the harvest barely matches the seeds we sow. Five bags sown and five bags harvested — how can farming be beneficial?”
A Solution Through Smallholder Aggregation
The Transforming Agrifood Systems in South Asia (TAFSSA) initiative introduced the innovative Small Farmers Large Field (SFLF) model to address these challenges. This approach aggregates fragmented land holdings and promotes collaboration among smallholder farmers.
Potatoes, with their rapid growth and soil-building properties, proved to be an ideal crop for the region. Rich in nutrients and widely accepted in the local diet, potatoes offer consistent market demand and opportunities for value-added processing.
In Kharif 2023, 54 farmers participated in the SFLF pilot, which focused on four key pillars:
Access to quality seed: Farmers received standardized potato seed tubers, rigorously graded and sorted for quality.
Streamlined seed delivery: Seeds were distributed directly to villages, saving time and transportation costs, especially for women farmers.
Knowledge enhancement: Workshops and trainings, conducted in partnership with the local NGO Pragati, empowered farmers with improved agricultural practices.
Market integration: By linking farmers to Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), the initiative strengthened their collective bargaining power, enabling them to obtain better prices for quality produce.
Women farmers showcase proudly showcase their potato harvest (Photo: TAFFSA)
Economic Opportunities and Impact
As the world’s second-largest producer of potatoes, India offers immense potential for the crop. The introduction of rainy season potato production in Koraput allows farmers to supply fresh produce when market demand peaks, ensuring higher profits.
The impact of the SFLF initiative goes beyond economic gains. Reduced input costs, increased yields, and diversified incomes have improved financial stability, allowing families to invest in education and healthcare. Socially, the program fosters community bonds and empowers farmers through collective action and resource sharing.
Looking Ahead
The success of the SFLF model underscores the importance of targeted interventions that address seed quality, market access, and knowledge gaps. For farmers like Ranti, these changes mean more than agricultural improvement — they represent hope for preserving their heritage while building a sustainable future.
Koraput’s journey illustrates that agricultural transformation thrives when economic progress aligns with cultural preservation. As these farmers innovate and adapt, their experiences offer valuable lessons for similar regions across India.
Farmers carrying potatoes harvested from the field (Photo: TAFSSA)
CIMMYT is a key partner through which Mexico supports Ethiopia’s efforts to modernize its agricultural sector. During a meeting with the Mexican Ambassador to Ethiopia, Minister of Agriculture Dr. Girma Amente reaffirmed the country’s interest in working with Mexico to promote agricultural technologies, enhance the value chain of Bonga Products, and develop areas such as irrigation, durum wheat, soil health, and the Green Legacy initiative. He specifically requested that Mexico continue its support through CIMMYT and encouraged Mexican private investors to engage in processing agricultural products and meeting the growing mechanization needs of Ethiopian farmers.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
