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A marine engineer embarks on making life easier for farmers in his native village, by establishing a one-stop shop agri-business center

Written by Nima Chodon on . Posted in Features.

On the northern banks of the Ganges lies the city of Begusarai, in India’s Bihar State. Amid the expected structures of a city—temples and transit hubs—is a five-acre business hub dedicated to agriculture. This center, called the Bhusari Cold Storage Center, includes a 7,000-ton cold storage facility for vegetables, a dry grain storage area, outlets for farmer inputs and outputs, a farmer training center, a soil testing laboratory, and a farm implement bank. The brainchild of Navneet Ranjan, this facility works in collaboration with state partners, CIMMYT, and the Cereal System Initiative for South Asia (CSISA) project.

In the decade since its formation, the center has served nearly 100 villages in and around Begusarai, helping thousands of smallholder farmers access equipment, knowledge, and seeds they otherwise do not have access to.

“Since coming to the center I have not only benefited in using mechanized services at a small price but also learned about new schemes and incentives provided to smallholder farmers by the government,” said Ram Kumar Singh, a farmer from the village of Bikrampur. A similar story was related by Krishadev Rai from the village of Sakarpura, who said the laser land leveler machine at the center dramatically lowered costs associated with irrigation and other inputs, including information about different fertilizers and varietal seeds available at the market.

Farmers from the region have benefited immensely from the services of the center. According to Anurag Kumar, a CIMMYT senior research associate with CSISA, “The existence of the state-of-the-art center in the last decade has helped over 25,000 smallholder farmers avail themselves of services and information on farming and agriculture.” He said the center has also helped promote conservation agriculture technologies, implement climate-resilient farming practices, and build the capacity of smallholder farmers.

Ranjan, a native of the region, is a marine engineer by education but has diversified experiences from different sectors. A decade ago, Ranjan returned home after pursuing higher education and working in distant cities in India and abroad.

Ranjan met recently with CSISA representatives to share his motivation, hopes, and aspirations about the reach and impact of the Bhusari Center for farmers of Begusarai and beyond.

How did the Bhusari Agri-business center, popularly known as Bhusari Cold Storage, come into being?

In 2012, driven by a deep-rooted desire to bridge the significant societal gap between my professional advancements in the corporate world and the enduring struggles within my rural hometown in Bihar, I founded the Bhusari Agri-business Center. The name “Bhusari” was thoughtfully chosen, as it represents approximately 50 villages in the area, traditionally, and collectively known by this moniker, underscoring our commitment to the region’s agricultural heritage and community.

From the start, we knew we wanted our center, born from a combination of my family’s initial investment and funding secured through a State Bank of India loan alongside a significant subsidy from the Government of Bihar, to serve as a comprehensive agri-business solution. We designed this project not only as a business venture but as a social enterprise aimed at improving the livelihoods of local farmers by ensuring better returns for their produce, disrupting the traditional agricultural value chain that often left them exploited.

The establishment of Bhusari Cold Storage stands as a testament to the potential of marrying native understanding with professional management to foster socio-economic development in rural areas.

During an interactive session with progressive farmers, Ranjan listens to a farmer express his expectation from the Bhusari center. (Photo: CIMMYT)

What has been your biggest achievement with the establishment of Bhusari Cold Storage?

If I were to pinpoint our most significant achievement, it would be the creation of the farm implement bank. This initiative has helped revolutionize the agricultural landscape for the small-scale farmers in our area by providing them with access to modern farming equipment.

Before the inception of this bank, many farmers in our region faced challenges because of outdated farming techniques and the lack of access to modern machinery, which often resulted in inefficient farming practices and high operational costs. Introducing zero tillage, planters, harvesters, and especially the laser land leveler, has been a game-changer. This farm implement bank has also popularized the use of advanced agricultural technologies among the farming community. The positive effects of these modern farm implements have been many, including reduced labor costs, improved crop yields, and more sustainable farming practices.

How has a project like CSISA and other partners supported farmers and the efforts of agri-entrepreneurs like you in the region?

The support from CSISA and its partners has helped enhance the capabilities of farmers and bolster the efforts of agri-entrepreneurs in the region. CSISA’s contribution, particularly through its project scientists and field technicians, has been pivotal in training farmers. This collaboration has led to a significant increase in awareness and adoption of advanced agricultural implements and practices, including zero tillage and land levelers, among the farming community.

The center has conducted extensive training programs for many farmers, thanks to the resources, knowledge, and technology facilitated by CSISA, the State Department of Agriculture, and Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK). This partnership has enabled us to disseminate knowledge and tools to the farmers and drive the adoption of innovative farming techniques that lead to higher efficiency and reduced costs. The collaboration with CSISA and state partners has been a cornerstone in our mission to modernize agriculture in the region, making significant strides towards sustainable farming practices, and enhancing the livelihoods of the local farming community. Through these collective efforts, we have been able to empower farmers with the skills and technologies necessary to thrive in a competitive and evolving agricultural landscape.

