The Germplasm Health Units are CGIAR’s first line of defence against the cross-border spread of pests and diseases through germplasm. On International Plant Health Day, we highlight their vital work and explore their ambitious plans as part of the 2025-2030 Genebanks Accelerator. Food systems are heavily interconnected. On average, nearly 70% of crops consumed or produced in a country originate
As climate threats rise, CGIAR launched the MENA Climate Security Hub in Cairo, led by the Alliance of Bioversity and CIAT, to advance practical, science-based solutions for peace, resilience, and lasting impact across the region. The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region stands at the frontline of climate change, where rising temperatures, water scarcity, and migration pressures are
Science, innovation and local knowledge unite to transform agriculture in Latin America and the Caribbean. Latin America and the Caribbean is currently facing a critical scenario: climate change threatens agricultural production, food insecurity is on the rise, and ecosystems are under increasing pressure. In response to this reality, the Initiative AgriLAC Resiliente has shown that science, technology and local
CGIAR launches a new Science Program to develop and deliver climate-resilient, market-preferred, and nutritious products for smallholder farmers worldwide Nairobi, Kenya – April 8 – As part of its 2025-2030 research portfolio, CGIAR launched Breeding for Tomorrow during its Science Week – a new Science Program designed to tackle one of the greatest challenges of our time: ensuring a global
by Nusrat Jahan, Muhiuddin Faruquee, and Mohammad Rafiqul Islam The Haor wetlands in northeastern Bangladesh stretches across the horizon, playing a critical role in national rice production. Spanning the districts of Habiganj, Sunamganj, Kishoreganj, Netrokona, Moulvibazar, Sylhet, and Brahmanbaria, the Haor basin supports large-scale cultivation of Boro rice during the dry season. These low-lying marshlands contribute 25% of the country’s
CGIAR’s new Insight to Impact Policy Champions Network recently met to deliberate on what needs to change for food systems science to better align with, respond to, and inform global, regional, and national policies. The occasion for their discussion was the launch of CGIAR’s inaugural flagship report. In this letter, the network’s 20 policy champions articulate what they need from
May 12 marks the International Day of Plant Health, a timely reminder that plants are not just part of the scenery; they are the foundation of life on Earth. Plants provide 80% of the food we eat. Among the most insidious is the Red Palm Weevil. First identified in South Asia, the Red Palm Weevil has now marched across 49
By Untung Susanto1, Hasil Sembiring2, Russell Reinke2, and B.P. Mallikarjuna Swamy2 1National Research and Innovation Agency, Indonesia, 2International Rice Research Institute Stunting due to Zinc deficiency is a major public health challenge in Indonesia. To address this, the government introduced Inpari IR Nutri Zinc, a high-zinc biofortified rice variety developed by IRRI and partners, now widely cultivated across high-stunting regions.