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.
New drought monitoring system will reduce climate risks for South Asian farmers
Climate adaptation and mitigation
After Afghanistan, Nepal, and Pakistan, the Regional Drought Monitoring and Outlook System extends its coverage to Bangladesh.
Happy Seeder can reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions while making profits for farmers
Innovations
The average farmer who uses the Happy Seeder can generate up to 20% more profits than those who burn their fields, according to a new study published in Science.
Alternatives to burning can increase Indian farmers’ profits and cut pollution, new study shows
Climate adaptation and mitigation
Published in Science, the article provides evidence for national policies that block stubble burning and promote no-till mechanization to manage crop residues.
New CIMMYT pre-commercial hybrids available from Asia maize breeding programs
Nutrition, health and food security
CIMMYT is offering a new set of improved maize hybrids to partners in South and South East Asia and similar agro-ecological zones, to scale up production for farmers in these areas.
New publications: A study of water markets in Bangladesh
Innovations
Researchers analyze irrigation service providers to understand how different business models and pump types affect pricing and water conservation.
Int’l Wheat Congress: Bangladesh’s success sung in Saskatoon
Climate adaptation and mitigation
Source: Dhaka Tribune (24 Jul 2019)
With CIMMYT support, Bangladesh developed blast resistant wheat in the quickest possible time.
Stunting in Nepal: Besides chauchau and chips, local crops may also be responsible
Nutrition, health and food security
Source: Online Khabar (24 Jul 2019)
Soil scientist David Guerena, who works for the Nepal Seed and Fertiliser Project run by CIMMYT, advocates for zinc-enriched fertilizers in Nepal.
India honors CIMMYT climate-smart farming expert
Climate adaptation and mitigation
M.L. Jat received the Rafi Ahmed Kidwai Award for outstanding and impact-oriented research contributions in natural resource management and agricultural engineering.
Precision spreader for fertilizer set to change the agriculture scene in Nepal
Gender equality, youth and social inclusion
The small hand-operated device, which ensures the even distribution of fertilizer, could support food production, nutrition, and even the incorporation of women to farming.
Improved access to finance can boost seed business in Nepal
Innovations
The Nepal Seed and Fertilizer (NSAF) project is expanding its support to include finance, working with commercial banks to develop and expand access to innovative financial products for seed companies.
Groundwater, the unexpected villain in India’s air pollution crisis
Climate adaptation and mitigation
Source: The Telegraph (15 Jul 2019)
CIMMYT study reveals water conservation policies by the regional governments of Haryana and Punjab aggravate air pollution.
Cranking, a thing of the past
Innovations
In Bangladesh, a newly available device takes the hassle out of starting the engine of two-wheel tractors, particularly for women entrepreneurs.
Reconciling food security, resource depletion and environmental quality trade-offs in India
Climate adaptation and mitigation
Policies and technologies key to sustainable development in India’s breadbasket.
Honoring the life and legacy of Fred Palmer
Capacity development
Palmer made key contributions in applied science to fight hunger and improve livelihoods in the 20th Century.
The case for rushing farmer access to BARI Gom 33
Nutrition, health and food security
Researchers urge donor agencies to support the dissemination of new blast-resistant, biofortified wheat in Bangladesh.
