CIMMYT Seeks India’s Support to Sustain Global Agricultural Innovation

Syllabus: GS3/ Agriculture

Context

• The International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) is currently facing a severe funding crisis and is turning to India for financial support to sustain its global agricultural research efforts.

Background

• USAID, which administered foreign aid on behalf of the U.S. government, contributed approximately $83 million to CIMMYT in 2024 — nearly 40% of its $211 million annual budget. 
• With USAID ceasing operations, CIMMYT is now looking for increased financial contributions from nations like India that have historically benefited from its cutting-edge agricultural research.

About CIMMYT

• Founded: It was founded in 1966 and headquartered in Mexico.
• Origin: It evolved from a Rockefeller Foundation project with Mexican government support in the 1940s-50s.
• Key Contributions:
  • Led by Dr. Norman Borlaug, CIMMYT was central to the Green Revolution in Asia.
  • It developed high-yielding, semi-dwarf wheat varieties such as Lerma Rojo 64A, Sonora 64, and Mayo 64.
  • It collaborated with Indian scientists to create Kalyan Sona (1967), Sonalika (1968), and later PBW 343 (1995).
• Current Impact:
  • CIMMYT-derived varieties are grown on over 60 million hectares globally.
  • In India, 50% of wheat cultivated is from varieties released post-2019 through CIMMYT–ICAR collaboration.
• Borlaug Institute for South Asia (BISA);
  • Established: 2011 as a joint initiative of CIMMYT and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).
  • Locations: Research stations in Ludhiana (Punjab), Jabalpur (Madhya Pradesh), and Samastipur (Bihar).
  • Focus Areas: Climate-resilient crops, heat tolerance, nitrogen-use efficiency, disease resistance, and sustainable farming.

Implications for Agricultural Research

• USAID’s Role: As the principal development aid arm of the U.S. government, USAID supported international agricultural innovation for decades.
• Post-Closure Impact:
  • Loss of consistent donor support (USAID contributed nearly 40% of CIMMYT’s budget).
  • Potential slowdown in global R&D, especially in developing regions.
  • CIMMYT warns that effects will be felt severely post-2026.

Why Should India Step Up?

• Strategic Agricultural Interests: India cultivated wheat on 32 million hectares in 2024. Of the top 10 wheat varieties, 6 are CIMMYT-derived, covering ~15.3 million hectares.
• Food Security and Climate Challenges: Rising March temperatures in north India are causing wheat yield losses. Every 1°C rise in night temperatures reduces yield by 6%.
  • CIMMYT’s research on heat-tolerant and high-yield wheat is crucial for Indian food security.
• India’s Global Image: By stepping up funding, India can promote itself as a leader in South-South cooperation and influence global R&D priorities in food security.
  • It can also support capacity-building for Africa and other developing regions using Indian agricultural experience.
• Human Resource Linkages: Many Indian scientists are currently working at CIMMYT offices across the world.
  • Indians constitute around 10% of CIMMYT’s global workforce.

Way Ahead

• India should raise its funding substantially, to sustain existing research platforms, secure a say in governance and priority-setting, and support regional and global food security initiatives.
• Promote Public-Private Partnerships (PPP): Seed companies, agri-tech firms, and CSR initatives of major Indian corporations can be tapped to co-finance agricultural R&D.
• Regional Leadership in Agri-Innovation: India can lead a Global South Agricultural Innovation Forum with CIMMYT, targeting Africa and Asia by promoting technology transfers, joint breeding programs, and sustainable practices.

Source: IE