United States Agency for International Development (USAID)
A fresh look at the genes behind grain weight in spring bread wheat
Innovations
New study provides an extensive field-test validation of existing genetic markers for thousand grain weight; finds both surprises and promising results.
New publications: Do market shocks generate gender-differentiated impacts?
Gender equality, youth and social inclusion
New study provides recommendations to help female-headed households cope with market volatility.
Large-scale genomics will improve the yield, climate-resilience, and quality of bread wheat, new study shows
Innovations
Scientists identified significant new chromosomal regions for wheat yield and disease resistance, which will speed up global breeding efforts.
Collaborative product profiling captures farmers’ demand for greater impact
Nutrition, health and food security
A demand-driven, multi-lens approach ensures the best maize varieties are available to seed companies and farmers.
Bottlenecks between basic and applied plant science jeopardize life-saving crop improvements
Innovations
Bottlenecks between basic and applied plant science jeopardize life-saving crop improvements.
Nepal’s seed sector partners join forces to realize the National Seed Vision 2013-2025
Nutrition, health and food security
Halfway into Nepal’s 12-year plan to boost seed systems, partners review progress and plan the best way to meet targets.
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.
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.
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.
What farmers want
Innovations
In demonstration plots in Kenya, smallholder farmers evaluate and rank maize varieties according to their preferred traits — a feedback that is crucial to CIMMYT’s maize breeding work.
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.
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.
Ethiopian farmers weatherproof their livelihoods
Climate adaptation and mitigation
Farmers boost their climate resilience and make money as they phase out a 25-year-old maize variety and replace it with drought-tolerant BH661 seeds.
Seeds of progress
Gender equality, youth and social inclusion
In a male-dominated sector, women leading maize seed companies in eastern and southern Africa share their experiences.
