CIMMYT scientist receives Africa Region Food Security Leadership Award for MLN work. Decade-long effort strengthens maize disease resilience and seed systems across Africa. In Nairobi, a gathering of scientists, regulators and seed sector leaders from across Africa marked more than a moment of recognition. It marked the culmination of over a decade of work against one of the most damaging maize diseases the region has faced. Suresh Lingadahalli Mahabaleshwara, widely known as Suresh L.M., was awarded the Africa Region Food Security Leadership Award, a distinction jointly conferred by national agricultural research systems, national plant protection organisations and private seed sector partners across Sub-Saharan Africa. The award reflects not only scientific achievement, but also a sustained contribution to strengthening plant health systems, safeguarding seed movement and building regional collaboration in the face of a transboundary threat. That threat first emerged in Kenya in 2011. When a Disease Crosses Borders What began as unusual symptoms in maize fields quickly escalated into a full scale outbreak. Maize lethal necrosis, caused by the interaction of two viruses, proved capable of wiping out entire harvests, particularly when infection occurred early in the season. The disease spread rapidly beyond Kenya into Ethiopia, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Burundi, exposing weaknesses in breeding pipelines, diagnostics and seed systems. More than a decade later, that crisis serves as the backdrop to the recognition of the work that followed. Building a Line of Defence Suresh spent 11 years with the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) Global Maize Program, focusing on the challenge of MLN across Sub-Saharan Africa. At the centre of this effort was the MLN screening facility in Naivasha, Kenya, established in 2013 through collaboration between CIMMYT and the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO). The facility became a globally recognised phenotyping hub, allowing maize germplasm to be evaluated under controlled disease pressure within a secure quarantine system. After taking on leadership of the facility in 2015, Suresh oversaw the screening of more than 280,000 germplasm entries. This work contributed to the development and release of over 20 MLN tolerant hybrids across eastern Africa, with additional materials advancing through national trials. Cleaning the Seed, Containing the Threat Alongside breeding, a critical focus was preventing the disease from moving through seed systems. Efforts led under Suresh's programme contributed to the development and application of seed decontamination approaches aimed at removing MLN causing viruses from infected seeds. This work became essential in limiting transmission across borders. In recent years, around 15,000 germplasm lines have been cleaned and redistributed, including to countries where MLN is not present. Over the past decade, more than 100,000 virus free germplasm samples have been safely shared from Kenya with partners in over 20 countries. This has enabled continued exchange of breeding material while maintaining biosecurity, a key requirement for both public and private sector seed programmes. From Diagnostics to Capacity The work extended well beyond field trials. Through collaboration with the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS) and partnerships with national plant protection organisations across 10 countries, more than 19,000 samples were analysed as part of coordinated surveillance efforts. The resulting data contributed to shared monitoring systems and improved early warning capabilities. At the same time, capacity building became a central pillar. Over 9,000 scientists, inspectors and postgraduate students across 12 African countries received training in MLN diagnostics and management. Together, these efforts strengthened not only the response to MLN, but the broader plant health infrastructure across the region. A Real World Test in Zambia The strength of these systems was tested during a major food security crisis in southern Africa. In 2024, Zambia faced a severe drought linked to El Niño, affecting over one million hectares of maize and placing millions at risk of food insecurity. To stabilise supply, the country initiated emergency maize imports, including from Tanzania, where MLN is present. This created a high-risk scenario for a country that had remained free of the disease. In response, the Plant Quarantine and Phytosanitary Service (PQPS) of Zambia worked closely with the Tanzania Plant Health and Pesticides Authority (TPHPA), drawing on technical approaches developed through years of MLN research and surveillance led by CIMMYT. A multi layered system was implemented, including risk mapping of production areas, joint inspections prior to shipment, and continuous diagnostic testing at border entry points using ELISA and PCR methods. Strict phytosanitary protocols were applied throughout the process. The result was a large-scale import operation completed without introducing MLN. By mid-2025, Zambia had secured substantial maize supplies while maintaining its disease-free status, and production had begun to