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Advanced Training in Conservation Agriculture: Fostering Sustainable Agronomic Systems

Written by dmedina on . Posted in Blogs.

Participants attended the opening ceremony at NAS Complex in New Delhi (Photo: CIMMYT)

CIMMYT, the Borlaug Institute for South Asia (BISA), and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) jointly organized a three-week training course on conservation agriculture (CA) and regenerative agriculture (RA). The program focused on the potential of sustainable farming methods as vital tools for managing risks in agrifood systems in both irrigated and rainfed areas.

Held from December 3–23, 2024, the training brought together farmers, scientists, and stakeholders to explore innovative solutions to agrifood challenges. Sessions were held at the ICAR Indian Institute of Maize Research and BISA in Ludhiana, Punjab; the ICAR-Central Soil Salinity Research Institute in Karnal, Haryana; and the ICAR-Indian Institute of Farming Systems Research in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, India.

Building Resilient Agrifood Systems

Conservation agriculture (CA) and regenerative agriculture (RA) are approaches to land management that prioritize ecosystem health. These practices are based on three core principles: minimal soil disturbance, continuous soil cover, and crop diversification. Together, they improve yields, restore natural resources, reduce farming costs, and develop resilient agricultural systems that protect the environment, enhance climate resilience, and improve rural livelihoods, particularly in the Global South.

In South Asia, where rural communities rely heavily on natural resources, farmers face significant challenges, including loss of soil fertility, water scarcity, pollution, and the effects of climate change. These pressures are straining agricultural systems, particularly in irrigated and dryland farming areas.

Despite the clear benefits of CA, adoption remains limited due to barriers such as lack of knowledge on how to implement CA in different agro-ecologies, limited access to appropriate tools, insufficient policy support, and low awareness of the long-term benefits of CA. To address these challenges, training and capacity development are essential for scaling up CA technologies among smallholder farmers and ensuring their long-term impact.

The Advanced Course on CA/RA in Asia was launched in 2010 by CIMMYT in partnership with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) to address the challenges of sustainable agriculture. Since its inception, advanced training workshops have been held annually, and this is the 13th edition.

The training bridges cutting-edge scientific research and multidisciplinary strategies, equipping participants with skills in sustainable intensification, diversification of production systems, resilience-building, and natural resource conservation. To date, CA training has benefited more than 220 researchers, policymakers, and development practitioners from 20 countries.

The 13th edition, held in India, welcomed mid-career researchers from Uzbekistan, Morocco, and India. The course was coordinated by Mahesh Gathala, Cropping Systems Agronomist, and Alison Laing, Agroecology Specialist, both from CIMMYT; Madhu Choudhary, Senior Scientist at ICAR-CSSRI; and Raj Kumar Jat, Senior Scientist at BISA.

Key Highlights of the Advanced Conservation Agriculture Training Course

The Advanced Conservation Agriculture (CA) course was inaugurated on December 4, 2024, at the NASC Complex in New Delhi. The inaugural address was delivered by S.K. Chaudhari, Deputy Director General for Natural Resource Management at ICAR, who highlighted the importance of CA in addressing climate challenges and managing agronomic risks. Chaudhari emphasized CIMMYT’s leadership in promoting CA in India and reflected on the impact of the program, saying, “I have been watching this course for many years. Many young scientists have benefited from this course.” He also fondly recalled the inaugural training session held 13 years ago and extended his best wishes to all the participants. Watch his complete statement here.

Participants experiencing hands-on training at the BISA farm in Ludhiana.

During the course, participants explored a wide range of topics related to conservation agriculture (CA) and regenerative agriculture (RA) in different agro-ecologies. Key areas of focus included the role of emerging technologies such as drones, carbon credits, soil fertility, nutrient management, crop modeling, and soil testing in informing policy. Experts from various scientific disciplines provided valuable insights into cutting-edge research for both irrigated and dryland systems.

At BISA’s research station in Ludhiana, participants gained practical experience through hands-on training sessions conducted under the expert guidance of H.S. Sidhu and Manpreet Singh (both from Punjab Agricultural University), with the support of Pardeep Sangwal (BISA).

Participants learning new techniques at CSSRI, Karnal (Photo: CIMMYT)

The training included field visits to ICAR-CSSRI in Karnal, where Director R.K. Yadav, Madhu Choudhary, and Kailash Prajapat presented the Institute’s long-term conservation agriculture (CA) experiments. They also conducted hands-on demonstrations on soil biology and its role in generating evidence for policy decisions.

In addition, Mahesh Gathala conducted hands-on training in basic soil physical and chemical analysis techniques at joint ICAR-CIMMYT field plots in Karnal.

Special visits were organized to innovative agricultural machinery manufacturers, including Landforce and National Agroindustry, where participants observed advanced manufacturing techniques and explored the latest agricultural equipment.

Participants also interacted with the manufacturers’ association at the 5th India International Agri Expo in Ludhiana, gaining insights into emerging trends in agricultural machinery.

Participants visited the National Agro manufacturing unit in Ludhiana, Punjab (Photo: CIMMYT)

In addition, a village visit outside Karnal gave participants the opportunity to interact with farmers practicing conservation agriculture (CA). Farmers shared their experiences, giving participants a first-hand look at the practical benefits and real-world impact of CA on farming communities.

A visit to Golden Temple in Amritsar, Punjab (Photo: CIMMYT)

The success of the program underscores the importance of continued collaboration and training in advancing sustainable agricultural practices. By equipping participants with practical skills, cutting-edge knowledge, and opportunities to connect with peers across regions, the training was instrumental in advancing conservation agriculture (CA) and regenerative agriculture (RA).

Participants left the program with enhanced technical expertise, greater confidence in applying CA practices, and valuable insights into emerging areas such as carbon credit schemes and innovative agricultural technologies. These results underscore the critical role of capacity development in strengthening food security, building climate resilience, and promoting sustainable development in the Global South.

The 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29): Navigating Food Systems and Climate Challenges

Written by dmedina on . Posted in News.

