NewsletterHappeningsMay 2017, No. 1741

Feature Stories

Participants at the systems modeling workshop.

Photo: S Punna, ICRISAT

Enabling better on-farm decisions through systems modeling tools

The use of systems modeling tools is being accelerated to identify farming systems that are best suited to a

particular region. To enable scientists from various national agricultural research organizations to gain expertise in this area, a workshop, ‘Integrating Systems Modelling Tools to Support the Scaling of Climate Smart Agriculture in Semi-Arid Regions’, was conducted at ICRISAT-India.

The focus was on the application of advanced modeling tools – spatial analysis for mapping, tools to create climate series and climate change scenarios, climate data downscaling, future climate data generation, cropping systems modeling for alternate scenarios under climate change, and whole farm (bio-economic) modeling to assess impacts of climate change as well as that of climate-smart interventions on resource use and household cash flows.

After a short study on the use of geospatial tools in monitoring croplands, participants gained hands-on experience in generating future climatic scenarios based on

global projections. As part of the session on climate analysis and cropping systems modeling, they generated location-specific daily climatic conditions. They assessed the impacts of climate change by linking these climatic conditions with the systems simulation model Agricultural Production Systems Simulator (APSIM). Besides setting and running APSIM for different crops and management scenarios, the participants learned to analyze the data and correctly interpret the results. They evaluated the projected impacts not only on grain and biomass yields but also on changes in the soil, water and other environmental conditions.

Another session on whole farm system modeling saw participants learn the ropes of linking the results from the cropping systems model (APSIM) with a ‘household’ model via an Integrated Assessment Tool for a greater understanding of how these changes impacted gross margins, income and cash flows of a farm household during different months of the year.

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This work contributes to the UN Sustainable Development Goals

ICAR-ICRISAT Collaborative Project: Integrating systems modeling tools enabling informed decisions for upscaling climate smart agricultureCRP: Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security (CCAFS)Funders: ICAR and CCAFS

More on crop simulation modeling

The participants were divided into three region-based groups of Telangana, Rajasthan and Haryana. Scientists simulated scenarios for their respective regions based on the geography and climate. They parameterized data such as farmland type and area, family and hired labor supply and demand, labor activities, farm overheads and living expenses, crop details on other inputs and outputs, fodder purchased and livestock details. The model enabled them to predict cash flow from crops, livestock and non-farm activities over the years.

This was followed by the three groups presenting results of their respective regional scenarios. The groups will be working together with cropping systems modelers using real farm household data collected from each of the three regions to produce a joint publication by the end of this year on assessing the impact of climate change, climate-smart interventions and markets on farm household cash flows. Such a report would help in informed decision making by stakeholders, including extension systems and policy makers.

Key takeaway: The training program was aimed to promote systems thinking in assessing the impacts of climate-smart interventions. In other words, clarity on the individual components of the modeling systems and learning how to link them together for best results was at the center of the exercise. By the end of the workshop, participants knew how to use the integrated assessment tool, parameterize the model, and understand and interpret the results. This knowledge will empower them to design more efficient and effective climate-smart and markets-based interventions for farmers.

The three-day workshop held on 3-5 May saw the participation of over 30 scientists from six Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) institutes – Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture (CRIDA), Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), Indian Institute of Rice Research (IIRR), Indian Institute of Soil Science (IISS), National Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology (NIANP), National Institute of Agricultural Economics and Policy Research (NIAP); two State Agricultural Universities – Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University (PJTSAU) and Acharya NG Ranga Agricultural University (ANGRAU); and ICRISAT’s Innovation Systems for the Drylands and Asia Programs.

Dr MK Gumma, Dr Dakshinamurthy, Dr KPC Rao and Dr Shalander Kumar conducted the various workshop sessions. g

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Taking production and nutrition technologies to the next level by scaling out in Tanzania

food and nutrition insecurity in the area.

An ICRISAT-led project team recently visited Ms Lucy Nyalu, Head of the Department, District Agriculture and Fisheries Office, Iringa, to discuss strategies for scaling out the technologies developed by the scientists. The project scaling out was carried out in Isimani ward in Iringa, with a ‘mother plot’ showcasing the new crop varieties and production technologies. Improved varieties of pigeonpea (ICEAP 00040; MALI) and sorghum (Kari Mtama) were provided to 33 farmers. The

farmers as well as scientists are hopeful of a better yield this year than in the previous year.