Navneet Ranjan with Sarah Fernandes, CIMMYT global communications manager (2nd from left), during her visit to the Bhusari Cold Storage center with CSISA colleagues. (Photo: CIMMYT)

What do you hope for next for Bhusari or other endeavors in agri-business to support smallholder farmers?

Looking ahead, our vision for Bhusari and future agri-business endeavors deeply focuses on empowering smallholder farmers by enhancing their access to financial resources and tailored agricultural solutions. By addressing the financial barriers that often hinder farmers’ ability to invest in their operations, we aim to unlock new opportunities for growth and innovation in the agricultural sector. A key priority is to streamline the process so that these farmers can obtain credit lines and working capital more efficiently.

Additionally, recognizing farmers’ diverse needs and challenges in different regions, we are committed to making customized farm implements more readily available. These tailored tools are essential for increasing agricultural efficiency and productivity, as farming practices and conditions vary greatly across regions. To complement these efforts, we plan to expand our training programs and provide more customized knowledge to farmers.

Ultimately, the aim is to scale up this model and create several other replicable projects across Bihar and beyond. By demonstrating the success of these initiatives, we hope to inspire and facilitate similar transformations in other regions, fostering a more sustainable, efficient, and prosperous agricultural landscape for smallholder farmers.

Cover photo: Founder Navneet Ranjan (5th from right) and CIMMYT colleagues with beneficiary farmers at the Bhusari center in Begusarai, Bihar. (Photo: Nima Chodon/CIMMYT) 

No Stones, No Grit! A game-changing technology to process small grain introduced in Zimbabwe

Written by Julian Bañuelos-Uribe on . Posted in Blogs.

Farmers thresh wheat at an irrigation scheme. (Photo: CIMMYT)

In Zimbabwe, the traditional, laborious, and time-consuming small grain processing may soon belong to the past, thanks to a game-changing technology: a multi-crop thresher. This scale-appropriate machine offers a smarter and less strenuous way to produce high-quality small-grain meals, including in drought-prone regions, without being contaminated with sand or stone particles.

“One of the main impediments to large-scale adoption of sorghum and millet in drought-prone areas is the laborious task of threshing. This has been solved by introducing multi-crop threshers, which form a central part in the business of mechanization service providers in rural Zimbabwe”, says Christian Thierfelder, principal scientist and project lead for the Mechanization and Extension Activity.

The introduction of the multi-crop thresher not only alleviates the physical strain of manual threshing but also enhances the overall quality of small-grain products. This innovation is a crucial step forward in promoting the production and consumption of small grains in Zimbabwe, contributing to food security and improved livelihoods for farmers.

This innovation was introduced by the Feed the Future Mechanization and Extension Activity, implemented by CIMMYT and funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), to address the challenges of traditional small grain processing and offer new market opportunities to farmers.

Multi-crop thresher. (Photo: CIMMYT)

Small grain production and consumption has traditionally been a household favorite in Zimbabwe due to its rich nutritional content. However, the sand content and gritty texture, often associated with sorghum or millet meals, have led to a decline in consumers’ interest in it. The main culprit? The traditional method of manual threshing on the soil, a strenuous and time-consuming process that incorporates sand and gravel particles into the threshed grains (and then into flours), resulting in an unpleasant eating experience.

In Zimbabwe and across the region, small grain processing has been characterized by the arduous task of manual threshing using sticks. Women, often at the forefront of this task, repeatedly beat the heads of small grains on hard surfaces, such as granite or hard clay, to separate the grains. Despite efforts to minimize contamination by threshing them into sacks or on plastic sheets, the gritty taste persists. The subsequent winnowing, roasting, and milling do little to eliminate tiny soil and stone particles from the final product (flour) as physical separation is technically challenging.

The multi-crop thresher for smooth results

“Powered by an 8 HP diesel engine, the multi-crop thresher is a perfect machine to process sorghum, millets, maize (husked or un-husked), wheat, cowpea, sugar beans, and soybean,” says Abdul Matin, mechanization specialist and technical lead of the Mechanization and Extension Activity. “It is locally made in Zimbabwe and designed to promote mechanization as a business as it can easily be transported. It has high threshing efficiency, is fuel-efficient, easy to operate, and women friendly.”