From 11 -22 November 2024, global leaders convened in Baku, Azerbaijan for COP29. Dubbed the finance COP, critical intersections of climate change, food systems, and sustainable development took center stage. This year’s conference reflected both the progress and the persistent challenges in addressing the climate crisis, marking a critical moment in the climate negotiations. 

Food Systems at the Forefront 

COP29 highlighted the undeniable importance of transforming global food systems as a cornerstone of effective climate action. Initiatives like the Harmoniya platform and the Declaration on Methane from Organic Waste shows the global community’s recognition of agriculture as both a contributor to and a solution for greenhouse gas emissions. However, the broader discussions were a reminder of the gap between ambition and implementation, with financial commitments and concrete action plans often falling short. 

While food systems gained visibility, the debates often revealed tensions, particularly on issues like global stocktake outcomes, financing, and the integration of mitigation and adaptation strategies. Despite these challenges, the coordination and cohesion within the food systems community were commendable, reflecting a collective resolve to carry the momentum forward. 

COP 29 – Baku, Azerbaijan

Key Outcomes and Agreements 

  1. Climate Finance and the NCQG

A central focus of COP29 was the New Collective Quantified Goal on climate finance (NCQG). While the actual need for climate finance is estimated at $1.3 trillion annually, the outcomes of COP29 fell short, with only $300 billion explicitly committed to developing countries. The inclusion of voluntary contributions from non-traditional donors like China and the UAE added nuance but failed to resolve the broader financial gaps. 

  1. Mitigation Work Programme

Discussions on the Mitigation Work Programme highlighted fundamental disagreements over whether the program should prioritize specific actions linked to the global stocktake. While some nations sought prescriptive approaches, others emphasized the voluntary nature of nationally determined contributions (NDCs). These debates highlight the complexities of aligning global and national climate priorities. 

  1. Adaptation and Resilience

The global goal on adaptation progressed with the launch of the Baku Adaptation Roadmap, though challenges remain in refining and agreeing upon adaptation-related indicators. Meanwhile, the Sharm El Sheikh Joint Work on Agriculture and Food Security moved forward with plans for an online portal to share best practices and tools for climate action. 

  1. Collaborative Frameworks

The conference saw advancements in collaborative mechanisms such as the Paris Agreement Crediting Mechanism under Article 6, which aims to enhance transparency and accountability in carbon markets. Platforms like Harmoniya and the Global Nitrous Oxide Hub were also launched to streamline efforts in addressing specific climate challenges. 

CIMMYT at COP29

Amid these broader discussions, CIMMYT came out to strongly champion for the alignment of scientific innovation with the practical challenges of transforming food systems. Sieglinde Snapp and Tek Sapkota represented CIMMYT at high-level side events, highlighting the critical need to leverage research to tackle climate challenges. Their contributions focused on developing actionable pathways to bridge the persistent gap between ambitious goals and effective implementation. 

Participation in high-level panel discussions

Date: November 12, 2024 
Event: High-Level Panel on Sustainable Agriculture 

Tek Sapkota shared CIMMYT’s efforts in advancing food systems, climate resilience, and environmental sustainability, aligning with the UAE COP28 Declaration on sustainable agriculture. The event featured remarks from distinguished leaders, including H.E. President Taye Atske Selassie of Ethiopia, H.E. Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen of Denmark, and H.E. Amna Al Dahak of the United Arab Emirates among other world leaders.  

Date: November 18, 2024 

Event: Making Agriculture Smart by Going Wild

Sieglinde Snapp was part of panel discussions chaired by the United Kingdom Nature minister to discuss leveraging wild crop relatives and underutilized species to enhance agricultural resilience against climate risks. She highlighted CIMMYT’s efforts towards biodiversity in achieving food security. 

(Photo: Maria Monayo/CIMMYT)
(Photo: Maria Monayo/CIMMYT)
(Photo: Maria Monayo/CIMMYT)
(Photo: Maria Monayo/CIMMYT)

Other events include: 

  • Scaling Innovations for Greenhouse Gas Mitigation
    Date: November 12, 2024
    Presented CIMMYT’s research on precision agriculture, showcasing strategies for leveraging site-specific nutrient management to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while increasing food production and supporting food security. (Link recording) 
  • Pre-COP30 Discussions on Fertilizer Innovations
    Date: November 14, 2024
    Highlighted innovative technologies in fertilizer production and management as part of technological breakthrough to reduce GHG emissions from agricultural sectors.  (Link recording) 
  • Partnerships for Soil Health and Agricultural Resilience
    Date: November 15, 2024
    Explored the role of public-private partnerships in advancing soil health and resilience. The discussion highlighted innovative soil management technologies that conserve nitrogen, preserve soil organic carbon, and promote climate-smart agriculture.  
  • Enhancing Soil Health for Climate Action
    Date: November 16, 2024
    Addressed practical strategies for improving soil health to mitigate climate change and enhance agricultural sustainability. (Link recording) 
  • CGIAR Panel Discussion on Innovation in Soil Fertility Management
    Date: November 18, 2024
    Shared insights on advancing soil fertility management through cutting-edge innovations that balance productivity and sustainability. (Link recording) 
  • Global Nitrous Oxide Hub Launch
    Date: November 19, 2024
    Discussed the importance of reducing nitrous oxide emissions in agriculture, aligning with global efforts to mitigate climate change.  
  • VACS Networking Events
    Date: November 19, 2024
    Discussions highlighting public-private-civil society partnerships for sustaining agricultural resilience and advancing the VACS agenda.  
  • Launch of the 2024 Breakthrough Agenda Report
    Date: November 20, 2024
    (Link recording) 

 

Non-Negotiated Outcomes

Beyond formal agreements, COP29 featured significant declarations and initiatives that highlight emerging priorities: 

The Road Ahead: From Baku to Belém

As the world prepares for COP30 in Belém, Brazil, the outcomes of COP29 provide both lessons and opportunities. CIMMYT, aligned with the CGIAR 2030 Research and Innovation Strategy, is uniquely positioned to drive transformative action in food systems. 

