A Global Partnership to Secure Food Supply
China has joined forces with the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) to enhance maize and wheat production in low-latitude regions of South Asia and Africa. This collaboration, announced during the China-CIMMYT for South-South Cooperation Forum in Sanya, Hainan province, aims to mitigate the impact of climate change on wheat yields and address food security challenges.
Focus Areas of Collaboration
- Crop Breeding Innovations
- Chinese and Pakistani scientists, through the China-Pakistan Joint Wheat Molecular Breeding International Lab, have developed two high-yield wheat varieties resistant to yellow rust, a devastating disease in Pakistan.
- These varieties are poised for commercial approval in 2025 and are expected to significantly boost wheat output in affected regions.
- Stress and Disease Resistance
- The partnership emphasizes breeding wheat varieties resilient to diseases such as fusarium head blight.
- African countries will benefit from China’s experience in cultivating fusarium-resistant crops, with technology sharing set to improve local production.
- Technology Transfer and Training
- The initiative includes capacity-building programs with short-term training and seminars for agricultural professionals in South Asia and Africa.
- Institutions such as the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences will collaborate with CIMMYT to deliver molecular breeding expertise and advanced crop management practices.
Wheat: A Cornerstone of Global Food Security
Wheat accounts for approximately 20% of global caloric consumption, making it a critical crop for food security. However, regions like South Asia and Africa face production constraints due to climate change, including droughts, pests, and diseases. Over the past five decades, CIMMYT’s wheat varieties and farming technologies have helped alleviate these challenges, particularly in Pakistan and sub-Saharan Africa.
A Vision for the Future
During the forum, experts from CIMMYT and the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences highlighted the long-term benefits of South-South cooperation. By leveraging China’s expertise in agricultural technology and breeding, the partnership aims to create a sustainable framework for improving global wheat yields.
The collaboration between China and CIMMYT underscores the importance of international partnerships in tackling food security issues. By combining advanced breeding techniques, disease prevention strategies, and comprehensive training programs, this initiative aims to strengthen wheat and maize production in vulnerable regions, ensuring a stable food supply for future generations.
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