The operator simply feeds the crop into the inlet hopper, and as it passes through the threshing drum, the machine efficiently separates the grain from the chaff, releasing clean grain through the outlet chute. “The thresher will help reduce decline of small grain production in the country and complement government efforts to expand its cultivation in Natural Regions IV and V in Zimbabwe,” Matin added. When operating the machine efficiently, one can thresh up to 0.5 tons per hour for small grains.

The multi-crop thresher, a vital component of climate-resilient agriculture

The multi-crop thresher is an efficient post-harvest machine that can process various grains. (Photo: CIMMYT)

CIMMYT organized awareness meetings, including the 2023 Seed and Mechanization Fairs, for farmers to witness the speed and quality performance of the multi-crop thresher. They could also assess the quality of pearl millet processed using the thresher and others threshing wheat in an irrigation scheme showcasing the efficiency of the process and improved grain quality.

“In our region, harvesting small grains was always laborious,” explains Paidamoyo Kaseke from Ward 4 in Chimanimani district, Manicaland province. “But thanks to the multi-crop thresher, it’s now much easier. It operates quickly and efficiently, delivering clean grains that we can promptly take to the mill. This technology has revolutionized our harvesting process, significantly reducing the time and effort required.”

“Not only do we promote new and effective technologies such as the multi-crop thresher in the project, but we also seek solutions for farmers without high incomes to be able to afford the thresher. That is why we are partnering with two Zimbabwean banks to make small-scale loans accessible to farmers at affordable rates and tenure times. This way, we can effectively scale the access to scale-appropriate mechanization solutions.” says Leon Jamann, chief of party for the Mechanization and Extension Activity.

As the 2023-2024 farming season has been dry with erratic rainfall, rainfed dependent farmers already face drought in large areas of Zimbabwe. However, the promotion of more climate-resilient small grains in 2023—declared by the United Nations the International Year of Millets—emphasizes their adaptability to climate change and their high nutritional value. The multi-crop thresher, a vital component of this initiative, ensures that farmers can efficiently process small grains despite the challenging climate conditions.

East African wheat breeding pipeline and E&SSA network

Written by Julian Bañuelos-Uribe on . Posted in Blogs.

Healthy wheat and wheat affected by Ug99 stem rust in farmer’s field, Kenya. (Photo: CIMMYT)

The East African wheat breeding pipeline aims to improve wheat varieties and contribute to regional food security by ensuring a stable and resilient wheat supply. In 2022, CIMMYT, in partnership with the Kenya Agriculture and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) established a Joint Breeding Program in Njoro, a town southwest of the Rift Valley in Kenya. This was one of the first integrated breeding pipelines between CGIAR and National Agricultural Research and Extension Systems (NARES) partners.

Over the last three decades, genetic trials of over 77 varieties have been conducted in several regions. In East Africa, an expanded testing network that spans over multiple research institutes in Kenya and Ethiopia has been established for Stage 1 and Stage 2 trials in network countries. This makes the pipeline a powerful driver of positive impacts, rapidly enhancing both farm productivity and production in target regions. In Kenya specifically, a genetic gain trial was conducted at two sites in 2023 with the Stage 1 trials evaluated across eight locations. These are being distributed to NARES partners to establish correlations between the breeding site in Kenya and the Target Population of Environments (TPEs) in the E&SSA regions. This breeding pipeline demarcates the population improvement from product development. Other areas in the trials include the enhancement of genetic diversity to build resilience, adaptability, and quality enhancement to meet market and consumer demands.

The trial will continue in 2024 and 2025 to establish a baseline for genetic gains and to enable the assessment of the breeding pipeline’s progress in the coming years. The first cohort of pipeline materials (250 crosses) has been advanced to F2 generation and will be ready for distribution to E&SSA partners in 2025.

Accelerated breeding

The anticipation is that accelerated breeding techniques will be implemented in Kenya by incorporating a three-year rapid generation bulk advancement (RGBA) scheme aimed at diminishing the time necessary for variety development and release. This collaborative effort encompasses various activities, including joint crossing block, generation advancement, yield testing, and population improvement. The three-year RGBA scheme, coupled with data-driven selection utilizing advanced data analytics (GEBV, SI) and genomic selection approaches, is expected to play a pivotal role in facilitating informed breeding decisions in the East African region.

3-year RGBA scheme. (Photo: Sridhar Bhavani)

Varietal improvement

The project aims to develop and release improved wheat varieties that are well adapted to the East African agroecological conditions. The Kenyan environment closely mirrors wheat-growing conditions in Ethiopia, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi, and spillover impacts to sub-Saharan countries such as Zambia and Zimbabwe. This strategic alignment with local conditions and close cooperation with NARES partner organizations has proven to be very effective in addressing critical gaps, including high-yield potential, disease resistance, and climate resilience, and aligns with CIMMYT’s overall wheat strategy for Africa.