Key priorities for COP 30 include: 

  • Strengthening Finance Mechanisms: Addressing the financial gaps in adaptation and mitigation efforts, particularly for low-income nations. 
  • Scaling Collaborative Initiatives: Building on platforms like Harmoniya to foster cross-sectoral and international collaboration. 
  • Embedding Food Systems in Climate Policy: Ensuring that agriculture and food systems are integral to NDCs and national adaptation plans. 
  • Advancing Science for Action: Driving actionable research to close gaps in implementation, particularly in nutrient management and biodiversity conservation. 

In Zimbabwe, Women Are Leading the Battle Against Climate Change

Written by dmedina on . Posted in In the media.

CIMMYT, through the CGIAR-supported Ukama Ustawi initiative, is supporting women farmers in Zimbabwe to lead the fight against climate change. By adopting climate-smart practices like zero tillage and growing drought-resistant crops such as orange maize, cowpeas, and lab-lab, farmers like Susan Chinyengetere are ensuring food security, generating income, and inspiring others. These techniques not only strengthen resilience against erratic weather but also enable women to balance traditional roles while driving sustainable agriculture. With access to affordable seeds, mechanization, and strong farmer networks, CIMMYT is fostering lasting solutions to climate adaptation across Zimbabwe and beyond.

Read the full story.

Climate Change Threatens Agriculture In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: Farmers Struggle To Cope

Written by dmedina on . Posted in In the media.

CIMMYT is at the forefront of addressing climate change challenges in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) by introducing drought-tolerant wheat varieties and hybrid seeds for vegetables, tailored to withstand water scarcity, heat stress, and erratic rainfall. Through collaborations with local research institutions, CIMMYT equips farmers with innovative solutions to sustain crop productivity in the face of extreme weather. These efforts directly support smallholder farmers in building resilience and securing their livelihoods amidst the growing threats posed by climate change.

Read the full story.

The other revolution that was born in Mexico: The legacy of sustainable transformation and its new roots

Written by dmedina on . Posted in Blogs.

Members of the Maíz Criollo Kantunil group next to a plot of land cultivated using sustainable practices (Photo: Jenifer Morales/CIMMYT)

The Mexican Revolution was not the only transformative movement to emerge in Mexico. Another profound transformation began in the Mexican countryside, and today, far from guns, today it continues to drive a more peaceful and resilient society through the integration of science, innovation and ancestral knowledge. 

In the 1960s, Mexico set a precedent for global agricultural change. Today, that movement has evolved into a sustainability approach that responds to today’s challenges: climate change, biodiversity loss and the need to ensure food security. Under CIMMYT’s leadership, the Hub model has established itself as a key tool for delivering scientific solutions to producers, strengthening resilient and sustainable agricultural systems. 

At CIMMYT, we believe that ensuring food security means not only producing healthier food but also conserving natural resources such as soil and water and promoting the well-being of farmers and their communities. Through the Hub model, we have promoted practices such as the sustainable management of staple crops such as maize and related crops, and the use of strategies to strengthen the seed system to meet the challenges of the agricultural sector. 

A clear example of this approach is the Maíz Criollo Kantunil group in Yucatán. Led by Edgar Miranda, this collective of eight families has adopted innovative practices such as regenerative agriculture, efficient water use and agroecological pest management. By linking with the Hub model, the group has been able to conserve native seeds, strengthen local agroecology and generate social and productive benefits for their community. 

“Our main objective is that the next generations will have seeds available to meet their food needs,” said Edgar Miranda. “We work with sustainable practices that allow us to conserve our resources and produce healthy crops,” he added. 

In addition to supporting producers, the Hub model fosters associativity and community participation, essential pillars for building inclusive and resilient food systems. These activities are in line with national initiatives such as strengthening production chains, but also reflect CIMMYT’s commitment to a global approach to sustainable development. 

CIMMYT’s strategy in Mexico not only supports producers in transforming their agricultural systems, but also promotes strategic alliances with public and private actors. These collaborations strengthen the integration of scientific solutions and sustainable practices, stimulate innovation in rural communities, and promote resilience to the challenges of climate change. With an approach based on science, inclusiveness and continuous learning, CIMMYT continues to contribute to building a more equitable, sustainable and prosperous future for Mexico and the world. 

Sustainable Agri-Food Colombia: a boost for resilient agriculture

Written by dmedina on . Posted in News.

Biofortified corn crop in Colombia (Photo: CIMMYT)

CIMMYT, in collaboration with the Bioversity-CIAT Alliance and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development of Colombia, is contributing to the Sustainable Agri-Food Colombia project. This transformative initiative aims to reshape Colombia’s agricultural sector by fostering sustainable and resilient agri-food systems. Several research institutions are also part of this mission as strategic implementing partners.

The goal of Sustainable Agri-Food Colombia is to address the environmental and production challenges facing Colombian agriculture, while ensuring food security and sustainability. Through the implementation of innovative technologies, better agricultural practices and adaptation to climate change, it aims to improve the competitiveness of Colombian producers and reduce pressure on natural resources. In this sense, the project contributes to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially those related to climate action, life on earth and reducing inequalities. 

CIMMYT is collaborating in this project to join efforts to strengthen farmers’ capacities, as Sustainable Agri-Food Colombia focuses not only on agricultural production, but on the entire agri-food system, seeking to build more inclusive and efficient value chains, from production to the consumer, emphasizing community participation and knowledge transfer in an inclusive manner, involving women, youth and marginalized rural communities in decision-making processes and technology adoption. 

The collaboration between international CGIAR research centers, such as the Bioversity-CIAT Alliance and CIMMYT, together with key stakeholders in Colombia, demonstrates that the future of agriculture depends on an integrated vision that combines science, innovation and collaboration. This lays the foundation for transforming agriculture and food in Colombia for the benefit of people and the planet. 

Rockefeller Foundation Invests in Nature to Support Indigenous Peoples and Rainforest Communities at COP29

Written by dmedina on . Posted in In the media.

