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Tag: food security

CIMMYT-BISA-ICAR partnership brings huge benefits in South Asia

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

A climate resilient agriculture program for the state of Bihar, India, launched in 2019 by the Borlaug Institute for South Asia (BISA) and the state government, was operating in 190 villages and had by 2022 improved water, soil nutrient, energy, labor and time use efficiency by at least 20% with around 35% higher yields and a reduced environmental footprint, as well as helping rice-wheat farmers to diversify their production with crops such as maize, millet and mungbean, among others.

This is just one of the achievements cited in a recent 2023 end-of-year reflection involving members of the BISA Executive Committee in New Delhi, India, including Bram Govaerts, director general of CIMMYT and BISA, and Arun Kumar Joshi, managing director of BISA.

“BISA has achieved significant milestones and is progressing towards organizational goals,” said Joshi. “The long-standing and productive partnership with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and agricultural councils of other countries in South Asia became more robust, as strategies that focused on building capacities and improving seed systems for the whole of South Asia were implemented.”

Established jointly by CIMMYT and ICAR in 2011, BISA is a non-profit international research institute dedicated to food, nutrition, livelihood security and environmental rehabilitation in South Asia, home to more than 300 million undernourished people. Its work harnesses the latest genetic, digital, resource management technologies, and research-for-development approaches.

BISA’s flagship projects benefit millions of farmers and include the Atlas of Climate Adaptation in South Asian Agriculture (ACASA), the testing of experimental wheat that carries grass genes associated with the inhibition of nitrification in the soil near crop roots, a climate resilient agriculture program for South Asia, and implementation of the CGIAR Fruit and Vegetables for Sustainable Healthy Diets (FRESH) initiative.

“Of the top 10 bread wheat varieties in India, 6 are derived from the ICAR-CIMMYT-BISA collaboration,” Joshi explained.

“BISA has grown tremendously in the last few years,” said Govaerts. “The diverse arena of projects shows the capabilities and potential that BISA holds today. The flagship programs are undoubtedly creating a huge impact and would contribute to solving tomorrow’s problems today.”

BISA has renewed and diversified its research projects each year, according to T.R. Sharma, deputy director general of Crops, ICAR. “BISA’s impact on genetic innovation in wheat through ICAR-CIMMYT-BISA collaboration is indeed praiseworthy,” he said. Govaerts also attended an interactive session with CIMMYT-BISA India staff, presenting an analysis of the CIMMYT 2030 strategy and encouraging everyone’s contributions towards the goals.

Charting a new course in agriculture: NARC-CIMMYT synergy in Nepal

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

The Nepal Agricultural Research Council (NARC) and CIMMYT are partnering to advance actions to revolutionize agriculture in Nepal. The collaboration, announced at a planning meeting between the two organizations on October 16, 2023, aims to enhance food security and improve the livelihoods of farmers in the country. With their combined expertise, NARC and CIMMYT will chart a new course in agricultural development, bringing hope and prosperity to Nepal’s farming communities.

CIMMYT scientists with NARC scientists. (Photo: Nabin Maharjan/CIMMYT)

Previous collaborative efforts developing new crop varieties have helped to strengthen Nepal’s national research framework. In a recent statement, Sreemat Shrestha, NERC chief at the NARC, highlighted CIMMYT’s significant contributions. Shrestha emphasized CIMMYT’s role in introducing revolutionary advancements, such as digital file mapping, market segmentation and advanced agricultural land use technologies.

CIMMYT Country Representative in Nepal, Dyutiman Choudhary, gave the presentation and led the meeting. During the event, he presented a comprehensive explanation of the vast relationship that exists between CIMMYT and NARC. He emphasized the historical significance of this partnership and discussed the various aspects that contribute to the strength of their combined efforts.

NARC expanding global influence and enhancing research impact

In an effort to strengthen its position on the global stage, NARC has set forth a clear mission to enhance capacity development, broaden its influence worldwide and establish a coalition of highly trained scientists to elevate the quality and impact of research.