Enhanced disease resistance

Kenya stands out as a hotspot for rust diseases, showcasing notable diversity in stem rust variants (ug99) and yellow rust. The virulence spectrums of these diseases differ from those found in Mexico, posing challenges to effective breeding strategies. It is expected that the breeding pipeline will effectively tackle these challenges as well as those associated with fusarium, Septoria, and wheat blast, which are on the rise in African environments.

Climate adaptation

The East African wheat breeding pipeline is committed to breeding wheat varieties that can thrive in changing climatic conditions, including heat and drought tolerance, and expanding testing in marginal rainfed environments experiencing heat and drought stress.

Through the support of our partners and funders from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research (FFAR), and Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office FCDO, the following achievements can be reported:

Regional collaboration and cooperation

For over four decades, the enduring collaboration with KALRO has yielded significant successes including the operation of the largest phenotyping platform for stem rust and various diseases. The Mexico-Kenya shuttle breeding program, incorporating Ug99 resistance, has successfully countered the threat of stem rust by releasing over 200 varieties in targeted regions and advancing the East African wheat breeding pipeline. The plan is to replicate these accomplishments in other target regions through the E&SSA network. To address limitations in KALRO’s breeding program and to conduct standardized trials, a strategic partnership with a private seed company Agventure Cereal Growers Association has been established. This collaboration will facilitate yield testing at multiple sites in Kenya to identify lines with superior performance for the East African region. So far, lines exhibiting high yield potential of up to 8 tons/ha, even under rain-fed environments, have been identified. The collaborative efforts are already making a noticeable impact, as evidenced by reports indicating increased adoption of zero-tillage practices among farmers. This shift has proven beneficial, especially during years marked by heat and drought challenges, resulting in higher returns for these farmers.

Increased capacity of national programs

From 1-13 October 2023, the AGGMW project held a training program on “Enhancing Wheat Disease Early Warning Systems, Germplasm Evaluation, Selection, and Tools for Improving Wheat Breeding Pipelines”. The course which brought together 33 participants from over 13 countries was held at the KALRO station in Njoro- Kenya. The comprehensive program covered a wide range of crucial subjects in the field of wheat breeding and research. Topics included breeding methodologies, experimental design, data collection, statistical analysis, and advanced techniques such as genomic selection. Participants also engaged in practical hands-on data analysis, explored rust pathology, and delved into early warning systems. Moreover, they had the opportunity for direct evaluation and selection of breeding materials. The course aimed to equip participants with a diverse skill set and knowledge base to enhance their contributions to the field of wheat breeding and research.

Other initiatives supporting the breeding pipeline include CGIAR programs, Accelerated Breeding and Crops to End Hunger. This multi-faceted approach within the breeding pipeline underpins the importance of fostering regional collaboration, knowledge sharing, and strategic investments in enhancing wheat production and addressing critical challenges in the region.

Building on fifty years of collaboration, a visit by Chinese politicians to CIMMYT in Mexico breeds new opportunities for tackling global agricultural challenges

Written by Sarah McLaughlin on . Posted in News.

Tang Renjian, former governor of Gansu province, China, and current Minister of Agriculture and Rural Affairs and CIMMYT Director General, Bram Govaerts. (Photo: CIMMYT)

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Affairs for China, Tang Renjian, visited CIMMYT headquarters on Thursday, 11 January, along with dignitaries from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (MARA) and the Embassy of China. Tang, the former governor of Gansu province in China, attended the site with the aim of building on collaborative scientific work between his country and CIMMYT through the Joint Laboratory for Maize and Wheat Improvement in China.

CIMMYT was delighted to host Tang to showcase the benefits of the CIMMYT-China relationship for wheat and maize, and to identify opportunities for sustained collaboration. The highly regarded minister was able to hear about work including genetic analysis service for agriculture and methods to close the gap between farmers and research, as well as to observe CIMMYT’s facilities and field experiments. The meeting laid the foundations for potential future CIMMYT-China projects in areas such as germplasm exchange, molecular breeding, climate-resilient technology, and training.

Bram Govaerts, director general of CIMMYT, said, “Showcasing our science to Tang is an exciting chance for CIMMYT and China to grow what is already a fruitful partnership, impacting millions of people globally.”

Exemplifying impactful global partnerships

Since 1974, the CIMMYT-China relationship has improved the lives of millions of people via numerous evidence-based scientific projects, with support from the Chinese Academy for Agricultural Sciences (CAAS). Through five decades of partnership, the collaboration has resulted in up to 10.7 million additional tons of wheat for China’s national output with a value of US $3.4 million.

