Agriculture

Geospatial mapping can inform policies that ensure the efficient distribution of resources like water, fertiliser and seeds, based on the specific needs of different cropping systems. (Image source: ICRISAT)

A recent study released by the scientists at the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) highlighted the role that geospatial maps and satellite data play in shaping the future of food security

The research which mainly focuses on South Asia underscores the significance of these advanced tools in enhancing the agricultural productivity and sustainability. With only 6 annual harvests remaining before the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals(SDG) deadline, the need to sustainably intensify agricultural production has never been more urgent. Drylands, in particular, present a significant opportunity to enhance agricultural productivity and contribute to global food security.

The study covering an area of 477 million hectares spanning across India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, identified and mapped 27 major cropping systems. Global Research Programme director, Dr ML Jat highlighted the uniqueness of this research stating that the studies use spatial data to map single or major crops such as rice, wheat and sugarcane or to monitor crop intensity, natural vegetation and more. 

This time series data provides a fresh perspective on rethinking and redesigning cropping systems, addressing food security and climate resilience challenges in the near future. On a global scale, these geospatial maps provide essential data that can guide climate change mitigation efforts. At the national level, these data sets offer a detailed understanding of regional cropping patterns, enabling governments to optimise resource allocation.

Geospatial mapping can inform policies that ensure the efficient distribution of resources like water, fertiliser and seeds, based on the specific needs of different cropping systems. Additionally, these maps can be integrated into disaster management strategies, helping to identify areas vulnerable to agricultural stress, such as droughts or floods, and allowing for more targeted and effective responses. 

“This data serves as a foundational layer and can be used in various ways to understand and improve agricultural performance," noted the study’s lead author, Dr Muralikrishna Gumma. "When combined with climate and soil data, it can aid in planning for resource optimisation and enhancing agricultural productivity.” 

This project represents a successful model of Global South-South and Triangular Collaboration, involving ICBA, ADFD, and local partners in Uzbekistan. (Image source:

A recent ceremony conducted by the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev aimed to demonstrate its major multi-year project focused on increasing the productivity of degraded and saline areas of Karakalpakstan

The project 'Development of Sustainable Agricultural Production Systems in Degraded Areas of Karakalpakstan,' represents a landmark in global cooperation. Since its launch in 2022, with US$5mn in funding from the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD), the project has made substantial progress in addressing the severe environmental challenges in Karakalpakstan, primarily caused by the shrinking of the Aral Sea. 

The project was successful in introducing 25 genotypes of different food and fodder crops at demonstration sites in Nukus, Chimbay, and Muynak, where field trials have shown promising results. The project has also focused on improving irrigation infrastructure across these sites with the installation of advanced systems such as drip irrigation and water storage solutions, greatly enhancing water management.

Various soil amendments were introduced to increase soil fertility, which contributed to the overall sustainability of agricultural systems in the region. Modern agri-aquaculture systems and locally adopted greenhouses are being developed, further showcasing the innovative approaches the project has embraced. More than 200 scientists, extension workers, and farmers have been trained in different aspects of soil, water, and crop management, ensuring the transfer of knowledge and best practices to local communities.

The progress of this project will open doors to scaling up numerous innovations and technologies that have been successfully introduced, with a cornerstore of this project being its focus on empowering women in agriculture. Targeted training programmes and farmer field schools have allowed women to develop the necessary skills and resources to lead sustainable agricultural practices. This empowerment not only boosts their livelihoods, but also strengthens the overall resilience of their communities, ensuring that the benefits of the project are widely felt.

“This project exemplifies the collaborative efforts between ICBA, Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD), and our partners in Uzbekistan, including the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection, and Climate Change, the Karakalpakstan Agriculture Research Institute (KARI), and the International Innovation Centre for the Aral Sea Basin (IICAS)," said Director General of ICBA, Dr Tarifa Al Zaabi.

The delegation visits ICRISAT's research facilities in Patancheru, Hyderabad. (Image source: ICRISAT)

Agricultural delegation from the Philippines Department of Agriculture (DA) recently embarked on an eight-day exposure visit to various ICRISAT-led project sites in India to provide insights into innovative climate-smart agricultural practices and effective water and soil management technologies

Starting their visit in Uttar Pradesh's Nota village, the research, development and policy stakeholders engaged with members of the ‘Progressive Bundelkhand Farmer Producer Company’ (FPC), while discussing the FPC’s activities and initiatives, gaining valuable insights into how ICRISAT supports local farmers by organising them as FPOs and FPCs.

