Asia
As a fast growing region with increasing challenges for smallholder farmers, Asia is a key target region for CIMMYT. CIMMYT’s work stretches from Central Asia to southern China and incorporates system-wide approaches to improve wheat and maize productivity and deliver quality seed to areas with high rates of child malnutrition. Activities involve national and regional local organizations to facilitate greater adoption of new technologies by farmers and benefit from close partnerships with farmer associations and agricultural extension agents.
Five big steps toward wheat self-sufficiency in Pakistan
Climate adaptation and mitigation
Pakistan’s goal to achieve self-sufficiency in wheat production just became more attainable with the release of five new wheat varieties.
$21m USAID project to boost agriculture mechanisation
Capacity development
Source: The Daily Star (11 Feb 2021)
USAID has started the implementation of a $21.4 million project led by CIMMYT and partners to support the mechanization of agriculture in Bangladesh.
Lightbulb moments
Gender equality, youth and social inclusion
On International Day of Women and Girls in Science, CGIAR and CIMMYT scientists share their career journeys.
Australia’s High Commissioner visits Borlaug Institute for South Asia to witness sustainable intensification of agriculture
Innovations
Barry O’Farrell highlighted strong collaboration of CIMMYT and BISA with Australian research institutes.
New publications: Scientists find genomic regions associated with better quality stover traits in maize for animal feed
Nutrition, health and food security
The results of this study will allow breeders to optimize dual purpose maize varieties to sustainably feed people and their livestock.
CIMMYT scientist Ravi Singh receives prestigious award from the Government of India
Capacity development
The Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award is the highest honor conferred by the Government of India to non-resident Indians.
Digital nutrient management tool reduces emissions, improves crop yields and boosts farmers’ profits
Climate adaptation and mitigation
New research shows that the Nutrient Expert decision tool is better for farmers’ fields, extension services and the environment.
Eminent members of Indian diaspora honoured with the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award at PBD Convention
Source: Connected to India (11 Jan 2021)
Ravi Singh, Head of Global Wheat Improvement at CIMMYT, received the prestigious award for his invaluable contributions to wheat research and the development and training of scientists.
An aspiration for entrepreneurship
Capacity development
CSISA initiatives support smallholder farmers in India to become successful entrepreneurs.
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.
“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.
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.
“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.