CIMMYT’s contribution to China’s wheat and maize is significant. In terms of wheat, 26% of wheat grown in China has been derived from CIMMYT germplasm since the year 2000, with Chinese scientists adding more than 1,000 accessions to the CIMMYT gene bank. CIMMYT maize varieties have been planted on more than 1 million hectares in China, with the partnership responsible for the release of 13 commercial varieties.

Renjian and Chinese dignitaries tour CIMMYT’s museum. (Photo: CIMMYT)

In 2023, the Joint Wheat Molecular Breeding International Lab (Joint Lab) launched as a collaborative project between China, Pakistan, and CIMMYT, with the aim of developing new high yield wheat varieties and enhancing capacity for crop breeding and production.

More recently, scientists have played an important role in the free exchange of germplasm between China and countries in Africa, which will help to mitigate against any gene pool loss caused by climate-induced extreme weather events and enable the development of more resilient crop varieties.

Tang said, “Witnessing first-hand the work of CIMMYT’s scientists in Mexico is inspiring. We look forward to exploring further how we can build on the excellent relationship between China and CIMMYT to address global agricultural challenges.”

Govaerts said, “We hope that this partnership continues in order to address the need for nutritious crops and to develop innovative solutions for smallholder farmers.”

Reaching farmers in Zambia

Written by Julian Bañuelos-Uribe on . Posted in Blogs.

Farmers are guided on how to use Atubandike and VIAMO. (Photo: CIMMYT)

It is challenging to disseminate information across far-flung areas of rural Zambia as extension officers must travel vast distances to reach farmers. The Southern Africa Accelerated Innovation Delivery Initiative (AID-I) MasAgro Africa Rapid Delivery Hub, managed by CIMMYT and funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) helps alleviate these issues by engaging with existing mobile phone networks to reach farmers with agronomic information, weather data, and soil information.

To introduce farmers to these specific tools: Atubandike and VIAMO, AID-I conducted a community sensitization and engagement exercise in Zambia. Atubandike emphasizes farmer learning and feedback using mobile phones for disseminating knowledge about the new generation of drought-tolerant varieties, sustainable intensification practices, and collecting farmer feedback to enable demand-driven delivery under AID-I. VIAMO, accessible via a basic mobile phone, provides agronomic information for every farmer in a specific area. The platform comes in different languages and farmers access information on various crops such as maize, beans, and groundnuts in their native language, provide feedback on information content, and connect with other farmers.

An AID-staff facilitates a training session. (Photo: Nancy Malama/CIMMYT)

In Choma District, Morgan Katema, who provides extension services to farmers, explained that going digital is one way of reaching farmers through technology to ensure that all farmers have access to extension services. “In this case, lessons will be available through mobile phones and farmers will ask agriculture-related questions and get a response. This is a good initiative because farmers can access information on the spot instead of waiting for an extension officer to reach them, and information can be accessed after working hours, and the VIAMO initiative will help us overcome the challenge of long distances between farmers as we will no longer need to travel long distances,” Katema said.

Judith Simuliye, a farmer who grows maize and groundnuts, said, “I was told about this meeting by the camp officer, and I am happy to learn about this project. I have learned how to manage my crop by using the right seed varieties and how to space the crops.”

During the meeting, two community facilitators were selected through a voting process, after farmers nominated community members who are literate, trustworthy, energetic, and able to use a smart phone. Facilitators register farmers on the VIAMO platform, assist them in accessing the information they require, and support them in their learning journey.

Namasumo Rithay, a farmer in the village of Kalalasa, said, “Mobile phone access to extension services has come at the right time. We have faced a lot of challenges with the poor rain patterns and pests. Through this meeting organized by AID-I, we have learned how we can obtain information to mitigate these challenges through our mobile phones.”

A participant casts her vote. (Photo: Nancy Malama/CIMMYT)

An additional community meeting was held in the village of Namuswa and was attended by 150 farmers. AID-I and Atubandike Research Associate, Brian Mpande, informed farmers that AID-I, with the assistance from VIAMO, will help them overcome the challenges of climate change by delivering timely and useful information via their phones. 

Advancing conservation agriculture

Written by Nur-A-Mahajabin Khan on . Posted in Blogs.

A practical demonstration at Jabalpur. (Photo: CIMMYT)

Agriculture feeds the world. Yet traditional cycles of ploughing, planting, and harvesting crop and biomass products is inefficient of labor and other scarce resources and depletes soil health while emitting greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change.

One effort to ameliorate the negative effects of farming is a set of practices referred to as conservation agriculture (CA), based on the principles of minimal mechanical soil disturbance, permanent soil cover with plant material, and crop diversification.

To deliver advanced, high-level instruction on current innovative science around important aspects of cropping and farming system management to scientists from India, Bangladesh, Egypt, and Morocco, the 12th Advanced Conservation Agriculture Course hosted by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), CIMMYT, and the Borlaug Institute for South Asia (BISA) took place in India from December 10 to 24, 2023.

