Author: rpuri

By

Balkinder Kaur

On 18th October 2024, CIMMYT-BISA hosted an exhilarating and highly anticipated Sports Day at the scenic BISA Farms, marking a day of friendly competition, teamwork, and physical activity. The event brought together CIMMYT staff, their families, and partners for a fun-filled day of camaraderie and community spirit.

A Day of Team Building and Fun Activities

The Sports Day was designed to promote physical well-being while fostering a sense of unity among CIMMYT’s diverse team of researchers, scientists, field workers, and staff. Set against the picturesque backdrop of BISA Farms, the event provided a much-needed break from the usual work routine and gave everyone an opportunity to engage in a wide range of sports activities, from traditional field games to modern team challenges.

Participants enjoyed a variety of activities, including relay races, tug-of-war, soccer, basketball, and more, all aimed at encouraging teamwork, collaboration, and healthy competition. Teams, representing various departments and regions, brought their energy and enthusiasm, ensuring the day was filled with excitement, high spirits, and plenty of laughter. The event was designed to be inclusive, welcoming participants of all ages and abilities. There were games tailored specifically for children, as well as activities that allowed employees to bond with their families outside the office. To keep everyone energized, nutritious refreshments were available throughout the day. The relaxed, festive atmosphere encouraged participants to socialize, build connections, and celebrate the spirit of teamwork that defines CIMMYT’s organizational culture.

Acknowledging Achievements and Celebrating Teamwork

In addition to the day’s activities, the Sports Day also served as an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the collective efforts, enthusiasm, and sportsmanship demonstrated by everyone involved. At the end of the event, recognition was given to individuals and teams who stood out for their teamwork, spirit, and effort, reinforcing the values of collaboration and mutual respect that are central to CIMMYT-BISA’s mission.

Looking Ahead: Strengthening Community Bonds

The CIMMYT Sports Day at BISA Farms was more than just a day of fun—it was a reminder of the importance of balancing hard work with moments of relaxation and leisure. By bringing together staff members from different disciplines and backgrounds, the event helped to foster stronger bonds within the team, reinforcing the values of diversity, collaboration, and mutual respect that underpin CIMMYT’s success. As the day concluded with cheers, high-fives, and a sense of collective achievement, there was a shared feeling of joy and satisfaction among all participants. The event’s success sets a strong foundation for future initiatives that will continue to promote physical fitness, mental well-being, and team building within the organization.

A Tradition in the Making

The CIMMYT Sports Day at BISA Farms was truly a memorable occasion that highlighted the importance of fitness, health, and, most importantly, teamwork. It was a day to remember, and with the success of this event, it is certain to become a cherished tradition for years to come. Through such initiatives, CIMMYT continues to nurture an inclusive, energetic, and well-connected community, one that values collaboration and celebrates the shared journey of working together for a common purpose.

BY

Manish Vishwakarma

September 2024 has been a fruitful month for cooperation, creativity, and intellectual exchange in agricultural sciences and wheat research. In addition to attending three significant events, the BISA researchers took the opportunity to visit the University of Western Australia and Murdoch University.

At the International Wheat Congress 2024 (IWC2024) in Perth, our scientists Dr. Manish K.Vishwakarma and Dr. Pradeep K. Bhati had the honor of delivering speeches at conferences and displaying three

posters. Through these experiences, they interacted with a dynamic worldwide network of experts and gained a deeper understanding of crop science.

Professor Rajeev Varshney, the Centre for Crop and Food Innovation (CCFI) director, convened the first mini-symposium at Murdoch University. On September 17, 2024, Dr. Manish gave a session titled “BISA/CIMMYT-India: Research Milestones and Insights.” He provided insights on the ongoing work being done by BISA-CIMMYT on phenomics, genomics, and cutting-edge methods and technologies that intersect with food security. This discussion got off to a remarkable start because of the audience’s keen interest and participation. They visited Murdoch University’s Speed Breeding facility, Long-Reach farm, and Genomics lab. This was a chance to investigate climate-resilient agriculture and link Indian efforts locally with worldwide research.