“With this ambitious agenda, NARC is poised to make significant strides in scientific advancement, and CIMMYT will be a valued partner with us the entire time,” said Shrestha.

Sieglinde Snapp, director of Sustainable Agrifood Systems (SAS) at CIMMYT, while acknowledging the challenges the world is facing, such as air and water quality issues, rising food prices, emphasized the importance of agriculture in addressing these challenges and further innovations like new genetic research, molecular biology and AI.

Sieglinde and Sreshtha discuss the CIMMYT-NARC collaboration. (Photo: Nabin Maharjan/CIMMYT)

“I am excited about the progress CIMMYT and NARC have already achieved in Nepal,” said Snapp. “I encourage all of us to continue our efforts together, because collective action is necessary for meaningful change.”

Snapp highlights the need for technology adoption and mentions the transformation of wheat value chains, particularly in reducing women’s labor through introducing machines and spare parts. She praises the commitment to balance input and output and cites an example of helping farmers during a fertilizer crisis.

CIMMYT’s new focus at play in Nepal

Timothy Krupnik, CIMMYT regional director for SAS, provided insights into the organization’s growth and global influence in over 80 countries. Krupnik highlighted CIMMYT’s transition from its primary focus on breeding and genomics to its engagement to include other factors, such as agronomy, on-farm participatory research, socioeconomic studies and comprehensive agrifood systems.

“This shift in focus enhances CIMMYT’s understanding of the broader agricultural landscape and contributes to more comprehensive solutions,” said Krupnik. “Remarkable progress has been achieved in hybrid maize development and seed production, and we look forward to continuing to work with our Nepali partners.”

The meeting discussed various agricultural technology and innovation topics, including machinery, remote sensing, GIS toolsand greenhouse gas emission reduction strategies. NARC officials stressed the significance of enhancing capacity, especially in digital agriculture, to prepare Nepal for present and future climate challenges. Specific focus was on utilizing predictive crop modeling and simulation techniques to ensure crop resilience in the face of changing climate scenarios.

Viewpoint: Hunger crisis — The number of countries unable to feed their populations has soared 400% since 2000. Here’s why crop biotechnology is a key solution

Written by mcallejas on . Posted in In the media.

Global concerns are escalating as population growth, climate challenges and regional conflicts contribute to a food crisis. CIMMYT, in collaboration with 13 countries, is registering 160 drought-tolerant maize varieties to address changing climatic conditions, underscoring the need for unified efforts in global agricultural organizations.

Read the full story.

CIMMYT and WorldVeg strengthen collaboration in the midst of the climate crisis to increase their impact

Written by Julian Bañuelos-Uribe on . Posted in News, Press releases.

On December 9, 2023, CIMMYT and the World Vegetable Center (WorldVeg) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to further promote research and development, capacity strengthening activities and facilitate joint learning and the exchange of information and technology between the two organizations.

Sustainable diversification of food systems, good agricultural practices and safe and sustainable development of cereal and vegetable production systems and agrifood value chains sits at the core of this partnership.

The ultimate objective of the MoU is to further contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), in particular SDG1 and SDG2, enhancing food and nutrition security, reducing rural and urban poverty and increasing employment opportunities in particular for women and youth.

CIMMYT and the World Vegetable Center are already partners in the Southern Africa Accelerated Innovation Delivery Initiative Rapid Delivery Hub (AID-I).  Through this program, it is distributing seed kits directly to vulnerable populations such as pregnant and lactating mothers and children under five, as well as improving soil health, promoting the production of traditional African vegetables, and increasing employment opportunities through building vegetable businesses. Recent impacts in Zanzibar are a good example.

Bram Govaerts, director general of CIMMYT, and Marco Wopereis, director general of the World Vegetable Center, sign the MoU. (Photo: CIMMYT and WorldVeg)

“This collaboration between CIMMYT and WorldVeg is a testament to the potential of collective action, highlighting sustainable solutions and community empowerment as essential elements in combating malnutrition and enhancing overall well-being. We are building on the foundation already established by our collaborations within the Accelerated Innovation Delivery (AID-I) project in southern and eastern Africa,” said CIMMYT Director General, Bram Govaerts. “CIMMYT is excited to expand our connection with WorldVeg to bring innovations to even more people as crop diversification encourages improved nutrition.”