At COP29, the Rockefeller Foundation highlighted its support for CIMMYT through a grant focused on advancing regenerative agricultural practices on farms in Mexico. This collaboration underscores CIMMYT’s pivotal role in driving sustainable farming solutions that enhance food security, environmental resilience, and biodiversity conservation. By integrating regenerative techniques into agrifood systems, CIMMYT contributes to global efforts to mitigate climate change while safeguarding the productivity and health of vital ecosystems.

Read the full story.

Mexico sends seeds to the Svalbard Global Seed Vault

Written by dmedina on . Posted in News.

Germplasm Bank team that participated in the new shipment of seeds to Svalbard (Photo: Jenifer Morales/CIMMYT)

In an act that underlines Mexico’s commitment to biodiversity conservation and global food security, CIMMYT has delivered its ninth shipment of maize seeds to the Svalbard Global Seed Vault. This deposit marks a significant milestone, completing 90% of the maize collection and 92% of the wheat collection, making CIMMYT one of the leading custodians of the world’s agricultural biological heritage.

The Svalbard Vault, known as the “vault at the end of the world,” is an impressive repository located on a Norwegian island, more than 8,000 kilometers from Mexico. Its purpose is to store seeds from around the world to protect biodiversity from natural disasters, conflicts, or the effects of climate change. With this latest shipment, Mexico strengthens its role in conserving seeds that, in critical situations, could mean the difference between the collapse or resilience of global food systems.

Cristian Zavala, germplasm conservation specialist at CIMMYT, emphasized the importance of this shipment for the maize and wheat collections. “This shipment is essential to ensure the availability of seeds in the future,” said Zavala, alluding to the long process needed to complete the conservation of the collections. “While this is not the last shipment to Svalbard, it is a critical one to ensure the availability of the seed in the future,” he added.

These efforts are aimed not only at protecting the genetic diversity of these crops but also at ensuring that the seed is available for distribution. Zavala explained, “In addition to supporting 92% of this shipment, the wheat collection has reached 90% availability for distribution, which makes us eligible to participate in long-term funding.” This availability is key to ensuring food security and allows these seeds to be recovered and distributed to regions that may need repatriation.

The CIMMYT Germplasm Bank at Texcoco, which houses the largest and most diverse collections of maize and wheat in the world, serves not only Mexico but all of humanity. Protected as a “global good,” these seeds are available for research, agriculture, and education. “When we talk about a public good or a global good, we mean that all of humanity has the right to enjoy this diversity in a responsible way,” said Zavala.

The Svalbard Vault, with its ability to withstand natural disasters and other threats, is a guarantee to the countries that store their seed collections there. In Zavala’s words, “If this diversity is lost, only these types of gene banks can and will be able to return it to its place of origin.” This reflects the global and collaborative effort needed to conserve agricultural biodiversity.

This achievement is the result of a collective effort. “To make this shipment possible, a large team of people participated. This year, about 50 people supported this set of seeds,” said Zavala. Conservation of genetic resources is a team effort that involves many actors to ensure the availability of these seeds in the future.

The shipment to Svalbard is a reminder of the importance of gene banks as a critical tool in addressing the challenges of climate change and ensuring global food security. The seeds sent are not intended for immediate cultivation but will serve as a backup, ready to be used in the event of a disaster affecting the original collections. In this way, Mexico is contributing to a public good of inestimable value for all humanity.

In a world increasingly vulnerable to the effects of climate change, biodiversity loss, or social instability, these shipments are more than just storage. They are an act of collective responsibility that will allow humanity to maintain its ability to feed and thrive.

The increasing frequency of drought challenges agriculture sustainability and livelihood of smallholder farmers

Written by Nima Chodon on . Posted in Blogs.

Crops struggling to grow in drought conditions, Bihar (Photo: Moben Ignatius/CIMMYT)

Agriculture is one of the sectors most affected by droughts, which can last for months or even years. In Bihar, where rain-fed agriculture is the primary source of livelihood for many, droughts can be devastating for rural farmers. The growing threat of climate change to crop production and farming practices calls for adopting alternative farming methods. In 2022-23, many districts in Bihar experienced drought conditions.

To better understand the impact of drought on crop production practices and farmers’ livelihoods, researchers from CSISA, a CIMMYT-led project, conducted a survey in Bihar during both the Kharif and Rabi seasons of 2022-23, the year of the drought. In the Kharif season, 518 farmers from 11 districts, 39 blocks, and 79 villages were surveyed, while 339 farmers participated in the Rabi season survey. The primary goal of this data collection was to assess the impact of drought on agricultural practices and provide evidence to guide policy and decision-making processes.

The survey collected data on 123 variables related to rice production, including land preparation, cropping patterns for 2022 and 2021, crop establishment methods, irrigation management, fertilizer application, and weed management. Farmers also shared their perceptions of how the drought had altered their rice production practices and affected their livelihoods compared to the previous year.

For many farmers, the experience of the drought was harsh. Magni Singh from East Champaran reflected on the challenges: “This year (2022), the drought hit us hard. I could only plant paddy on a small piece of land, but with no rain, there was not much harvest. Our fragmented land makes efficient irrigation almost impossible, and relying on rain feels like gambling with each season. Farming in these conditions is becoming increasingly unsustainable.”

Similarly, Shanti Devi of Banka shared her struggles: “The season started with drought, and we struggled to get water to the crops. By the time the rain came, it was too late – it came during the harvest and damaged the crop. I couldn’t afford fertilizers in time, which made things worse. Every year, it feels like we’re battling both nature and rising costs.”

This drought impact assessment by CSISA is also valuable for further research, particularly for comparing rice production practices between drought and non-drought years. Such comparisons can help researchers and policymakers develop effective drought mitigation strategies tailored to farmers’ needs.

An electric pump used to irrigate a paddy field in Buxar, Bihar (Photo: Nima Chodon/CIMMYT)

Read more about these livelihoods framework at Drought Impact Assessment in Bihar – August 2024https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:AP:66f00f6f-df17-4b13-9fee-2e0050de12ea 

For further research and analysis, primary data from the survey can be accessed at CIMMYT data verse

Seeds to beat the heat in lowland tropics

Written by dmedina on . Posted in Features.