The second event in this realm was the Plant and Animal Genome (PAG)-Australia  Conference. Dr. Manish spoke at the PAG Conference about the role of “Genetic Dissection of Anther Extrusion, a Critical Trait for Hybrid Wheat: A Genome-Wide Association Study” shortly after leaving Murdoch University. This subject was closely related to the evolution of hybrid wheat crops.

This conference offered a fantastic forum for establishing contacts with like-minded individuals and interacting with scholars worldwide. Prof. Rajeev Varshney arranged a highly productive discussion between Indian scientists and Amarjeet Singh Takhi, Consulate General of India in Perth, during PAG-Australia. During their fruitful conversation, Amarjeet discussed the state of agricultural research today and expressed gratitude for the achievements of BISA, ICAR and Indian Universities achievements.

The third event was the International Wheat Congress (IWC2024) which was held on September 22–27, 2024. It was organized by Murdoch University’s Centre for Crop & Food Innovation and the WA State Agricultural Biotechnology Centre. The 900 greatest brains in wheat research and breeding from 57 different nations came together for this conference, where Dr. Manish and Dr. Pradeep had a chance to give talks and showcase additional work in the form of posters. Using a GWAS investigation, Dr. Manish revealed “Wheat’s value-added quality traits”. A session titled “An overview of BNI wheat research in India” was delivered by Dr. Pradeep. At IWC2024, discussions about how genomic techniques can improve wheat quality in an ever-changing climate scenario particularly in light of BISA’s BNI-wheat study.

Scientists also got the chance to present three posters at IWC2024 in addition to the discussions. These posters focused on the biofortification of wheat crops, BNI molecular study, and BNI-Wheat field trials. The poster sessions provided a relaxed environment for in-depth discussions with participants, some of whom shared intriguing viewpoints that we plan to incorporate into my current research. Additionally, Dr. Bram Govaerts presented “CIMMYT International Wheat Research Perspectives,” Dr. Gyanendra Pratap Singh discussed “Management and Utilization of Plant Genetic Resources in India,” and Dr. Ratan Tiwari chaired the panel discussion on “Wheat Production, Research, and Trade in Major Wheat-Growing Regions,” alongside various talks from leaders in the wheat sector.

Overall, the International Wheat Congress was an enriching experience. The event, featuring poster sessions and keynote speeches, highlighted the importance of collaboration and innovation in crop science. Perth proved to be an ideal location for these discussions, offering valuable insights into the future of sustainable agriculture. The visit to the University of Western Australia (UWA) was the final stop on the researcher’s itinerary. There, Hackett Professor Kadambot Siddique outlined the ongoing research at UWA, including projects in metabolomics, proteomics, and product development.

Reflecting on these three events, the most striking aspect was the level of collaboration and the global commitment to tackling agricultural challenges through innovative science. The insights shared on genomics-assisted breeding, proteomics, metabolomics, and phenomics are vital for enhancing global food security.

Western Australia has made a lasting impression, not only as a hub of cutting-edge agricultural research but also as a place characterized by warmth and a collaborative spirit. We conclude this journey with renewed energy, eager to apply the lessons learned to our future work.

By Richa Sharma Puri

The recent visit of Dr. Bram Govaerts, Director-General, CIMMYT-BISA, to India marked a significant moment in international relations. This visit highlighted the importance of collaboration and mutual growth and showcased the deepening ties between CIMMYT and Indian collaborators, especially ICAR, opening avenues for future partnerships.