“The World Vegetable Center is proud to deepen our work with CIMMYT. Reaching the Sustainable Development Goals will require not only advanced technologies but also systems to deliver those innovations to the people that need them most and this partnership will enable both priorities,” said Director General of the World Vegetable Center, Marco Wopereis. “Promoting and enhancing the availability of nutritious vegetables and cereals are vital to achieving these aims.”

By providing farmers with more options, CIMMYT and WorldVeg will promote the cultivation of diverse crops that are essential for a balanced and nutritious diet particularly among vulnerable communities around the world. By raising awareness about the significant benefits of incorporating different vegetables and cereals into daily diets, the partnership will inspire and encourage millions of people to fully embrace diversification and improved nutrition.

About CIMMYT

CIMMYT is a cutting edge, non-profit, international organization dedicated to solving tomorrow’s problems today. It is entrusted with fostering improved quantity, quality, and dependability of production systems and basic cereals such as maize, wheat, triticale, sorghum, millets, and associated crops through applied agricultural science, particularly in the Global South, through building strong partnerships. This combination enhances the livelihood trajectories and resilience of millions of resource-poor farmers, while working towards a more productive, inclusive, and resilient agrifood system within planetary boundaries.

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.

About the World Vegetable Center

The World Vegetable Center (WorldVeg) is an international non-profit institute for vegetable research and development. It mobilizes resources from the public and private sectors to realize the potential of vegetables for healthier lives and more resilient livelihoods.

WorldVeg’s globally important genebank, improved varieties, production and postharvest methods help farmers to increase their vegetable harvests, raise incomes in poor rural and urban households, create jobs, and provide healthier, more nutritious diets for families and communities. With headquarters in Taiwan, field operations are led from regional centers in Benin, India, Mali, Tanzania and Thailand, and through offices in other key countries.

Sequestering carbon in soils: what agriculture can do

Written by mcallejas on . Posted in In the media.

In Zimbabwe, CIMMYT is studying the long-term effectiveness of integrated farming practices, including tillage, no-tillage, mulching with maize residues, and cowpea rotation. This experiment in a distinct agricultural context provides insights into sustainable strategies and soil carbon stocks.

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Boosting groundnut value chains

Written by mcallejas on . Posted in News.

Representatives from various sectors in Tanzania met to discuss the challenges and opportunities in the country’s groundnut value chain, with the aim of establishing a platform for dialogue among stakeholders involved in groundnut production and distribution.

Participants attentively listen to a presentation at the groundnut value chain stakeholders’ meeting in Tanzania. (Photo: CIMMYT)

The meeting was organized by TEMNAR Co. Ltd., and brought together key stakeholders including farmers, government officials, research institutes, NGOs, and partners such as Ruvuma Commercialization and Diversification of Agriculture (RUCODIA), SWISSAID, and Vodacom. All participants affirmed the meeting’s overall impact and significance, acknowledging that the event would help lay a strong foundation for the growth of groundnut farming, particularly in Mtwara and Lindi regions.

The meeting featured presentations from scientists at the Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute (TARI) — who addressed topics such as groundnut agronomy and seed technology — and representatives from TEMNAR, who outlined strategies to facilitate effective collaboration among stakeholders and achieve mutually beneficial outcomes. Discussions centered on topics such as groundnut varieties, market demands, and the importance of quality and cleanliness throughout the production process. Trust in business relationships was identified as a key factor for success.

Participants at the meeting shared innovative ideas and identified opportunities for strengthening the sector. They highlighted, for example, the need for aggregators to specify their groundnut volume requirements and the application of simple technologies — such as hand push planters and threshing machines — to increase production efficiency. They also emphasized the importance of planting new TARI-bred groundnut varieties to meet market demand, and the establishment of additional seed multiplication farms to increase seed availability.