Enhancing nutrition in children: In an earlier study in rural Tanzania, a group of nutritionists led by ICRISAT scientists had studied the effects of supplementing the diets of children, aged five years or younger, with a nourishing porridge. This special food included various food groups – pigeonpea (legume), finger millet (cereal), carrot (vitamin A-rich vegetable) and amaranth (green leafy vegetable). Compared to an earlier diet consisting almost solely of poor quality maize, which would often be contaminated with aflatoxin, this diet had improved the weight and mid upper arm circumference (MUAC) of the children within 21 days.

In the current Phase II of this highly successful project, more women in Kongwa and Kiteto regions of Tanzania were trained in preparing the porridge and were also introduced to innovative techniques such as growing the porridge vegetables in sacks for better utilization of space,

and using recycled water to irrigate the plants. During a recent field day in Mlali, the nutrition stand attracted a lot of interest and queries, with parents of young children wanting to know about the health benefits of the nutritious food. They were keen on adopting the multi-food group porridge upon discovering that all its ingredients were locally available. Notably, 1062 women and men farmers attended the field day.

With the increase in the number of farmers voluntarily adopting these interventions, scientists expect to see a rise in farm outputs and financial and nutritional benefits for farmers and their families. g

Dr Said Slim sharing pigeonpea production skills.

Photo: Wills Munthali

In Tanzania, science-backed agricultural technologies are being scaled out to more farmers and communities so that

the benefits of these innovations – increased farm productivity and improved nutrition – reach greater numbers of disadvantaged poor. The ICRISAT-led Africa RISING project: Transforming Key Production Systems: Maize Mixed East and Southern Africa is currently implementing agricultural technologies such as the use of improved crop varieties (up to 120% higher yields), water and soil management techniques, cropping systems and development of nutritious supplementary foods for children. These technologies were developed through participatory research as well as innovation platforms and have already demonstrated significant impacts.

Increasing agricultural productivity: Iringa region has poorly distributed rainfall (< 500 mm per annum). The introduction of dryland crops such as pearl millet, sorghum, pigeonpea and groundnut could alleviate the

Sack vegetable farming.

Photo: Mike Musoke

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Prof Yasinta Muzanila of SUA demonstrating use of different food groups.

This work contributes to the UN Sustainable Development Goals

Project: Transforming Key Production Systems: Maize Mixed East and Southern AfricaFunder: United States Agency for International Development (USAID)(Africa RISING) through the International Institute for Tropical Agriculture.Partners: World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF), International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), Hombolo Agricultural Research Institute, Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA), University of Dodoma, Tanzania

More on on our work in TanzaniaMore on our work in nutrition

Photo: Wills Munthali

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New dashboard format to present ICRISAT’s annual achievements

ICRISAT has taken a bold new step in presenting its yearly achievements in a dashboard-style Annual Report – with a

summary version and a deep dive through an interactive online version.

The ICRISAT 2016 Annual Report highlights the work done by ICRISAT scientists in the area of pulses over the last 45 years in Asia and Africa. It also describes why pulses are considered Smart Food: how they are good for the consumer, the planet and the farmer.

The year 2016 was celebrated as the International Year of Pulses, as declared by the United Nations. Using this as a

pivot, the annual report’s ‘Pulse of ICRISAT’ section turns the spotlight on the major achievements in pulses research by ICRISAT: from germplasms collected to improved varieties (drought-resistant, high-yield, machine-harvestable) released worldwide. It underscores the many ‘firsts’ that ICRISAT has to its credit: world’s first pigeonpea hybrid; world’s shortest-duration chickpea; pigeonpea and chickpea draft genome sequences; first-ever machine-harvestable chickpea; and so on.

Another highlight of the year 2016 was the introduction of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Over the course of the year (2016), ICRISAT’s work in its mission areas of a) Overcoming poverty and hunger; b) Reducing malnutrition; and c) Preventing environmental degradation has contributed significantly to achieving these goals. This was by developing climate-smart and biofortified hybrids/varieties of ICRISAT mandate crops, and devising sustainable methods of water management and land rehabilitation.

Other successful endeavors mentioned in the report include the advances made by ICRISAT in the crosscutting areas of women’s empowerment and digital agriculture. Various digital tools – from satellite imaging to SMS-based weather forecasts – have positively affected the agricultural returns and overall prosperity of smallholder farmers in Asia and Africa.

ICRISAT’s support of agricultural entrepreneurs via agribusiness incubators and farmer producer organizations is also reaping rich dividends by making agriculture profitable and thus attractive to the younger generation.

