by John Damien Platten, Amelia Henry, Myrtel Valenzuela In a recent Marschner Review in the journal Plant and Soil, IRRI scientists introduced the Trait Development Pipeline and highlighted examples from root biology in developing next-generation, climate-resilient rice varieties. When it comes to developing new rice varieties, most of the attention goes to the finished product: the seeds that reach farmers’
IRRI and partners empower haor farmers with climate-smart innovations to improve productivity, resilience, and livelihoods in rice farming. Nikli, Kishoreganj (22 April 2025) – Bangladesh’s haor region, responsible for 25% of the country’s boro rice and 15% of annual rice production, is increasingly vulnerable to climate shocks, old technologies and practices, and systemic gaps in the rice value chain.
Ankita Tiwari* and Dr. Shalini Gakhar** Despite continuous advancements in agricultural technologies, there exists a significant digital gender divide globally, especially in rural and marginalized communities. Women farmers often face limited access to mobile phones, internet connectivity, digital literacy, and tailored training programs. These barriers constrain their ability to adopt climate-smart practices, access market information, and make informed farming decisions.
Members of the CGIAR Climate Security Team in Southern Africa attended the 2025 NUST-WFP National Symposium in Zimbabwe, themed “Building Resilient Communities for Sustainable Futures.”. The symposium brought together officials from various government ministries, academia, development partners, and civil society organisations. The symposium was officially opened by the Honourable Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development,
Photo credit: CGIAR On May 12, CGIAR joins global partners in celebrating the International Day of Plant Health, highlighting the vital role of plants in sustaining life on Earth and the urgent need to protect them from increasing threats. In a world facing accelerating climate change, biodiversity loss, and food insecurity, plant health is more than a scientific concern: it’s
Sharif Ahmed and Humnath Bhandari Agriculture in Bangladesh is predominantly focused on rice, with approximately 75% of arable land dedicated to its cultivation. Farmers in the country cultivate rice up to three times a year, with the rice-rice cropping pattern covering about 27% of the country’s agricultural area. In certain regions, particularly in Northern Bangladesh, this figure can reach as
At the Innovation Showcase: Delivering Resilient Drylands during CGIAR Science Week in Nairobi, Dr. Sintayehu Alemayehu shared how a satellite-powered system is helping Ethiopian pastoralists manage drought and protect their livelihoods. At CGIAR Science Week in Nairobi, stories of innovation filled the rooms, but some of the most powerful came from the most remote places. Taking the stage during
As climate change continues to reshape agricultural landscapes worldwide, ensuring the health and safe movement of germplasm becomes increasingly critical for developing resilient crops that can thrive under these conditions. The CGIAR – Germplasm Health Units (GHUs) are at the forefront of this mission, ensuring that researchers and farmers have access to disease-free genetic resources essential for sustainable agriculture. In