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Global malnutrition: Why cereal grains could provide an answer

Nigel Poole, Professor of International Development at SOAS, University of London, writes on The Conversation about the role of cereals in fighting malnutrition. Poole was a Visiting Fellow at the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) in Mexico for a year.

Read more: https://theconversation.com/global-malnutrition-why-cereal-grains-could-provide-an-answer-156786

Crop nutrient management using digital tool improves yield, reduces greenhouse gas emissions: Study

The use of field-specific fertiliser in the Indo-Gangetic Plains (IGP) can increase grain yield, reduce greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional farmer fertilization practices (FFP), and lead to reduced costs and increased incomes for farmers.

These were the findings of a study conducted between 2013 and 2017 by the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre (CIMMYT) and published in Nature Scientific Report in January 2021.

Read more: https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/agriculture/crop-nutrient-management-using-digital-tool-improves-yield-reduces-greenhouse-gas-emissions-study-75793

Scientist boosted global wheat yield with disease-resistant varieties

Sanjaya Rajaram, a University of Sydney alumnus recognized with the World Food Prize, was a world-renowned wheat breeder and scientist. One of the world’s leading food scientists, he died on February 17 from COVID-19 in Ciudad Obregon, Mexico.

Read more: https://www.smh.com.au/national/scientist-boosted-global-wheat-yield-with-disease-resistant-varieties-20210303-p577cm.html

Remembering the Legacy of Distinguished Wheat Breeder Sanjaya Rajaram

A leader of wheat breeding and later director of CIMMYT’s Global Wheat Program, Sanjaya Rajaram passed away at the age of 78.

Recognized with the World Food Prize in 2014, he personally oversaw the development of more than 480 high-yielding, disease-resistant varieties sown on 58 million hectares in 51 countries, increasing global wheat production by more than 200 million tons during his lifetime in diverse regions across the globe.

Read more: https://www.agribusinessglobal.com/agrochemicals/seeds-traits/remembering-the-legacy-of-distinguished-wheat-breeder-sanjaya-rajaram/

Successful Crop Innovation Is Mitigating Climate Crisis Impact in Africa

In an op-ed, Martin Kropff, Director General of CIMMYT, and Nteranya Sanginga, Director General of the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), discuss how higher-yielding, stress-tolerant maize varieties can not only help smallholder farmers combat climatic variabilities and diseases, but also effectively diversify their farms.

Read more: http://www.ipsnews.net/2021/02/successful-crop-innovation-mitigating-climate-crisis-impact-africa/

Fast-tracked adoption of second-generation resistant maize varieties key to managing maize lethal necrosis in Africa

A new publication in Virus Research shows that these second-generation MLN-resistant hybrids developed by the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) offer better yields and increased resilience against MLN and other stresses.

Read more: https://africa.com/fast-tracked-adoption-of-second-generation-resistant-maize-varieties-key-to-managing-maize-lethal-necrosis-in-africa/

Eminent members of Indian diaspora honoured with the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award at PBD Convention

Ravi Singh, Distinguished Scientist and Head of Global Wheat Improvement at the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), received the highest honor conferred by the Government of India to non-resident Indians.

Singh, whose career at CIMMYT spans 37 years, was recognized for his invaluable contributions to wheat research and the development and training of scientists that have increased food production and nutritional security in Mexico, India and numerous other countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America.

Read more: https://www.connectedtoindia.com/eminent-members-of-indian-diaspora-honoured-with-the-pravasi-bharatiya-samman-award-at-pbd-8780.html

The International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center works in Colombia to enhance grain quality

Natalia Palacios, Maize Quality Specialist at CIMMYT, spoke about the center’s work in Colombia and the future of maize production in the program ‘Tierra de Sueños’ (Land of Dreams).

Listen to the episode here: https://www.rcnradio.com/colombia/el-centro-internacional-de-mejoramiento-maiz-y-trigo-trabaja-en-colombia-por-la-calidad

Climate change adds to woes of lentil farmers in Nepal

Once a world leading lentil producer, Nepal is now having to import them as farmers struggle with low productivity and warmer, wetter weather.

This could have serious implications in a country where lentils provide an important source of protein, especially for poor families.

Read more: https://www.thethirdpole.net/2020/11/25/climate-change-adds-to-woes-of-lentil-farmers-in-nepal/

Power of data: To enhance food security

Data has become a key driver of growth and change in today’s world.

There is growing recognition that data is indispensable for effective planning and decision-making in every sector. But the state of digital data in developing countries is far from satisfactory. In Asia, monitoring the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) remains a challenge due to a lack of accurate data.

Read more: https://thehimalayantimes.com/opinion/power-of-data-to-enhance-food-security/