In short, the 2016 Annual Report presents a sharp and clear connection between the core science carried out by scientists and the direct and indirect bearing it has in improving the lives of millions of rural poor in the semi-arid regions of the globe. g

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Welcoming Dr Yilma Kebede as ICRISAT FellowDr Yilma Kebede, noted agricultural scientist, was recently appointed as an ICRISAT Fellow. Dr Kebede brings with him a sterling academic background and decades of practical experience in crop improvement research as well as project management. As a Senior Program Officer at the Bill

& Melinda Gates Foundation, Dr Kebede was involved in finding sustainable solutions for climate-related issues in Africa and other regions. We welcome Dr Kebede and look forward to a highly enriching experience with him as a mentor, especially in matters related to Ethiopia.

The ICRISAT Honorary Fellowships enable senior research scientists to transfer knowledge and skills in a mentoring role at ICRISAT. The Fellowships are generally of 12 months’ duration and are awarded by the Director General.

Notable ICRISAT Honorary Fellows:

Dr KPC Rao: As an Honorary Fellow, Dr Rao will provide vital inputs into ongoing research on crop modeling systems, impacts of climate change and related interventions and more. He has written and published critical works related to climate change, especially in Eastern and Central Africa.

Dr GV Ranga Rao: A former special project scientist in Integrated Pest Management, Dr Ranga Rao in his capacity as ICRISAT Fellow will support and train incoming entomology recruits, guide project coordinators in ongoing projects and developed training manuals on pest management.

Dr Stefania Grando: The former Director, Science Quality and Strategy, was made an Honorary Fellow in February 2017. While at ICRISAT Dr Grando was actively involved with the Hybrid Parents Research Consortium. With her vast experience

in dryland cereals research, Dr Grando will now be contributing her insights to the modernization of ICRISAT’s breeding programs, among other duties.

Dr Prabhakar Pathak: A specialist in soil and water management, Dr Pathak will, as an ICRISAT Honorary Fellow, develop and submit research papers related to watershed management, water productivity and water use efficiency.

Dr HC Sharma: An entomologist, Dr Sharma will guide and mentor students and staff as an ICRISAT Fellow. He will be representing ICRISAT at the International Plant Protection Congress (IPPC) 2019.

Dr Alastair William Orr: As an ICRISAT Fellow, Dr Orr, an agricultural economist, will provide guidance on smallholder value chains in Eastern and Southern Africa.

Dr AVR Kesava Rao: Dr Rao, an agroclimatologist and an ICRISAT Fellow, will contribute significantly to programs related to climate change adaptation, especially in the semi-arid tropical regions.

New Video

Watch Dr David Bergvinson, Director General, ICRISAT, talk about the importance of millets not just for nutrition but as an economic driver for youth and rural communities. Visit the Director General’s Journal and view the video.

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Twitter Chat

Inviting all ICRISAT employees to join the @CGIAR Twitter Chat on 17 May at 3 PM (CET) (see in timezone).

The chat (Hashtag: #AgSystemsChat) will discuss the importance of agricultural systems in bringing about social and economic change in the poorer regions of the world.

The Twitter chat will follow a question-and-answer style. @CGIAR will host the chat and ask a question every 10 minutes, allowing for responses and discussion after each question. Each question will be numbered, and responses should include the answer number (e.g. A1) indicating the question being replied to. The following are the questions to which one may reply, ask follow-up questions, retweet answers or post multimedia tweets.

Q1: How can effective agricultural systems increase livelihood opportunities for smallholder farmers at markets?

Q2: What considerations on gender norms might impact the ability of women and men to contribute along the value chain?

Q3: How can productivity increases, through genetic improvement and crop intensification, improve economic and social wellbeing?

Q4: What steps should effective agricultural systems take to safeguard natural resources and the environment?

Q5: How might better access to biofortified foods improve the lives of the growing number of urban poor in developing countries?

Q6: What effect might climate change have on the sustainability of successful agricultural systems?

For more information on Agricultural Systems, visit the monthly theme page: http://www.cgiar.org/agricultural-systems/

CongratulationsMr Amit Chakravarty, formerly Senior Manager, Scientific Editing and Publishing, Strategic Marketing and Communications, has taken over as Chief of Staff, Director General’s Office, with effect from 1 May. In his new role, he will be overseeing the DG’s communications, project management and more.

We wish him all the best.

