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.
“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.
Best of 2020: Our favorite videos
Innovations
Kick back, press play and enjoy some of our favorite videos of the year.
Digital groundwater monitoring
Innovations
New pilot in Nepal kicks off with a multi-stakeholder dialogue.
Climate change adds to woes of lentil farmers in Nepal
Climate adaptation and mitigation
Source: The Third Pole (25 Nov 2020)
Once a world leading lentil producer, Nepal is now having to import them as farmers struggle with low productivity and warmer, wetter weather.
Matching seed to farmer
Climate adaptation and mitigation
New research establishes three new definitions for targeting wheat varieties in India and validates effectiveness of testing in Obregon, Mexico.
“CIMMYT is at my heart”
Capacity development
Global Wheat Program director Hans Braun retires, leaving behind a legacy of strong leadership and wheat for millions.
Are solar powered irrigation systems scalable?
Climate adaptation and mitigation
New compendium analyzes existing pilot initiatives across different agro-climatic zones in India.
Scientific opportunities and challenges
Capacity development
First meetings of the AGG Science and Technical Steering Committees generate insights and recommendations for optimizing breeding schemes.
Balanced fertilizer application boosts smallholder incomes
Capacity development
Precision nutrient management helps women farmers in Nepal increase crop yields and household incomes.
The beginning of a beautiful partnership
Gender equality, youth and social inclusion
Experts discuss solutions to postharvest losses and how agricultural mechanization can benefit rural women in the Global South.
Critical reflections on COVID-19
Nutrition, health and food security
FAO-led assessment details the pandemic’s impact on agri-food systems in Bangladesh and outlines possible recovery strategies.
Power of data: To enhance food security
Innovations
Source: The Himalayan Times (6 Nov 2020)
CIMMYT and Nepal’s Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development developed a digitally enabled seed information system so farmers have timely access to quality seed.