Key Highlights of the Visit

Bilateral Meetings – The Director General engaged in fruitful discussions with key Indian officials. During an event at the CSA University in Kanpur, Govaerts had an opportunity to greet and meet the honourable Governor of Uttar Pradesh, Smt. Anandiben Patel. He presented her with a CIMMYT souvenir and discussed the various aspects of agricultural research in India, highlighting the CIMMYT-BISA partnership with the Government of India and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). He also had a constructive dialogue with Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood, the Principal Advisor to the Government of India and now a Board of Trustees Member of CIMMYT. The discussions centred around CIMMYT’s ongoing agricultural initiatives in India and South Asia, focusing on exploring future collaboration opportunities in agricultural research and innovation. These meetings highlighted shared goals and paved the way for collaborative projects. During his visit, Dr. Goaverts also had a chance to do a courtesy meeting with Prof. Ramesh Chand, Member, NITI Aayog. In the end, he had an opportunity to meet Ajay S. Shriram, Chairman and Senior Managing Director, of DCM Shriram Ltd. Dr. Govaerts acknowledged their commitment to the Rajaram-DCM Shriram Scholarship which was launched during the Dialogue NEXT conference in Mexico in July 2024. This scholarship is aimed at fostering the next generation of agricultural scientists while honouring Dr. Rajaram’s legacy.

Honoris Causa – Dr. Govaerts attended the 26^th convocation of CSA University in Kanpur. The Honourable Governor of Uttar Pradesh, Smt. Anandiben Patel conferred the Honoris Causa on Dr. Bram Govaerts during the convocation ceremony. She highlighted various initiatives undertaken by the government to uplift farmers and recognized CIMMYT’s efforts in the agriculture sector.

Regional Staff Meeting – To strengthen internal communication and collaboration, the Director General held a significant meeting with CIMMYT-BISA, India staff members. This gathering aimed to discuss the organization’s vision, address concerns, and inspire a unified approach to upcoming challenges. He outlined a clear vision for the organization’s goals, emphasizing the importance of innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability. Encouraging an open exchange of ideas, the meeting featured a Q&A session where staff could voice their thoughts and questions. This transparency fostered a sense of trust and camaraderie, making employees feel valued and heard. The meeting also provided a platform to discuss challenges faced by staff in their daily operations. The Director General listened attentively to concerns, offering insights and potential solutions to help overcome obstacles.

Executive Committee Meeting of BISA – Dr. Govaerts Chaired the Executive Committee meeting of BISA with Dr. T.R. Sharma (DDG ICAR) as the Co-Chair, and discussed key strategies with the committee members. CIMMYT Board Chair Margaret Bath also attended this meeting. The members reviewed the progress and reaffirmed BISA’s commitment to its vision and mission.

Looking Ahead

The Director General’s visit to India has set the stage for a strengthened partnership that benefits both parties. It demonstrates a commitment to addressing global challenges through collaborative efforts.

As the world continues to navigate complex challenges, the lessons learned, and relationships forged during this visit will be crucial. The collaboration between CIMMYT, Mexico, and India will undoubtedly contribute to more robust solutions and sustainable growth.

The Director General’s visit to India is a testament to the power of diplomacy and the shared vision for a better future. By fostering cooperation, we can work towards solutions that benefit our countries and the globe.

BY

BISA

Thirteen years ago, on October 5, 2011, a vision was born to transform South Asia’s food, nutrition, and livelihood security. As we mark our 13th Foundation Day, we reflect on our humble beginnings, honour our achievements, and look to the future with renewed enthusiasm and purpose.

A Look Back at Our Roots

Our journey began with a vision to work as a catalyst for improving South Asia’s food, nutrition & livelihood security. From our humble beginnings, we have grown into a community that thrives on innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to excellence. Each step along the way has been a building block in our story. Some glimpses of BISA’s launch can be seen in an old video here.

A decade of impact

As we look back on the last decade – a period of large-scale impact and collaborations – it is remarkable to see how much we have accomplished with our steadfast dedication to supporting our stakeholders across South Asia. BISA’s strategic approach to ensure food, livelihood, and nutritional security in South Asia is driven by its state-of-the-art research facilities at its research stations located in three very different agro-climatic and socioeconomic environments in India that represent the whole of South Asia. The breadth of BISA’s practical, farm-ready research — from setting up climate-resilient villages and developing viable alternatives to rice residue burning to facilitate open exchange of elite germplasm and cutting-edge technologies — reflects not only the vision and approach of CIMMYT but also the philosophy of mutual inspiration, Nobel Prize laureate Dr. Norman Borlaug, who believed strongly in sharing knowledge and “taking it to the farmer.”

