Climate adaptation and mitigation
Climate change threatens to reduce global crop production, and poor people in tropical environments will be hit the hardest. More than 90% of CIMMYT’s work relates to climate change, helping farmers adapt to shocks while producing more food, and reduce emissions where possible. Innovations include new maize and wheat varieties that withstand drought, heat and pests; conservation agriculture; farming methods that save water and reduce the need for fertilizer; climate information services; and index-based insurance for farmers whose crops are damaged by bad weather. CIMMYT is an important contributor to the CGIAR Research Program on Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security.
Q&A: A decade of improved and climate-smart maize through collaborative research and innovation
A ten-year partnership led by CIMMYT and IITA tackles climate-induced risks in maize production, developing and deploying new climate-adaptive varieties benefiting over 8 million households in sub-Saharan Africa.
Successful Crop Innovation Is Mitigating Climate Crisis Impact in Africa
Source: IPS News (17 Feb 2021)
In an op-ed, Martin Kropff, Director General of CIMMYT, discusses how higher-yielding, stress-tolerant maize varieties can not only help smallholders combat climatic variabilities and diseases, but also effectively diversify their farms.
MAIZE delivers “valuable solutions” for critical needs, according to an external review
A report commissioned by the CGIAR Advisory Services assesses the program’s achievements from 2017-2019.
Digital nutrient management tool reduces emissions, improves crop yields and boosts farmers’ profits
New research shows that the Nutrient Expert decision tool is better for farmers’ fields, extension services and the environment.
CIMMYT working to create climate-resilient wheat
Source: World Grain (12 Jan 2021)
CIMMYT was awarded a $5 million grant from the Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research (FFAR) to develop climate-resilient wheat.
FFAR grant develops climate-resilient wheat
CIMMYT researchers and partners are applying genomics, remote sensing and big data analysis to fortify the crop against climate-related stresses.
Unleashing the potential of plant health
Webinar series from CGIAR examines the components of the crop supply chain, as part of the International Year of Plant Health.
Delivering improved maize seed against all odds
Ugandan seed enterprise showcases the performance of stress-resilient maize varieties and engages agro-dealers as last mile seed merchants.
Solving South Asia’s sustainability issues will require a systems approach to crop management
New research shows that a portfolio of crop management practices can boost productivity while minimizing harm to the environment.
Crop variety guide for farmers
New manual supports informed choices for climate resilience in Zimbabwe.
“Happy Seeder” saves farmers money over burning straw, new study in India shows
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.
Too much or never enough
Don’t underestimate the crucial role nitrogen plays in cereal-based agroecosystems and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
Nitrogen in agriculture
The most essential nutrient in global crop production is also one of the most challenging to work with.
Climate change adds to woes of lentil farmers in Nepal
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
New research establishes three new definitions for targeting wheat varieties in India and validates effectiveness of testing in Obregon, Mexico.