SK Chaudhari, deputy director general for Natural Resource Management, ICAR; HS Jat, director of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research-Indian Institute of Maize Research (ICAR-IIMR); Arun Joshi, country representative for India and BISA managing director, CIMMYT-India; Mahesh K. Gathala, senior systems agronomist and science lead, CIMMYT-Bangladesh; and Alison Laing, agroecologist, CIMMYT-Bangladesh, all attended the opening ceremony at the National Agricultural Science Complex in New Delhi, India.

This CA course integrated scientific advancements and multidisciplinary techniques to sustainably develop agricultural systems, restore natural resources, and improve climate resilience in agriculture throughout Asia and North Africa. It was held at leading research centers throughout India.

SK Chaudhari welcomed delegates to the course and stressed its practical character and efficacy in promoting CA management innovations, as evidenced by the significant achievements and international reputations of many former attendees and resource personnel.

“As climatic variability and change increase, the need to manage agronomic risks grows, and CA is an effective tool for farmers and scientists in both irrigated and rainfed systems,” said Chaudhari.

Twenty rising scientists from such fields as agronomy, soil science, plant protection, agricultural engineering, plant breeding, and extension, took part in the workshop where they gained a better understanding of all aspects of conservation agricultural methods in rainfed and irrigated ecosystems, as well as exposure to wide networks with prominent international scientists. Organizers prioritized the inclusion of female scientists, who made up 40% of attendees.

The workshop empowered participants to act as conservation agriculture ambassadors and champions of modern, novel agronomic methods when they return to their home institutions.

Rajbir Singh, ICAR assistant director general for Natural Resource Management, and ML Jat, global research program director of Resilient Farm and Food Systems, International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) provided keynote addresses at the closing ceremony, held at the ICAR-Central Soil Salinity Research Institute in Karnal, Haryana, India.

USAid programme equips rural farmers

Written by dmedina on . Posted in In the media.

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

Read the full story.

Heat tolerant maize hybrids: a pursuit to strengthen food security in South Asia

Written by Julian Bañuelos-Uribe on . Posted in Blogs.

After a decade of rigorous effort, CIMMYT, along with public-sector maize research institutes and private-sector seed companies in South Asia, have successfully developed and released 20 high-yielding heat-tolerant (HT) maize hybrids across Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, and Pakistan. CIMMYT researchers used a combination of unique breeding tools and methods including genomics-assisted breeding, doubled haploidy (a speed-breeding approach where genotype is developed by chromosome doubling), field-based precision phenotyping, and trait-based selection to develop new maize germplasm that are high-yielding and also tolerant to heat and drought stresses.

While the first batch of five HT maize hybrids were released in 2017, by 2022 another 20 elite HT hybrids were released and eight varieties are deployed over 50,000 ha in the above countries.

In South Asia, maize is mainly grown as a rainfed crop and provides livelihoods for millions of smallholder farmers. Climate change-induced variability in weather conditions is one of the major reasons for year-to-year variation in global crop yields, including maize in Asia. It places at risk the food security and livelihood of farm families living in the stress-vulnerable lowland tropics. “South Asia is highly vulnerable to the detrimental effects of climate change, with its high population density, poverty, and low capacity to adapt. The region has been identified as one of the hotspots for climate change fueled by extreme events such as heat waves and intermittent droughts,” said Pervez H. Zaidi, principal scientist at CIMMYT.

Heat stress impairs the vegetative and reproductive growth of maize, starting from germination to grain filling. Heat stress alone, or in combination with drought, is projected to become a major production constraint for maize in the future. “If current trends persist until 2050, major food yields and food production capacity of South Asia will decrease significantly—by 17 percent for maize—due to climate change-induced heat and water stress,” explained Zaidi.

From breeding to improved seed delivery–the CIMMYT intervention

In the past, breeding for heat stress tolerance in maize was not accorded as high a priority in tropical maize breeding programs as other abiotic stresses such as drought, waterlogging, and low nitrogen in soil. However, in the last 12–15 years, heat stress tolerance has emerged as one of the key traits for CIMMYT’s maize breeding program, especially in the South Asian tropics. The two major factors behind this are increased frequency of weather extremes, including heat waves with prolonged dry period, and increasing demand for growing maize grain year-round.

At CIMMYT, systematic breeding for HT maize was initiated under Heat Stress Tolerant Maize for Asia (HTMA), a project funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Feed the Future program. The project was launched in 2013 in a public–private alliance mode, in collaboration with public-sector maize research institutions and private seed companies in Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, and Pakistan.

