News Overview

ICRISAT publishes first-of-its-kind speed breeding protocol for finger millet In a significant advancement for crop science, the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) has introduced a speed breeding protocol for finger millet. This globally first-of-its-kind innovation drastically shortens the crop’s growing cycle, paving the way for faster and more efficient breeding efforts. Dubbed “Rapid-Ragi”, the new method enables

IITA Mozambique signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed to strengthen existing partnership with the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Science, Rovuma University, recently. With the MoU, the two institutions are poised to promote knowledge and develop projects that can benefit the agriculture sector and economy in Mozambique. One of the strategic areas the MoU is focusing on includes capacity building

In the blistering heat that greets each morning in most communities in Northern Nigeria, Zainab Aliyu, a palm oil seller, dares the suffocating heat in her Ribadu Kauta Hore community in Adamawa State to make a living for herself and contribute to her husband’s meager income. With her baby strapped to her back every morning, she traverses the length and

The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) has appointed Arshnee Moodley, lead of the CGIAR Antimicrobial Resistance Hub, as chair of its Antimicrobial Resistance Working Group, effective 16 June 2025. This leadership role was confirmed during the 92nd WOAH General Assembly held on 27 May 2025 in Paris, France. The appointment reflects Moodley’s longstanding contributions to global antimicrobial resistance research,

Post-harvest technology plays a vital role in preserving crop quality, reducing losses, and enhancing the efficiency of agricultural value chains. For cassava, a key staple in tropical regions, effective post-harvest management is essential to transform the perishable root into safe, market-ready products. This reduces spoilage and improves food safety, farmer incomes, and sustainable development. To strengthen coordination and efficiency within

The Consul-General of India to Nigeria, Chandramouli Kumar Kern, visited IITA–CGIAR headquarters in Ibadan from 31 May to 1 June, aiming to strengthen India-Africa collaboration in agricultural research and innovation. Lava Kumar, the IITA Head of Virology and Germplasm Health, moderated the meeting. In his welcome remarks, the IITA Deputy Director General for Research for Development (DDG-R4D), Bernard Vanlauwe, introduced Kern to IITA’s mission, strategy,

From 28 to 31 May, IITA had the honor of hosting the Ethiopian Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency Ambassador Legesse Geremew Haile, accompanied by his spouse and the Minister Counsellor, Misgna Teklu Abrha. Their visit was to deepen their understanding of IITA’s research activities and explore opportunities for collaboration between Ethiopia and IITA. A courtesy meeting with senior management was held to

As part of its ongoing commitment to fostering impactful partnerships with tertiary institutions, IITA–CGIAR is expanding its collaborative reach. On 28 May, IITA Deputy Director General, Partnerships for Delivery (DDG-P4D), Dr Kenton Dashiell, and his delegation visited Kola-Daisi University (KDU), Ibadan, Oyo State. The visit focused on offering strategic agricultural advisory services to support the development of 500 hectares of underutilized university-owned land. Convened