Seeds of Success

One of our most impactful initiatives has been building a robust network for evaluating and disseminating high-yielding, climate-resilient wheat varieties. Our collaboration with National Agricultural Research Systems (NARS) has brought these life-changing crops to farmers across southern Asia. We have seen yields of 9-10 t/ha at our farms in Jabalpur and Ludhiana – a testament to the potential of our research.

Partnerships for Progress

Collaboration has been the cornerstone of our success. BISA’s collaboration with multiple partners has led to many large-scale impacts in the region. To give just one example, our work demonstrating the multiple benefits of affordable “happy seeder” mechanization in the Indo-Gangetic Plains (to reduce rice residue burning, improve irrigation efficiency and farmer incomes, and cut air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions) has provided government agencies a strong evidence base for policies supporting conservation agriculture and affordable mechanization in the region.

Today in India, Maize is the third most important cereal crop after rice and wheat hence BISA together with CIMMYT works on various issues like evaluation, and scaling of new hybrids of maize in South Asia, long-term research on Conservation Agriculture in a Rice-Maize Cropping System of Eastern Indo Gangetic Plains (IGP) and hybrid seed production of Maize. Recently, BISA organised a stakeholder meeting with various stakeholders in Punjab. Various stakeholders from the private sector, public sector, and Ethanol Industry joined the discussion and deliberated on the future of Maize in India. In collaboration with ICAR, CIMMYT-BISA is working to develop long-duration, high-yielding hybrids for the Kharif season in north India, especially Punjab, to present maize as an alternative profitable crop to replace rice, which has caused a serious water crisis caused by over-pumping of
ground water.

Our collaboration with JICA-CIMMYT-ICAR to develop new wheat varieties with the BNI trait involved field trials at all BISA sites in India. The field trials led to new findings that set the stage for environmentally sustainable wheat production. In 2023, the Atlas of Climate Adaptation in South Asian Agriculture (ACASA) marked the official commencement of the project. ACASA successfully initiated national-level workshops with its partner countries, India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, and finalized the methodologies, key workstreams, and outputs for the development of ACASA in the coming years.

BISA’s work on Climate Resilient Agriculture (CRA) in Bihar gained huge success as it reached out to thousands of farmers across several districts and villages of Bihar. It is now being replicated to support the farmers of Madhya Pradesh with the support of the state government. In Punjab also, BISA has joined hands with the state government to support and scale the production of Maize by collaborating with various public & private stakeholders.  

Last year, BISA supported the capacity building of 79 young scientists of South Asia to different countries such as Australia, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Turkey, Mexico, Kenya and Ethiopia. Further, CIMMYT-BISA-ICAR jointly organized an ‘Advanced Training on Conservation Agriculture’ to create sustainable agronomic systems. The 12th edition of the training in India saw mid-career researchers and development officers from Morocco, Egypt, Bangladesh, and India participate. The holistic approach of this training helped participants gain hands-on training with field visits and classroom sessions.

Innovation at Our Core

Innovation is at the core of our strategy. Therefore, our employees’ hard work and passion drive us towards success. With their support, we made progress in reducing BISA’s environmental footprint. Promoting diversity and inclusion has also been a key focus of our commitment. We are proud to capture BISA’s journey in a Coffee Table Book – a testament to the power of collaboration and dedication.

Celebrating Our Team

None of this would have been possible without our incredible team. Your passion, creativity, and resilience have been the driving force behind our success. Today, we celebrate each of you and the unique contributions you bring to our community.

A Heartfelt Thank You

To everyone who has been a part of our journey—thank you! Your support, dedication, and belief in our mission have made all the difference. Let’s build on this solid foundation and create a brighter future together.

Here’s to many more years of success, innovation, and community!

Happy Foundation Day!

Watch BISA’s journey here