: A participant examines displayed groundnuts at the groundnut value chain stakeholders’ meeting in Tanzania (Photo: CIMMYT).

Another key component of the meeting was assessing the challenges faced by local groundnut farmers. These include the shortage of good groundnut seed, limited agronomical knowledge, and the labor-intensive nature of planting, harvesting, and picking the crop. To address these challenges, participants suggested making agricultural inputs and tools more accessible to farmers, conducting technology demonstrations, and establishing seed multiplication farms across different districts.

Both farmers and aggregators expressed their commitment to making changes in their farming practices; aggregators are now able to access groundnuts easily through phone calls, while farmers enjoy improved access to markets and better prices. A number of follow-up actions have also been planned as a result of the meeting, such as product buyback initiatives during the harvest season and the establishment of field days to help reach more farmers and aggregators at the local level.

Chewing over the future of global food security

Written by mcallejas on . Posted in News.

CIMMYT Director General, Bram Govaerts, praised China’s recent efforts to curb its reliance on food imports and increase funding for technology-driven breeding techniques, including gene editing. Govaerts suggested such measures have managed to shield China from the unfolding global food crisis that is caused by a mix of factors such as regional conflicts, climate change and rising protectionism.

Read the full article.

Nepal maize farmers share vision of a more profitable future with visiting agriculture officials

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

In a visit to 5 model sites for maize marketing in midwestern Nepal, 30 federal, provincial and local agricultural authorities were impressed with the coordination and capacity development among market actors, improved supply chain management and leveraging of government support, all of which are benefiting farmers and grain buyers.

Following visits to commercial maize fields and hearing stakeholders’ perceptions of progress and key lessons, the authorities proposed additional funding for irrigation, machinery, grain grading and crop insurance, among other support, and promised to help expand activities of the model sites, which were established as part of the Nepal Seed and Fertilizer (NSAF) project.

Led by CIMMYT with funding from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and in its second-last year of operation, the project is working to raise crop productivity, incomes and household food and nutrition security across 20 districts of Nepal, including 5 that were severely affected by the catastrophic 2015 earthquake and aftershocks which killed nearly 9,000 and left hundreds of thousands homeless.

Participants at Sarswoti Khadya Trader, Kohalpur, Banke. (Photo: CIMMYT)

The visitors included officials and experts from the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development (MoALD); the Department of Agriculture (DoA); the Ministry of Land Management, Agriculture and Cooperatives (MoLMAC); the Agriculture Development Directorates (ADD) for Lumbini and Sudurpaschim provinces; the Agriculture Knowledge Centres (AKC) of Banke, Kailali, Kanchanpur, Dang, and Kapilvastu districts; the Prime Minister Agriculture Modernization Project (PMAMP) offices of Dang and Bardiya; and the National Maize Research Program; the Department of Livestock Services; along with NSAF project team members.

The participants interacted with farmers, cooperative leaders, traders, rural municipality officials and elected representatives, and feed mill representatives. Sharing their experiences of behavioral change in maize production, farmers emphasized the benefits of their strengthened relationships with grain buyers and their dreams to expand spring maize cultivation.

Shanta Karki, deputy director the General of Department of the DoA lauded CIMMYT efforts for agriculture growth, improved soil fertility and sustainable agriculture development through NSAF.

Madan Singh Dhami, secretary, MoLMAC in Sudurpaschim Province, emphasized the importance of irrigation, building farmers’ capacities and interactions with buyers, and applying digital innovations to catalyze extension.

CIMMYT scientists have been based in CIMMYT’s office in Nepal and worked with Nepali colleagues for more than three decades to boost the productivity, profitability and ecological efficiency of maize- and wheat-based cropping systems and thus improve rural communities’ food security and livelihoods.

India transforms wheat for the world

Written by mcallejas on . Posted in In the media.

In 2023, India reached a record wheat harvest of over 110 million tons. A partnership between CIMMYT and the Indian Institute of Wheat and Barley Research (IIWBR) now allows farmers to pre-order advanced wheat varieties, transforming the nation’s agriculture.

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