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.
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.
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.
Dr. Bram Govaerts and the CIMMYT-BISA staff from New Delhi pose for a group photo after the staff meeting
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
Dr. Govaerts & Dr. Joshi with Prof.Ajay Kumar Sood (Top left); Dr. Govaerts with the Honorable Governer Smt. Anandiben Patel (R); Dr.Govaerts & Dr. Joshi with the officials from the DCM Shriram Ltd (bottom left).
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.
Dr. Bram Govaerts receiving Honoris Causa from Smt. Anandiben Patel honorable Governer, Uttar Pradesh
Honoris Causa – Dr. Govaerts attended the 26th 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 discussing the way forward for BISA
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.