ICRISAT’s principal scientist & cluster head, Dr Ramesh Singh provided an elaborate overview of the soil and water management challenges affecting 40 villages in the region, further enriching the delegation's understanding of the critical issues faced by the community.

In Jhansi district's Bhadokhar village, the delegation came across various rainwater conservation methods including structures known as haveli cultivation and learned about their importance in preventing soil erosion. ICRISAT's Horticulture scientist, Dr Rohan Khopade explained fruit-based agroforestry practices, while scientific officer, Dr Ashok Shukla highlighted the benefits of the equipment installed by ICRISAT, such as the Automatic Weather Station (AWS), Time-Domain Reflectometry (TDR) for measuring soil moisture, a groundwater-level indicator, and runoff measuring devices.

Moreover, the delegation proceeded to exploring other parts of the state including Sutta and Singar villages in Jhansi and Pura Birdha in Lalitpur. In addition to hearing firsthand accounts from local farmers, the delegation also interacted with public representatives, including Member of Parliament, Anurag Sharm and Chief Development Officer of Jhansi, Junaid Ahmad to understand the role of local and national administration in the successful implementation of projects.

In Odisha, the delegation explored a number of ICRISAT-facilitated model sites where they observed the role of women's Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in successful enterprises, such as the Dwarf Coconut Nursery, which produces 100,000 seedlings annually, and ventures into ornamental nurseries and apiculture as alternative livelihoods. Other notable community projects such as the Waste-to-Wealth Management project provided adequate insight into the transformation of waste into valuable resources, while also efficiently converting invasive species like water hyacinth into compost, in turn helping to maintain clean water bodies to grow organic vegetables. 

Their visit finally concluded with an exploration of the state-of-the-art facilities of Genebank, Agromet Lab, Living Lab, Centre of Excellence in Climate Change Research for Plant Protection, Centre of Excellence in Genomics and Systems Biology, and the Agri-Business Incubation Centre. 

Senior agriculturist at the Bureau of Agricultural Research in the Philippines, Kris Thea Marie Hernandez underscored the group's commitment to applying learnings from the visit to their local communities, particularly in rainfed areas, in pursuit of the Philippine Department of Agriculture’s goal to increase agricultural productivity and ensure food security.

The agreement supports streamlined approach on deal sourcing and investment, risk sharing, and technical assistance, aimed at raising farmers' incomes. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

A new partnership was recently announced between the IDH Farmfit Fund and social impact investor Oikocredit, aimed at reducing the financing gap for smallholder farmers

The two organisations have signed a collaborative agreement, committing to creating synergies in their sourcing and investment transactions. By aligning their approach and intensifying their collaboration, the Farmfit Fund and Oikocredit will create efficiencies that accelerate impact for smallholder farmers. 

While developing economies have a total available amount of US$9bn, the actual financial need of smallholder farmers is US$450bn. In order to bridge this financial gap, Farmfit Fund and Oikocredit are providing loans to cooperatives and other small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the smallholder farming sector, thereby enabling cooperatives to export directly and sell their products at improved conditions, while also investing in climate smart agriculture practices. 

Through their collaboration, the two organisations will streamline their interventions, allowing both to accelerate impact. Aligning investment processes and criteria, and utilising each other's unique and extensive network and knowledge in producing countries, will enable the two organisations to source, structure and monitor deals. Additionally, the partnership will also share risks and provide technical assistance where necessary, thereby ensuring the success and sustainability of their interventions. 

“Smallholder agriculture is the backbone of many emerging economies. The collaboration with IDH enables Oikocredit to invest more in smallholder farmers who are important in providing safe and affordable food for local communities and play a crucial role in the fight against climate change,” said director of Specialised Finance and Community Building at Oikocredit, Hans Perk. 

Roel Messie CEO of IDH Investment Management and IDH Farmfit Fund also highlighted the previous partnership between the two organisations to provide loans to smallholder-focused Agri SMEs in Guatemala and Nicaragua. "This experience has revealed how aligned our strategies are and how much we can achieve if we bundle our knowledge and networks. By formalising our collaboration in this broader framework, we can build on our complementarity to further improve the livelihoods of smallholders.”