South Asia, a region heavily impacted by climate change, faces rising temperatures, erratic monsoon rains causing intermittent drought and excessive moisture within the season, and frequent episodes of heat waves. These extreme weather events are challenging agrarian practices and affecting millions, especially smallholder farmers dependent upon rainfed cultivations. The halcyon days of consistent environmental conditions are gone, and adaptation and mitigation strategies have become essential in South Asia.

In May 2024, over 20 districts in the Terai region of Nepal and many parts of northern India recorded maximum temperatures between 40°C and 45°C, with several districts also experiencing heat waves during the same period. The temperature rise is not limited to the lowland plains; the effects are also being felt in the mountains, where rapid snowmelt is becoming increasingly common. In the Hindu Kush Himalayas region of Pakistan, farmers have had to shift their cropping cycles by a month to cope with drought stress caused by rising temperatures, which are leading to the early melting of snow in the region.

Partners in South Asia visiting heat stress tolerant hybrids demonstration in Nepal (Photo: CIMMYT-Nepal)

Collaborating to rise above the challenge

Amid the growing climate crisis, the Heat Stress Tolerant Maize for Asia (HTMA) project was launched by CIMMYT in 2012, with support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) under the Feed the Future initiative of the U.S. Government. The overarching goal of the HTMA project was to help farm families, particularly maize growers, to adapt to the impacts of soaring heat on maize productivity in South Asia. The project was implemented in partnership with 28 public and private sector stakeholders across the region and beyond to develop a multipronged approach to overcoming these challenges.

“Our aim is to develop and deploy maize hybrids with high yield potential and possess traits resilient to heat and drought stresses,” said P.H. Zaidi, Principal Scientist, and HTMA project lead at CIMMYT. Zaidi noted that during heat stress “high temperatures alone are not the only limiting factor- it is the combination of high temperature with low atmospheric humidity (high vapor pressure deficit), that creates a “killer combination” for maize production in the Asian tropics.”

This was also emphasized in a recently published article that he co-authored.

The development of heat stress-tolerant maize involves the use of cutting-edge breeding tools and methods, including genomics-assisted breeding, double haploidy, field-based precision phenotyping, and trait-based selection. Over 20 such hybrids have been officially released in India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Bhutan. Between 2023 and 2024, over 2,500 metric tons of seed from these hybrids were distributed to farmers, helping them beat the heat.

Agile partnerships-from discovery to scaling

The first phase of the project (2012-2017) focused on discovering heat-tolerant maize varieties. During this time, pipeline products underwent field evaluations in stress-prone environments, leveraging the project’s product evaluation network of public and private partners, who contributed by managing trials and generating performance data. In the second phase (2018-2023), the focus shifted toward the deployment and scaling of heat-tolerant hybrids and strengthening seed systems in target countries to enable large-scale delivery, benefiting millions of farm families, particularly in South Asia’s rainfed ecologies. For example, the seed produced in 2023-2024 sufficed to cover over 125,000 hectares and benefited nearly 2.5 million people in the region.

HTMA project partners gathered in Nepal for the annual and project closure meeting (Photo-CIMMYT-Nepal)

Hailu Tefera, from USAID, praised the project’s success during the annual review and project closure meeting held in Nepal from August 21-22, 2024. “We have seen great strides in scaling heat stress tolerant hybrids in the region. This initiative aligns with the US Government’s Global Food Security Strategy, where building farmers’ resilience to shocks and climate vulnerability is central,” said Tefera, acknowledging the adaptive and agile partnership demonstrated by the project’s partners throughout HTMA’s discovery and scaling phases.

One of the project’s key achievements was creating a multi-stakeholder platform and leveraging resources across the region. Partners, including national agricultural research systems, seed companies, and higher learning institutes, expanded the project’s impact. “The collaboration we fostered under the HTMA project is a working example of effective partnerships,” said B.M. Prasanna, Director of CIMMYT’s Global Maize Program. He highlighted how synergies with other developmental projects in the region, especially projects supported by the USAID country mission in Nepal helped launch local hybrid seed production, transforming the country from a net importer of hybrid maize seeds to producing locally in just a few years, and such seeds of resilience cover nearly 10,000 hectares in 2023/24 alone. Using heat tolerant (HT) maize seed allows smallholder farmers to harvest nearly one metric ton per hectare additional yield than normal maize under stress conditions.

The value of the seed these new hybrids was validated by adopter farmers who grow maize in stress-vulnerable ecologies by expressing their willingness to pay a premium price for HT hybrid seed as per the study conducted in Nepal and India. “The spillover effect of the project is helping countries like Bhutan to strengthen their seed systems and initiate hybrid seed production for the first time,” added Prasanna, expressing gratitude to USAID and all project partners.

The salient achievements of the project, including technical know-how, outputs, outcomes, and learnings were compiled as an infographic, titled “HTML Tool‘‘ and it was formally released by Narahari Prasad Ghimire, Director General of the Department of Agriculture, Government of Nepal, during the HTMA meeting in Nepal.

Rewarding achievement

Subash Raj Upadhyay, Managing Director of Lumbini Seed Company in Nepal, recalls the early days of producing heat stress-tolerant hybrid maize seed in Nepal, which began in 2018. “Our journey started with just one hectare of seed production in 2018 and 2019, and we expanded to 30 hectares by 2022. This was the first time that we started hybrid maize seed production in Nepal, specifically RH-10, a heat stress tolerant hybrid from CIMMYT, released by the National Maize Research Program of Nepal. The support of USAID’s projects like the Nepal seed and fertilizer project was crucial for our success,” said Upadhyay, who was among the award recipients for setting a potent example in scaling up heat stress-tolerant hybrids.

HTMA TOOL- an infographic launched during the meeting (Photo-CIMMYT Nepal)

In addition to Lumbini Seed Company, Jullundur Seed Private Limited Company in Pakistan was also recognized for its efforts in seed scaling. The National Maize Research Program of Nepal and the University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur, India, were acknowledged for their rewarding achievement in research and development during the project period.