The project leveraged the germplasm base and technical expertise of CIMMYT in breeding for abiotic stress tolerance, coupled with the research capacity and expertise of the partners. An array of activities was undertaken, including genetic dissection of traits associated with heat stress tolerance, development of new HT maize germplasm and experimental hybrids, evaluation of the improved hybrids across target populations of environments using a heat stress phenotyping network in South Asia, selection of elite maize hybrids for deployment, and finally scaling via public–private partnerships.

Delivery of HT maize hybrids to smallholder farmers in South Asia

After extensive testing and simultaneous assessment of hybrid seed production and other traits for commercial viability, the selected hybrids were officially released or registered for commercialization. Impact assessment of HT maize hybrid seed was conducted in targeted areas in India and Nepal. Studies showed farmers who adopted the HT varieties experienced significant gains under less-favorable weather conditions compared to farmers who did not.

Under favorable conditions the yield was on par with those of other hybrids. It was also demonstrated that HT hybrids provide guaranteed minimum yield (approx. 1 t ha-1) under hot, dry unfavorable weather conditions. Adoption of new HT hybrids was comparatively high (19.5%) in women-headed households mainly because of the “stay-green” trait that provides green fodder in addition to grain yield, as women in these areas are largely responsible for arranging fodder for their livestock.

“Smallholder farmers who grow maize in stress vulnerable ecologies in the Tarai region of Nepal and Karnataka state in southern India expressed willingness to pay a premium price for HT hybrid seed compared to seed of other available hybrids in their areas,” said Atul Kulkarni, socioeconomist at CIMMYT in India.

Going forward–positioning and promoting the new hybrids are critical

A simulation study suggested that the use of HT varieties could reduce yield loss (relative to current maize varieties) by up to 36% and 93% by 2030 and by 33% and 86% by 2050 under irrigated and rainfed conditions respectively. CIMMYT’s work in South Asia demonstrates that combining high yields and heat-stress tolerance is difficult, but not impossible, if one adopts a systematic and targeted breeding strategy.

The present registration system in many countries does not adequately recognize the relevance of climate-resilience traits and the yield stability of new hybrids. With year-to-year variation in maize productivity due to weather extremes, yield stability is emerging as an important trait. It should become an integral parameter of the registration and release system.

Positioning and promoting new HT maize hybrids in climate-vulnerable agroecologies requires stronger public–private partnerships for increasing awareness, access, and affordability of HT maize seed to smallholder farmers. It is important to educate farming communities in climate-vulnerable regions that compared to normal hybrids the stress-resilient hybrids are superior under unfavorable conditions and at par with or even superior to the best commercial hybrids under favorable conditions.

For farmers to be able to easily access the new promising hybrids, intensive efforts are needed to develop and strengthen local seed production and value chains involving small-and medium-sized enterprises, farmers’ cooperatives, and public-sector seed enterprises. These combined efforts will lead to wider dissemination of climate-resilient crop varieties to smallholder farmers and ensure global food security.

Transforming Agriculture: A Day in Cambodia with Wanjiku Guchu

Written by dmedina on . Posted in In the media.

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

Read the full story.

Padma Shri for Kashi scientist Ravi Prakash Singh

Written by dmedina on . Posted in In the media.

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

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Zambuko Livelihoods Initiative

Written by Julian Bañuelos-Uribe on . Posted in Uncategorized.

Persistent vulnerability to frequent climate-related shocks, exacerbated by the effects of climate change poses a continual threat to the capacity of communities to secure an adequate and nutritious food supply throughout the year. The R4 Rural Resilience Initiative, led by the World Food Programme (WFP), aims to enable vulnerable, smallholder farmers to increase their food security, income, and resilience by managing climate-related risks. Expanding on the success of R4, WFP launched the Zambuko Livelihoods Initiative, a comprehensive program supported by United States Agency for International Development (USAID). This initiative strategically concentrates on fostering social cohesion within communities, advancing crop and livestock production, and facilitating improved access to financial resources.

In a collaborative endeavor, CIMMYT is leading the implementation of the climate-smart agriculture and mechanization components of the Zambuko program, with a specific focus on Masvingo Rural (Ward 15) and Mwenezi (Ward 6) in Zimbabwe. Focused on mitigating the impact of climatic shocks and stresses, the initiative aims to empower local farmers, improve agricultural practices, and foster sustainable livelihoods. This collaborative effort represents a crucial step towards building resilience in the face of climate challenges, offering a holistic approach to enhancing the adaptive capacity of vulnerable communities.

Key objectives

The overall objective is to diversify and strengthen climate-resilient livelihoods, while mitigating household vulnerability to recurring shocks, such as droughts and floods.