New ProjectsProject Title: A Study for Developing Decision Support System and Market Linkages for Enhanced Value Creation of Fruits and Vegetable in Tamil NaduProject funder: Department of Agricultural Marketing and Agribusiness, Government of Tamil Nadu Grant duration: May 2017 – October 2017

Project Title: Promoting Peanut Based Food supplements through Partnerships to Treat Malnutrition in BangladeshProject funder: United States Agency for International Development (USAID) through IKP Knowledge Park, HyderabadGrant duration: April 2017 – April 2019

Project Title: Development of pearl millet hybrid seeds and novel food products: An affordable resource in the prevention of Type 2 diabetesProject funder: Global Innovation & Technology Alliance through SFPL Crop Life Science Pvt Ltd, JalnaGrant duration: March 2017 – February 2019

Project Title: Improving dietary diversity through introduction of Nutri-Food basket in tribal households of Adilabad, Mancherial, Komaram Bheem-Asifabad Districts of Telangana - Transitioning tribal households from nutrient deficient diets to diverse nutritional foodsProject funder: Department of Health and Family Welfare, Government of TelanganaGrant duration: January 2017 – December 2017

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New PublicationsFinancial literacy and savings decisions by adult financial consumers in Zimbabwe

Authors: Murendo C and Mutsonziwa K

Published: 2017. International Journal of Consumer Studies, 41 (1): 95-103. ISSN 1470-6423

Abstract: We use survey data from a sample of 4000 adult financial consumers in Zimbabwe to analyse the determinants of financial literacy and its effect on individual’s savings decisions. Results show that women have lower financial literacy than men. Furthermore, individuals’ residing in rural areas exhibit lower financial literacy compared with urban financial consumers. Financial literacy and financial services interventions targeting women and rural individuals should be strengthened. Econometric results show that financial literacy positively influences savings behaviour for both rural and urban individuals. Furthermore, financial literacy positively influences informal and formal savings. http://oar.icrisat.org/9932/

Alkaline serine proteases from Helicoverpa armigera: potential candidates for industrial applications

Authors: Akbar SM and Sharma HC

Published: 2017. Archives of Insect Biochemistry and Physiology, 94 (1): 1-15. ISSN 0739-4462

Abstract: We characterized trypsin- and chymotrypsin-like serine alkaline proteases from cotton bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera, for their probable potential application as additives in various bio-formulations. Purification was achieved by using hydroxylapatite, DEAE sephadex and CM sephadex columns, which resulted in increased enzyme activity by 13.76- and 14.05-fold for trypsin and chymotrypsin, respectively. Michaelis–Menten constants (Km) for substrates of trypsin and chymotrypsin, BApNA and SAAPFpNA, were found to be 1.25 and 0.085 mM, correspondingly. Fluorescent zymogram analysis indicated the presence of five trypsin bands with molecular masses of ~21, 25, 38, 40, and 66 kDa and two chymotrypsin bands with molecular masses of ~29 and 34 kDa in SDS-PAGE. http://oar.icrisat.org/9933/

Post-Flowering Drought Tolerance Using Managed Stress Trials, Adjustment to Flowering, and Mini Core Collection in Sorghum

Authors: Upadhyaya HD, Dwivedi SL, Vetriventhan M, Krishnamurthy L and Singh SK

Published: 2017. Crop Science, 57 (1): 1-12. ISSN 0011-183X

Abstract: Sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] crop in the semiarid tropics often suffers from post-flowering drought stress, which causes substantial losses in grain yield and stover quality. This research was aimed at studying the yield response of sorghum mini core accessions to post-flowering drought stress to identify drought-tolerant sources for sorghum improvement. Mini

core accessions were grouped based on days to 50% flowering (extra early, early, medium, late, and extra late) and evaluated in two post-rainy seasons under managed drought stress and optimally irrigated conditions. Drought tolerance index (DTI), as a standard residual after removing the known contributory effects of flowering time and grain yield under optimum irrigation (yield potential) from the grain yield under drought, was used to segregate the genotypic responses to drought stress. http://oar.icrisat.org/9934/

Tillage, mulch and fertiliser impacts on soil nitrogen availability and maize production in semi-arid Zimbabwe

Authors: Masvaya EN, Nyamangara J, Descheemaeker K and Giller KE

Published: 2017. Soil and Tillage Research, 168: 125-132. ISSN 0167-1987

Abstract: Conservation agriculture has been promoted widely in sub-Saharan African to cushion smallholder farmers against the adverse effects of soil fertility decline, stabilize crop yields and increase resilience to climate change and variability. Our study aimed to determine if aspects of CA, namely tillage and mulching with manure and fertiliser application, improved soil mineral N release, plant N uptake and maize yields in cropping systems on poor soils in semi-arid Matobo, Zimbabwe. http://oar.icrisat.org/9941/

Cotton farmers’ willingness to pay for pest management services in northern Benin

Authors: Kpadé CP, Mensah ER, Fok M and Ndjeunga J

Published: 2017. Agricultural Economics, 48 (1): 105-114. ISSN 0169-5150

Abstract: This study was carried out to assess cotton farmers’ willingness to pay (WTP) for pest management services in northern Benin. Targeted staggered control (TSC) has been introduced to reduce pesticide use in cotton cropping and generate an estimated benefit of FCFA48, 800 (€74.40) per cotton hectare accruing from increased productivity and reduced pesticide cost. However, TSC application requires extra time for pest identification and scouting, and its adoption remains low due to the lack of funding to boost farmers’ awareness and cover training costs. An interval regression model was used to analyze responses to a double-bounded contingent valuation survey with data collected from 300 cotton farmers. http://oar.icrisat.org/9935/

Welfare impacts of improved chickpea adoption: A pathway for rural development in Ethiopia?