“The recognition exemplifies the public-private partnership that we demonstrated under the HTMA project, where the public sector mainly focused on strategic research and product development, and seed companies took charge of seed delivery and scaling,” said Zaidi during the project’s phaseout meeting in Nepal, attended by over 60 participants from the project’s target and spillover countries. “Such partnership models need to be strengthened and replicated in other projects. It is important to consolidate the gains and maintain the momentum of the HTMA project in the years to come to benefit millions of smallholder farmers,” echoed Prasanna, who presented certificates of recognition to the partners in the presence of USAID representatives, senior government officials from Nepal and project partners from South Asia and beyond.

CIMMYT Expands Climate-Smart Interventions in Southern Africa

Written by dmedina on . Posted in Press releases.

As Southern Africa faces unprecedented drought conditions CIMMYT continues to lead efforts in reducing the devastating impact of extreme weather. Through its role as a partnership convener, CIMMYT has brought together climate change advisories and climate-smart agriculture to empower farmers, who are demonstrating incredible resilience by continuing to produce food for their families and communities. 

“The current climate crisis highlights the urgency of scaling resilient agricultural practices. At CIMMYT, we believe that empowering farmers to adopt drought-tolerant crops and sustainable methods is essential to securing food systems and ensuring communities can weather the challenges ahead,” said Bram Govaerts, Director General of CIMMYT. 

By strengthening seed systems and applying global best practices, CIMMYT has empowered farmers across Zambia and Malawi to adapt to drought, ensuring nutritional security and improved livelihoods. The adoption of innovations, including conservation agriculture and resilient legume systems, is increasing farmers’ resilience and buffering against future shocks. 

Strengthening Early-Warning Systems 

CIMMYT has expanded access to early-warning systems and climate advisories through the GROWSMART campaign, which has reached over 1 million farmers in Zambia and Malawi. Through a network of digital champions and voice-activated advisories accessible via simple mobile phones, CIMMYT has provided critical, real-time information. This has enabled farmers to plan more effectively, reducing crop losses and optimizing planting schedules in response to changing weather patterns. 

Scaling Resilient Solutions 

CIMMYT has strengthened private sector and civil society partnerships to significantly expand the production of climate-resilient legumes, which were harvested early to provide nutritious food. In combination with maize hybrids like SC 555 and Ntondo (MH35), these legume systems have improved the food security of over 700,000 smallholder farmers.  

Moving forward, CIMMYT plans to expand seed systems further, aiming to support the adoption of game-changing crops and conservation agriculture by the end of 2025. This expansion will provide farmers with the tools needed to mitigate the impacts of unpredictable weather patterns, ensuring food security in the face of persistent droughts. 

Empowering Women and Youth in Agriculture 

Recognizing the vital roles that women and youth play in agriculture, CIMMYT has prioritized gender-sensitive training programs and access to financing for women farmers, who comprise 78% of Zambia’s agricultural workforce. In Malawi, youth-focused initiatives, such as the LUANAR Agribusiness Hub, are helping young agro-entrepreneurs adopt climate-resilient farming methods. These efforts are not only boosting food production but also driving economic empowerment. 

Climate-Resilient Maize and Legume Systems: A Lifeline for Farmers 

CIMMYT’s Southern Africa Accelerated Innovation Delivery Initiative (AID-I) as part of the USAID Feed the Future investments has played a key role in providing smallholder farmers access to drought-tolerant maize hybrids like SC 555 in Zambia and Ntondo (MH35) in Malawi. These hybrids, combined with legume systems such as groundnut and pigeonpea, are designed to thrive under extreme weather conditions, improving soil health and ensuring profitable, nutritionally secure cropping systems. 

In Zambia, the SC 555 maize hybrid has shown exceptional resilience during the 2023-2024 season. Farmers like Mr. Chizela from Chinwe Mpongwe, who faced a six-week dry spell, have harvested abundantly despite the drought, ensuring food security and income stability. Similarly, in Malawi, the Ntondo (MH35) hybrid has demonstrated remarkable drought tolerance at Msunga Farm, with yields of up to 4.37 tons per hectare—far exceeding those of non-drought-resistant varieties. 

Building for the Future 

CIMMYT’s ongoing research and innovation efforts are focused on developing even more resilient maize and legume varieties to withstand both drought and extreme temperatures. Set for release by 2025, these new varieties will offer farmers sustainable, high-yield solutions to address the growing threat of climate change. 

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. 

CIMMYT is a core CGIAR Research Center, a global research partnership for a food-secure future, dedicated to reducing poverty, enhancing food and nutrition security, and improving natural resources. 

For more information, visit cimmyt.org. 

Helping herders access grazing lands and water sources amid prevailing food insecurity in Sudan

Written by dmedina on . Posted in Blogs.

In parts of the conflict-ridden Sudan, including the eastern regions such as Kassala and Gadarif, rainfall is sparse and recurring droughts caused by climate change compound the issue. Consequently, perennial grasses that are supposed to grow back year after year are dramatically disappearing.

In addition, uncontrolled and heavy grazing in large areas in Sudan is also negatively affecting soil by increasing erosion, and cattle hooves can compact the soil, preventing plant roots from receiving enough oxygen, water, and nutrients.

Due to these factors, many pastoralist groups in east Sudan are seeking grazing resources outside their recognized tribal territory. A major problem for these groups has been the recurrent droughts and the deterioration of pasture areas, which has forced them to stay longer in areas with rich grazing, thus competing with other groups and leading to frictions and conflicts.

Livestock-Food Systems Development (LFSD) is a component of the Sustainable Agrifood Systems Approach for Sudan (SASAS), funded by USAID, focused on the dairy and meat subsector of the livestock sector. The LFSD aims to enhance the utilization of appropriate forage and feeding options through the demarcation of migratory routes to ease access to grazing, avoid conflicts, and reduce long-distance livestock travel impact on livestock health.

Along with partners, Practical Action and International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), LFSD, is establishing a 50 km migratory route demarcation from Al Hindiiyya to Banqir in the Atbara River locality, Kassala State, East Sudan. These routes connect villages to public grazing land for livestock to pass through without impacting farmland.