CIMMYT oversees interlinked goals which are –

  1. Viable conservation agriculture (CA) and mechanization options are tested and expanded in rural farming communities.
  2. Seed and fodder options are tested and available for wider use by smallholders.
  3. Increased smallholder farmer knowledge and capacity to implement climate-smart agriculture interventions to build resilience.

Livestock Production Systems in Zimbabwe (LIPS-Zim)

Written by Julian Bañuelos-Uribe on . Posted in Uncategorized.

The livestock sub-sector is one of the most important arms of the agricultural sector, contributing to the livelihoods of 70% of Zimbabwe’s rural population. Sustainable livestock production depends on the maintenance of healthy and productive animals which requires paying particular attention to the problems of both endemic and introduced animal diseases and zoonotic. Climate relevant livestock production practices such as fodder management and conservation, water harvesting, and manure management have been identified as solutions to increasing livestock productivity.

The Livestock Production Systems in Zimbabwe (LIPS-Zim) project, funded by the European Union (EU) focuses on increasing agricultural productivity in Zimbabwe’s semi-arid, agro-ecological regions IV and V. Led by the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) and in partnership with CIMMYT, the French Agricultural Research Center for International Development (Cirad) and the University of Zimbabwe (UZ), LIPS-Zim is working in 10 districts of Zimbabwe, i.e. Matabeleland South Province (Beitbridge and Gwanda districts), the parched Matabeleland North Province (Binga, Hwange and Nkayi districts), Midlands (Gokwe North district), Masvingo (Chiredzi and Zaka districts), Manicaland (Buhera district) and Mashonaland East (Mutoko district). LIPS-Zim is conducting research that seeks to increase livestock feed productivity and well as reducing diseases and mortality of livestock.

Main objectives

Core to the project is to increase the adoption of climate-relevant innovations (e.g feeding) in livestock-based production systems and improve the surveillance and control of livestock diseases. CIMMYT’s main thrust in this project is based on the recognition that at least 50% of the arable land area in semi-arid region IV and V of Zimbabwe is still put to maize despite extension recommendations for farmers to grow the more resilient small grains in those regions. Given the above, and to address their food and feed needs, farmers in those regions need drought-tolerant and nutritious maize varieties that are resilient in those dry environments. CIMMYT’s work is thus focusing on testing the feed value of these nutritious and drought tolerant maize varieties when intercropped with various legumes such as mucuna, cowpea, lab-lab and pigeonpea. CIMMYT is also testing the later, along with climate smart production techniques such as conservation agriculture and water harvesting practices.

Resilience Building through agroecological intensification in Zimbabwe (RAIZ)

Written by mcallejas on . Posted in Uncategorized.

Zimbabwe’s agricultural sector is predominantly subsistence-oriented, with maize as the main staple crop and limited use of external inputs. To promote sustainable and climate-smart agriculture, Zimbabwe has developed a 10-year framework (2018-2028) that emphasizes the adoption of climate-smart agriculture (CSA). However, the adoption of CSA practices remains limited in the country. Agroecological practices (AE) and the systemic perspective embedded in agroecological approaches hold great potential to address climate change and enhance agricultural sustainable intensification in Zimbabwe. RAIZ was conceived as the research component of the “Team Europe Initiative” (TEI) on “Climate-Smart Agriculture for Resilience Building”, formulated by the European Union (EU) delegation in Zimbabwe together with its member states.

Led by the French Agricultural Research Centre for International Development (CIRAD), in partnership with CIMMYT and the University of Zimbabwe, with funding from the European Union, RAIZ operates along a gradient of declining rainfall from Murewa in Natural Region II to Mutoko in Natural Region IV. Both districts are in the Mashonaland East province. Under RAIZ, CIMMYT leads Work Package 3 which involves ‘developing the capacity of extension and advisory services on agroecological approaches’ is actively involved in research and development activities, including the creation of training materials and the establishment of on-farm trials. In efforts to address challenges associated with low soil fertility on Zimbabwe’s granitic sandy soils. CIMMYT scientists working on RAIZ are testing the contribution of organic fertilizers and conservation agriculture in building up soil organic carbon and bringing back soil life to these mostly dead soils. These efforts aim to support farmers in adopting sustainable and climate-smart agricultural practices, ultimately contributing to the long-term resilience and prosperity of Zimbabwe’s agricultural sector.

Key objectives 

The overall objective is to support government in the development and implementation of scientifically tested agroecological approaches which will enhance agricultural production and resilience to climate change in Zimbabwe.

In addition, the project focuses on protecting the environment and reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. It will provide scientific evidence and experience for the design of climate-smart agriculture (CSA) at the plot, farm, and landscape levels, contextualized for mixed crop–livestock farms under sub-humid to semi-arid environments.