Authors: Verkaart S, Munyua BG, Mausch K and Michler JD

Published: 2017. Food Policy, 66: 50-61. ISSN 0306-9192

Abstract: We analyse the impact of improved chickpea adoption on welfare in Ethiopia using three rounds of panel data. First, we estimate the determinants of improved chickpea adoption using a double hurdle model. We apply a control function approach with correlated

Connect with us: ICRISAT is a member of the CGIAR System OrganizationAbout ICRISAT: www.icrisat.orgICRISAT’s scientific information: EXPLOREit.icrisat.org

random effects to control for possible endogeneity resulting from access to improved seed and technology transfer activities. To instrument for these variables we develop novel distance weighted measures of a household’s neighbours’ access to improved seed and technology transfer activities. http://oar.icrisat.org/9936/

Intensify or diversify? Agriculture as a pathway from poverty in eastern Kenya, Series Paper Number 40

Authors: Verkaart S, Orr A, Harris D and Claessens L

Published: 2017. Socioeconomics Discussion Paper Series

Abstract: Rainfed agriculture’s potential as a pathway from poverty was explored through a comparative study of Embu and Kitui districts in eastern Kenya. Using survey data from 680 households, livelihood diversification was measured by developing a typology based on the contribution of different sources to household income and by a Herfindahl Index. Intensification was measured by an aggregate adoption index and indicators reflecting the adoption of individual agricultural technologies. More diversified households had higher incomes. Households specializing in farming in Embu earned enough income from agriculture to stay above the poverty line, but not in Kitui. http://oar.icrisat.org/9937/

To Specialize or Diversify: Agricultural Diversity and Poverty Dynamics in Ethiopia

Authors: Michler JD and Josephson AL

Published: 2017. World Development, 89: 214-226. ISSN 0305-750X

Abstract: Recent agricultural development policies have begun to shift focus from the promotion of a few staple crops toward encouraging crop diversity. The belief is that crop diversification is an effective strategy for dealing with a variety of issues, including poverty alleviation. However, there is a lack of empirical evidence to justify these positions. We contribute to filling this research gap by providing quantitative evidence on the impact of diversity

in crop cultivation on household poverty. Using household panel data from Ethiopia we develop a diversity index to measure the effect of crop diversity on poverty status. http://oar.icrisat.org/9938/

Yield potential of CGMS based pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millspaugh] hybrids

Authors: Kumar S, Singh PK, Kumar CVS, Patil R, Sultana R and Saxena KB

Published: 2017. Environment and Ecology, 35 (1): 73-77. ISSN 0970-0420

Abstract: Hybrid pigeonpea technology, based on cytoplasmic nuclear male-sterility was developed at International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT); 20 CMS-based hybrids along with two standard checks, Asha and Maruti were sown for study of yield potential. Among the hybrids, Seed yield (kg ha-1) was maximum in ICPA 2047 × ICPL 20126 (2635.36 kg ha-1). Out of 22 genotypes, seven hybrids were showed significantly high Seed yield (kg ha-1) over best check Asha (1636.30 kg ha-1) and general mean (2095.91 kg ha-1) both. http://oar.icrisat.org/9939/

Evaluation of yield and forage quality in main and ratoon crops of different sorghum lines

Authors: Vinutha KS, Anil Kumar GS, Blümmel M and Rao PS

Published: 2017. Tropical Grasslands-Forrajes Tropicales, 5 (1): 40-49. ISSN 2346-3775

Abstract: Improving the yield and quality of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) forage for livestock feeding is a major breeding objective, because of sorghum’s inherently high biomass accumulation, high productivity per unit water utilized and its ability to produce a ratoon crop after harvesting of the plant crop. Newly bred sorghum lines, including 36 lines falling in 5 different categories, i.e. 12 experimental dual-purpose lines, 6 germplasm accessions from the ICRISAT collection, 11 commercial varieties and hybrids, 6 forage varieties and 1 bmr mutant line, were evaluated in terms of fodder yield, quality and ratooning ability. http://oar.icrisat.org/9940/