Kashif Syed – CIMMYT

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CIMMYT at DAWN Pakistan Agri Expo 2018

Written by on May 11, 2018. Posted in News.

The Agricultural Innovation Program for Pakistan (AIP), led by the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) and funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) set up a stall at the DAWN Pakistan Agri Expo in Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan on 3-4 May, 2018. CIMMYT presented the successes in agricultural technologies and provided a platform for Pakistani farmers, government and other stakeholders to explore and connect to innovative technologies for improvement of major cereal crops of Pakistan and other linked products and services.

The main attractions were maize and wheat varieties introduced by CIMMYT through its programs across Pakistan (Zincol, Pakistan, Borlaug, Pirsabak and QPM – 200/300 & white), the Zero-Tillage Happy Seeder, the maize push row planter, hermetic bags for storage of wheat and the multi-crop direct-seeding of rice planter. The AIP also exhibited its two competitive grant academic partners from livestock and vegetable components which include value addition of camel milk (dries and fresh cheese) and seasonal vegetable kitchen gardening (chilies, okra, squash, bell pepper) focusing food security and nutrition significance.1

The expo was inaugurated by Governor of Punjab province, Rafique Rajwana accompanied by Mission Director of USAID Pakistan Mr. Jerry Bisson, and diplomates from different countries. AIP stall located at U.S. Government pavilion represented by USAID & USDA, also spellbound many visitors including farmers, policymakers, media, agriculture experts and scientists from both public- and private-sector organizations and students, opening new possibilities for AIP and CIMMYT to connect with target groups and explore agricultural prospects in Pakistan.

See all the photos from the event on Flickr, here.

The Agriculture Innovation Program for Pakistan (AIP) is managed by a consortium of CGIAR Centers and the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC), led by the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) and supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The project aims to foster emergence of a dynamic, responsive, and competitive system of science and innovation in Pakistan. AIP seeks to catalyze equitable growth in agricultural production, productivity, and value.

A side view of pavilion. Photo: CIMMYT Pakistan.

USAID delegation visits CIMMYT Pakistan office

Written by on February 28, 2018. Posted in News.

USAID officials visit CIMMYT-Pakistan. Photo: CIMMYT. — USAID officials visit CIMMYT-Pakistan. Photo: CIMMYT archives

ISLAMABAD (CIMMYT) – On February 14, a delegation of representatives from the USAID Pakistan Mission visited the National Agricultural Research Center (NARC) in Islamabad to see the interventions by USAID-funded Agricultural Innovation Program (AIP) implemented by the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT).

USAID’s Mary Hobbs, Director of the Economic Growth and Agriculture Section, and Kenneth Dunn, Deputy Director, met with CIMMYT-Pakistan’s Country Representative, Imtiaz Muhammad and NARC’s Director General, Ghullam Muhammad Ali.

During the visit, the delegation toured wheat field trials, the Maize Stem Borer Mass Rearing Lab at the NARC and discussed the importance of public-private partnerships and collaborations for developing a strong agricultural system. They also toured the NARC germplasm bank, which provides vital support to the national crop improvement programs in the form of required germplasm seeds of different crops and is a genetic resource of cultivated crops and their wild relatives, useful for breeding.

Muhammad gave a brief presentation on CIMMYT activities and interventions across Pakistan and about successes in the program to strengthen the cereal crops research and system.

Hobbs said, “CIMMYT’s efforts are really worthy and contribute to the overall agriculture-based economy and uplifting the livelihoods of farming communities.”

CIMMYT-led AIP is the result of the combined efforts of the Pakistan Agriculture Research Council (PARC), the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), the World Vegetable Center (AVRDC) and the University of California at Davis. With these national and international partners on board, AIP continues to improve Pakistan’s agricultural productivity and economy.

The Agricultural Innovation Program (AIP) is funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).