The intervention also includes reseeding 1,000 feddans (around 420 hectares) of grazing lands and creating water ponds for animals during the rainy season. SASAS is also enhancing water harvesting by using a tractor to increase soil moisture. The two interventions were recommended by local communities and agriculture and animal resources authorities in Kassala state.

“As the rainy season is commencing, we started working with the local communities and reseeding the targeted areas in rural Kassala and River Atbara localities as recommended by the Ministry of Agriculture,” said Dr. Abdallah Osman, Project Manager, Practical Action.

Reseeding around 1,000 feddans of grazing lands in River Atbara Locality, Kassala (Photo:Suliman Fadlalla/CIMMYT )

“To ensure the best results, we used a mix of five high-quality seed types, all of which were recommended by the Kassala State Ministry of Agriculture,” Osman said.

The reseeding will serve 15 villages and enhance grazing lands for over 100,000 animals in the area. In addition, water storing capacity will be increased by constructing 15 large water ponds.

“For the past decades, our grazing lands had diminished gradually, and we face huge challenges in feeding our livestock, especially during dry seasons. In most cases, we had to buy costly fodder and water trucking,” said Ahmed Hassan, a community leader and a herder from River Atbara Locality, Kassala State. “We feel very proud to participate in reseeding the grazing lands in our areas, as this will increase grass yield and quality, enabling us to feed our animals better.”

The intervention also aims to rehabilitate animal migratory route demarcations to ease access to grazing, avoid conflicts, and reduce long-distance livestock travel impact on livestock health.

“As farmers, we suffer a lot from animals that cross into our agricultural fields and destroy our crops. We are relieved that reseeding will create more grazing lands for herders, and the demarcation of animal routes will help reduce the chronic seasonal conflicts between farmers and herders,” said Haw Osman, a farmer from Am Safri, Kassala Rural locality.

“At SASAS, we strive to ensure that herders have access to rich grazing lands. We work with our partners to address all problems linked to overgrazing, reseeding pasture lands, and treating the causes of conflict between herders and farmers. We involve local communities in creating clear animal migration routes away from farms and increasing water sources for animals through water harvesting projects,” said Abdelrahman Kheir, SASAS Chief of Party in Sudan.

Water harvesting to create water ponds for animals in River Atbara Locality, Kassala State (Photo: Suliman Fadlalla/CIMMYT )
SASAS partners work with local communities in rural Kassala and River Atbara to mark animal migration routes for animals (Photo: Suliman Fadlalla/CIMMYT)

Can We Transform World Food Day Into A Celebration?

Written by dmedina on . Posted in In the media.

With food insecurity affecting 733 million people worldwide, the need for solutions is urgent as World Food Day draws near. CIMMYT’s leadership in promoting sustainable agricultural systems is exemplified by Sieglinde Snapp, Director of the Sustainable Agrifood Systems Program, who emphasizes the role of biodiversity in building resilient food systems. By encouraging the use of resilient crops like millet and sorghum, CIMMYT is working to improve soil health and enhance farmers’ livelihoods, especially in regions like sub-Saharan Africa. Empowering women and ensuring smallholder farmers have access to resources are key elements in transforming global food systems, a cause CIMMYT is deeply invested in.

Read the full story.

Wild wheat: The key to food security in a warming world

Written by dmedina on . Posted in Blogs.

About a billion liters of fungicide.

That’s how much farmers have saved this century, through use of disease-resistant wheat varieties. Modern wheat can thank its “wild relatives” — grassy cousins millions of years old and tested through extremes of earth’s climate — for most of its resistance genes.

Despite such remarkable achievements in wheat breeding, we’ve only scratched the surface of the genetic potential in wheat’s wild relatives. With climate change intensifying and the rapid evolution and spread of pathogens — a new strain of fungus can circulate in the jet stream—it’s imperative that we increase investment in researching this largely untapped genetic diversity. Doing so could revolutionize wheat production, ensuring food security while dramatically reducing agriculture’s environmental footprint.

Without such efforts, epidemics or pandemics could devastate yields, potentially leading to massive applications of toxic agrochemicals and increased selection pressure for pests and diseases to develop resistance. The consequences would be far-reaching, impacting not only food security and the environment, but also geopolitical stability, potentially triggering human migration and conflict.

Today, wheat is the most widely grown crop on Earth, providing 20% of all human protein and calories and serving as the primary staple food for 1.5 billion people in the Global South.

However, with its future under threat, standard breeding approaches can no longer keep up with the pace of climate change. Research shows that climate shifts from 1980-2008 reduced wheat harvests by 5.5%, and global wheat production falls 6% for every degree-centigrade increase in temperature.

Wheat science urgently requires enhanced investments to scale up genetic studies of wild relatives, utilizing next-generation breeding tools. These tools include gene sequencing technologies, big-data analytics, and remote sensing technologies. Satellite imagery makes the planet a laboratory, allowing researchers to monitor traits like plant growth or disease resistance globally. Artificial intelligence can super-charge breeding simulations and quickly identify promising genes that enhance climate-resilience.

The basic genetic resources are already available: more than 770,000 unique seed samples are stored in 155 seed banks across 78 countries. These samples represent the full scope of known wheat genetic diversity, from modern varieties to ancient wild relatives and landraces developed at the dawn of agriculture.

What’s missing is funding to accelerate the search for specific genes and combinations that will fortify wheat against harsher conditions. This requires political will from key decision-makers and public interest. Nothing is more important than food security and the environmental legacy we leave to our children.

Harnessing the power of microorganisms

The genetic variation in seed banks is largely absent in modern wheat, which became genetically separate from other grass species 10,000 years ago and has undergone recent science-based breeding, constricting its diversity. Wheat needs its cousins’ diversity to thrive in a changing climate.

Beyond climate resilience and disease resistance, wild wheat relatives offer another exciting avenue for environmental benefits: enhanced interactions with beneficial microorganisms. These ancient grasses have evolved intricate relationships with soil microbes largely absent in modern wheat.

