News
2020 BÓ“nziger Award winners announced
Gender equality, youth and social inclusion
Rahel Assefa and Kate Dreher selected as inaugural winners of award celebrating women’s contribution to CIMMYT’s work and mission.
How hybrid maize helps farmers get through dry spells
Innovations
Source: MIT Technology Review (18 Dec 2020)
A new seed developed by CIMMYT is boosting maize production in sub-Saharan Africa, where yields are less than a third of what they are in the US—in large part because of drought.
Breaking Ground: Gokul Paudel finds the best on-farm practices for South Asia
Gender equality, youth and social inclusion
CIMMYT system economist explores ways to streamline smallholder farming systems through mechanization, gender equity and conservation agriculture.
Solving South Asia’s sustainability issues will require a systems approach to crop management
Climate adaptation and mitigation
New research shows that a portfolio of crop management practices can boost productivity while minimizing harm to the environment.
The past, present and future of agricultural research
Nutrition, health and food security
Researchers join government officials and other stakeholders to discuss collaborative research and development activities in Bangladesh.
No greater challenge
Nutrition, health and food security
World-renowned economist Jeffrey Sachs joins CIMMYT’s end-of-year event to reflect upon the important tasks CGIAR should undertake in its upcoming 50 years of impact.
Crop variety guide for farmers
Capacity development
New manual supports informed choices for climate resilience in Zimbabwe.
The International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center works in Colombia to enhance grain quality
Nutrition, health and food security
Source: RCN Radio (15 Dec 2020)
Natalia Palacios, Maize Quality Specialist at CIMMYT, spoke about the center’s work in Colombia and the future of maize production in the program ‘Tierra de Sueños’.
“Historic” release of six improved wheat varieties in Nepal
Innovations
High-zinc and climate-resilient varieties poised to boost production for farmers and nutrition for consumers.
Shining a brighter light on adoption and diffusion
Nutrition, health and food security
Improved maize varieties among top three CGIAR innovations adopted by up to 11 million households in Ethiopia, independent study shows.
Agriculture for Peace: A call to action to avert a global food crisis
Nutrition, health and food security
CIMMYT, the Government of Mexico and the Nobel Peace Center celebrate the 50-year anniversary of Norman Borlaug’s Nobel Peace Prize.
Improved metrics for better decisions
Capacity development
National breeding programs prepped to measure – and boost – genetic gains.
Best of 2020: Editors’ picks
Innovations
This year, we published more than 250 stories related to maize and wheat science around the world. Here are some of our favorites.
Who benefits?
Gender equality, youth and social inclusion
Study explores whether modern maize storage structures offer equal benefits to women and men farmers in Kenya, Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
“Happy Seeder” saves farmers money over burning straw, new study in India shows
Climate adaptation and mitigation
Authors conclude that no-till, no-burn practices can cut severe pollution in northern India and that they merit strong policy support, including enforcement of bans on burning straw.
