Author: rpuri

Advanced Training in Conservation Agriculture: Fostering Sustainable Agronomic Systems

Written by rpuri on January 22, 2025. Posted in News.

Alison Laing, Mahesh Gathala and Richa Sharma Puri

*Participants attended the opening ceremony at NAS Complex in New Delhi*

CIMMYT, BISA, and ICAR conducted an international three-week training course on Conservation Agriculture (CA) and Regenerative Agriculture (RA), focusing on its potential as a sustainable farming method and a vital tool for managing agrifood system risks in both irrigated and rainfed systems. The program aimed to demonstrate how farmers and scientists can use CA/RA to tackle agrifood challenges effectively.

The training, conducted jointly by CIMMYT, the Borlaug Institute for South Asia (BISA), and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), took place from December 3 to December 23, 2024, at the ICAR-Indian Institute of Maize Research and BISA in Ludhiana (Punjab), ICAR-Central Soil Salinity Research Institute in Karnal (Haryana), and ICAR-Indian Institute of Farming Systems Research in Meerut (Uttar Pradesh), India.

Building Resilient Agrifood Systems

Conservation Agriculture and Regenerative Agriculture (RA), is an approach to cultivated-land management that focuses on ecosystems, based on three main principles: minimal soil disturbance, continuous soil cover, and crop diversification. These methods can greatly improve yields, restore natural resources, lower farming costs, and help develop resilient agricultural systems that safeguard the environment, strengthen production systems’ resilience to climate change, and improve rural livelihoods, particularly in the Global South. In South Asia rural communities depend largely on natural resources for their survival. However, they face significant challenges, such as soil fertility loss, water scarcity, environmental pollution, and the adverse effects of climate change. These challenges put immense pressure on agricultural systems, particularly in both irrigated and dryland farming areas. Despite its advantages, widespread adoption of CA is hindered by barriers such as lack of knowledge of how to implement CA practices in different agro-ecologies, access to appropriate tools, policy support, and the awareness that CA practices offer long-term benefits. Therefore, training and capacity development are essential for scaling CA technologies among smallholder farmers.

*Glimpses from the Archives of CA Training Program*

The Advanced Course on CA/RA in Asia was started by CIMMYT in partnership with ICAR in 2010 to address all the above challenges. Since then, annual advanced-knowledge workshops have been organised, this being the 13th. This advanced CA training course links cutting-edge scientific research and multidisciplinary strategies, enhancing participants’ skills in sustainable intensification, production system diversification, resilience building, and natural resource conservation. Over 220 researchers, policymakers, and development personnel from 20 countries have benefited from the CA training program to date.

The 13th edition in India welcomed mid-career researchers from Uzbekistan, Morocco and India. The course was coordinated by Dr. Mahesh Gathala, Cropping Systems Agronomist, and Dr. Alison Laing, Agroecology Specialist, both from CIMMYT, Dr Madhu Choudhary, Senior Scientist at ICAR-CSSRI, and Dr Raj Kumar Jat, Senior Scientist at BISA.

Key Highlights of the Advanced CA Training Course

*Participants experiencing hands-on training at the BISA farm in Ludhiana.*

The advanced course was inaugurated on December 4, 2024, at the NASC Complex in New Delhi, with an address by Dr. S.K. Chaudhari, Deputy Director General for Natural Resource Management at ICAR, who underscored the importance of CA in addressing climate challenges and managing agronomic risks. Dr. Chaudhari emphasized CIMMYT’s leading role in the dissemination of Conservation Agriculture in India and shared his thoughts on the training program. He said, “I have been observing this course for many years. A lot of young scientists have benefited from this course.” He fondly recalled the inaugural training session held 13 years ago and extended his best wishes to all the participants. Watch his complete statement here.

During the course, participants explored a wide range of CA topics, including conservation and regenerative agriculture across different agroecologies, the emerging role of drones, carbon credits, soil fertility, testing, nutrient management and crop modelling to inform policymakers. Various experts from different scientific fields shared valuable insights into cutting-edge research on irrigated and dryland systems. Participants also had the opportunity to gain practical experience at BISA’s research station in Ludhiana, where hands-on training sessions were led by the expert guidance of Dr HS Sidhu and Dr Manpreet Singh (both Punjab Agricultural University) with the able assistance of Dr Pardeep Sangwal (BISA).