Some wild wheat relatives can inhibit soil microbes that convert ammonium to nitrate. While both are usable nitrogen forms for plants, nitrate is more prone to loss through leaching or gaseous conversion. Slowing this process of conversion, called nitrification, has profound implications for sustainable agriculture, potentially mitigating greenhouse gas emissions, improving nitrogen-use efficiency, and decreasing synthetic fertilizer use.

As proof of concept, the first and only crop (so far) bred to promote microbiome interaction is wheat, using a gene from a wild relative (Leymus racemosus) to slow nitrification.

In addition, wild relatives often form more effective symbiotic relationships with beneficial soil fungi and bacteria, enhancing nutrient uptake, drought tolerance, and natural pest defenses. Reintroducing these traits could reduce chemical inputs while improving soil health and biodiversity.

The benefits extend beyond the field. Wheat varieties that use water and nutrients more efficiently could reduce agricultural runoff, protecting water bodies. Enhanced root systems could increase soil carbon sequestration, contributing to climate change mitigation.

By systematically exploring wild wheat’s microbial interaction traits, wheat varieties can be developed that not only withstand climate challenges but also actively contribute to environmental restoration.

This represents a paradigm shift from crop protection through chemicals to resilience through biological synergies. Indeed, even a fraction of the US $1.4 trillion spent annually on agrochemical crop protection could work wonders to fortify wheat against present and future challenges.

The path forward is clear: increased investment in researching wild wheat relatives can yield a new generation of wheat varieties that are not just climate-resilient, but also environmentally regenerative. This will be a crucial step towards sustainable food security in a changing world.

Original Publication in El País.

How effective soil aggregate management can boost productivity and climate resilience

Written by dmedina on . Posted in News.

Soils are the bedrock for plant health and sustenance, but how do we protect and enhance them to maximize their nutritional potential? Years of conventional farming practices have left many soils depleted, raising urgent concerns about how to rejuvenate them. The recent El Niño event during the 2023/24 farming season in southern Africa, bringing extreme weather conditions—ranging from prolonged droughts to intense floods—has exposed the vulnerability of these soils. Poorly managed soils, already strained by years of excessive tillage and lack of cover, struggle to retain moisture under such stress, leading to crop failures even after rainfall.

However, conservation agriculture (CA) offers a vital solution. By improving soil structure and moisture retention, CA practices provide a lifeline for crops in challenging conditions. Recognizing this, CIMMYT scientists are actively promoting CA among smallholder farmers across sub-Saharan Africa, highlighting its critical role in sustaining soil health and resilience in the face of climate challenges.

Isaiah Nyagumbo demonstrating soil aggregate stability (CIMMYT)

Described as lumps of soil particles that bind together strongly, soil aggregates play a vital role in maintaining soil health, supporting plant growth, and sustaining agricultural productivity. Formed by the combined effects of biological, chemical, and physical processes, the structure and stability of soil aggregates are crucial for several soil functions—primarily water infiltration, root growth, and resistance to erosion. Soil aggregates consist of various soil particles, including sand, silt, clay, and organic matter. There are different types of soil aggregates, including macroaggregates (>0.25 mm) and microaggregates (<0.25 mm), with macroaggregates typically more stable and beneficial for soil structure and functions.

Demonstrating the value of soil aggregate stability
A CIMMYT researcher holding a soil aggregate from a CA field (CIMMYT)

Imagine three soil aggregate samples taken from the same field but under different management regimes—from virgin soil that has not been previously cropped, to land under conservation agriculture practices for the last 5 to 8 years, and soil conventionally ploughed annually before crop planting for many years. When these soil aggregates are gently immersed in clear water, stark differences can be noted. The aggregates from conventionally tilled soil, weakened by years of intensive cultivation, quickly disintegrate, turning the water murky and brown.

In contrast, the aggregates from virgin soil remain intact, preserving the water’s clarity even after several hours. The CA soil aggregates exhibit much better stability than those from the conventionally tilled soil but fail to remain as intact as those from the natural virgin soil. A simple lesson is drawn from this demonstration! Restoring degraded soils is a serious challenge. Even after 5 years of CA practices, soil organic carbon levels may only show modest improvement, and the aggregates, while more stable, still don’t match the condition of aggregates from virgin soil.

Soil recovery from a degraded state is a slow process that is not “a walk in the park.” Transitioning from conventional tillage to CA is challenging and slow, requiring years to rebuild organic matter and improve aggregate stability. Patience and careful soil management are vital, as degradation can occur rapidly, but recovery is a lengthy process. However, incorporating organic soil amendments like manure and compost, along with diversifying crops by introducing legumes such as cowpea, groundnut, soybean, mucuna, and pigeon pea, can accelerate this recovery. While degradation occurs rapidly, soil restoration demands a long-term commitment, but the rewards are worth the effort.

Exploring conservation agriculture as a source to improve soil health

Conservation agriculture is built on three key principles: reduced soil disturbance, permanent soil cover, and diverse crop rotation. Minimizing soil disturbance helps preserve soil structure, while permanent soil cover shields the soil against splash erosion and boosts microbial activity. Crop rotation enhances soil fertility, maintains aggregate structure, and disrupts pest and disease cycles. These principles are essential for soil recovery and the retention of organic matter.

Among these, permanent soil cover is often the most challenging for farmers to implement, yet it is critical for effective soil management. Demonstrating its importance, a simple test with water applied to soil samples with varying levels of cover illustrates splash erosion effects.

“Such a simple test mimics real-life conditions farmers face during rains. Soils without cover suffer significant erosion, while those with minimal or substantial cover show reduced erosion and improved water retention. This emphasizes the importance of maintaining permanent soil cover to foster microbial activity and enhance soil health,” highlighted Isaiah Nyagumbo, cropping systems agronomist.

In a nutshell, soil aggregate management is fundamental to climate resilience and agricultural sustainability. Through the adoption of conservation agriculture practices, smallholder farmers can significantly improve soil health, enhance water and nutrient retention, and increase crop resilience to climate stress. The journey from degraded to healthy soil is long and challenging, but with careful management and patience, the benefits are profound and lasting. By understanding and implementing these principles, farmers can build a more sustainable and resilient food system.