The International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre (CIMMYT), a key global research organisation focused on food security, is facing challenges due to declining funding from the United States. CIMMYT’s Director General, Bram Govaerts, has urged India and Mexico to take a leading role in ensuring global food supplies are secure. He highlighted CIMMYT’s significant past contributions to India, particularly its role in the country’s Green Revolution, which dramatically increased food grain production.
Mr. Govaerts warned that essential programmes, such as those monitoring crop diseases, could be at risk of collapsing without increased financial support. He emphasised the need for new ways to fund agricultural research and development. He also called for stronger collaborative efforts between nations to tackle food security challenges.
CIMMYT’s appeal to India is a call for the nation to transition from being a recipient of aid to becoming a leader in regional food security. India has a strong agricultural base and a growing economy, making it well-positioned to invest in and guide international food research. Such investment would not only benefit India but also contribute to the stability and availability of food across its neighbouring countries and beyond.
The organisation believes that by stepping up, India can help fill the gap left by reduced US contributions. This partnership could ensure that vital research continues, leading to the development of more resilient and productive crops. These advancements are crucial in the face of climate change and a growing global population, both of which put increasing pressure on food systems.
Mr. Govaerts pointed out that the work done by CIMMYT has had a profound impact on farmers worldwide. Developing improved varieties of wheat and maize that are resistant to diseases and can grow in challenging conditions has been central to their efforts. These innovations have helped millions of farmers increase their yields and improve their livelihoods.
However, the current financial situation poses a significant threat to these ongoing efforts. Continued research is vital to stay ahead of emerging crop diseases and to adapt agricultural practices to changing environmental conditions. Without sustained funding, the progress made over decades could be jeopardised. This could lead to greater food insecurity in vulnerable regions.
CIMMYT is therefore looking for new partnerships and funding models. These could include greater contributions from national governments, private sector investments, and innovative financing mechanisms. The goal is to create a more sustainable funding base for agricultural research that benefits everyone. India, with its vast agricultural expertise and commitment to food self-sufficiency, is seen as a crucial potential partner in this endeavour. Supporting CIMMYT’s mission would align with India’s own goals of ensuring food security and promoting agricultural innovation on a global scale.