*Participants learning new techniques at CSSRI, Karnal.*

The training also included field visits to ICAR-CSSRI in Karnal, where the Director Dr. R.K. Yadav, Madhu Chaudhary and Dr. Kailash Prajapat highlighted the Institute’s long-term CA experiments, practical demonstration on soil biology and their role in generating evidence to guide policy decisions. Dr. Gathala also led hands-on training in critical soil physical & chemical analytical techniques at joint ICAR- CIMMYT field trial sites in Karnal. Special visits were arranged to innovative farm machinery manufacturers, including Landforce and National Agroindustry, where participants witnessed advanced manufacturing techniques and gained insights into the latest farming equipment. In addition, participants also had the opportunity to visit and interact with the manufacturing association at the platform of the 5^th India International Agri Expo at Ludhiana.

Participants also participated in a village visit outside Karnal, where they engaged with farmers who shared their experiences of implementing CA practices on their fields. This practical exchange allowed participants to observe firsthand the real-world impact of CA on farming communities.

Cultural Immersion: Visits to the Golden Temple and Wagah Border

A cultural extravaganza was organized for the participants, giving them a chance to experience a taste of the rich cultural heritage of India. They visited the Golden Temple in Amritsar, where they witnessed the spiritual atmosphere and profound cultural significance of the site. Additionally, the group travelled to the Wagah Border, where they observed the iconic flag-lowering ceremony, symbolizing the enduring spirit of cooperation and patriotism between India and Pakistan. These cultural excursions provided participants with a deeper understanding of India’s traditions and history.

*A visit to Golden Temple in Amritsar, Punjab*

The program concluded with a ceremony at ICAR-CSSRI in Karnal, where Dr. R.K. Yadav, Rajbir Singh (ADG-ICAR), Dr. Raj K Gupta, Ex-CIMMYT Country Representative, and Dr. H.S. Jat (Director, ICAR-IIMR) addressed the participants, followed by reflections on the advanced training course from participants. Key feedback highlighted innovative aspects of the training, including hands-on practical demonstrations of CA machinery and drones, as well as an understanding of emerging carbon credit systems, and the opportunity to exchange ideas with fellow researchers from Morocco, Uzbekistan and different agro-ecologies across India, all of which greatly enhanced participants’ confidence and technical expertise in CA practices.

The success of this program underscores the critical need for ongoing collaboration and training to promote sustainable agricultural practices. These efforts are essential in strengthening food security and enhancing climate resilience across the Global South.

Bihar Wins Water Transversality Global Award for Climate-Resilient Agriculture Program

Written by rpuri on December 16, 2024. Posted in News.

BISA

Bihar has been honoured with the prestigious “Water Transversality Global Award” by the India Water Foundation in a ceremony held in New Delhi, recognizing its innovative Climate-Resilient Agriculture Program. This award underscores Bihar’s efforts in tackling the challenges posed by climate change while empowering small and marginal farmers through advanced agricultural practices.

The Climate-Resilient Agriculture Program is being implemented in five villages in each district across Bihar, with support from the Borlaug Institute for South Asia (BISA), Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour, Bhagalpur, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa, Samastipur, and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, Patna.

The program focuses on helping farmers adapt to climate change by adopting new technologies such as crop diversification, zero tillage, raised bed planting, and crop residue management. These strategies have significantly reduced greenhouse gas emissions and boosted farmers’ income. The program spans 190 villages across 38 districts, increasing crop diversification by over 30% and decreasing reliance on traditional crops like rice and wheat.

Millet cultivation has been a key initiative, with 437 acres dedicated to growing various types of millet, resulting in a yield of 3,260 quintals. Additionally, advanced laser levelling has been implemented on 12,807 acres of land to improve water-use efficiency. These climate-resilient practices have improved yields by 25-30%, enhanced soil health, and reduced environmental impact by up to 25%.

To date, 4.33 lakh farmers have been trained in climate-resilient agricultural practices, including millet cultivation techniques. The Water Transversality Global Award highlights Bihar’s holistic approach to environmental sustainability, promoting effective water management strategies and inspiring the broader adoption of conservation and sustainable agricultural practices.

CIMMYT Sports Day 2024: Fostering Teamwork, Fitness, and Fun at BISA Farms

Written by rpuri on November 6, 2024. Posted in News.

Balkinder Kaur

*Team BISA Jabalpur in full form to celebrate the Sports Day*

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.

*BISA-Ludhiana showing the team spirits on the occasion of Sports Day*

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.

Harvesting Knowledge: BISA’s Wheat Scientists Share Insights from IWC 2024

Written by rpuri on October 18, 2024. Posted in News.

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.