recover. The episode is now widely regarded as a practical example of how science-based systems and regional coordination can protect both food supply and seed security under pressure. From Farm Roots to Regional Impact Suresh's journey began in a farming community in southern India, where early exposure to agriculture shaped his understanding of the challenges faced by farmers. After completing his academic training, including doctoral studies, he spent two decades in the seed sector with multinational companies before joining CIMMYT. His earlier work contributed to the development of disease resistant vegetable hybrids, and he has received recognition from scientific organisations, including the Prof. JF Dastur Memorial Award in 2023. This combination of practical and scientific experience informed his approach to tackling MLN as both a biological and systems challenge. A Crisis that Changed the System The MLN outbreak ultimately became a catalyst for change. It accelerated collaboration between countries, strengthened breeding pipelines and highlighted the importance of coordinated plant health systems. What began as an emergency response evolved into a more resilient, science driven framework for managing disease risk. Farmers across affected regions now increasingly have access to hybrids with improved tolerance, while surveillance and diagnostic systems are better equipped to respond to future threats. A Legacy Recognised The award presented in Nairobi reflects more than individual achievement. It represents a decade of work that helped transform how a region responds to plant disease. While MLN remains a challenge, the systems, partnerships and technical capacity developed over the past decade continue to provide protection across borders. That shift, from vulnerability to preparedness, defines the legacy behind the Africa Region Food Security Leadership Award and the work it recognises.

CIMMYT and Uzbekistan strengthen partnership to advance climate-resilient wheat systems. The Government of Uzbekistan and CIMMYT sign a Letter of Intent to support wheat sector modernization and food security. The Government of Uzbekistan and CIMMYT have signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) to strengthen collaboration on wheat sector development, with a focus on boosting productivity, enhancing resilience to climate change, and supporting national food security priorities. The agreement reflects a shared commitment to advancing science-based solutions and strengthening institutional capacity to address evolving challenges in agricultural production. It also marks a significant step in advancing CIMMYT's engagement in Central Asia through closer collaboration with national partners and institutions. The signing follows a high-level visit by a Government of Uzbekistan delegation to CIMMYT's headquarters in Texcoco, where representatives engaged with CIMMYT's senior leadership, scientists and technical teams across key research platforms. During the visit, the delegation toured the Wellhausen-Anderson Genetic Resources Center and the Carlos Slim-Helú Bioscience Research Complex, gaining insight into advanced genomic capabilities and global wheat diversity that underpin climate-resilient crop development. The delegation also had the opportunity to see firsthand how CIMMYT's research translates into real agricultural outcomes, including through the organization's longstanding partnerships with Mexican farmer associations, a model that illustrates how science-based innovation can be scaled to benefit farming communities. "This partnership marks an important step for CIMMYT to work alongside the Government of Uzbekistan in advancing agricultural development in a region central to global food systems," said Sharon Burke, Chief Engagement Officer of CIMMYT. "It is about building a lasting collaboration rooted in innovative science and a shared commitment to food security. Drawing on our long-standing experience, including in developing drought-tolerant varieties, CIMMYT is well positioned to support Uzbekistan in addressing its agricultural priorities while ensuring farmers have the tools they need to feed communities today, in 2050, and beyond." "This partnership comes at a critical time, as Uzbekistan and the wider region face growing challenges linked to climate change, water scarcity, and agricultural sustainability," said Professor Shukhrat Otajonov, Director of the Uzbek Ministry of Agriculture's Center for Seed Development. "We are committed to strengthening our agricultural systems through science and innovation, while building on existing knowledge to deliver more resilient, productive crops. Our cooperation with CIMMYT will be instrumental in advancing these efforts, supporting farmers, strengthening food security, and extending impact across Central Asia." The collaboration is expected to support a range of joint efforts, including the modernization of breeding programs, the development of advanced laboratory capacity, the promotion of climate-resilient agronomic practices, the strengthening of seed systems, and the development of evidence-based policy frameworks to support Uzbekistan's wheat sector transformation. CIMMYT brings decades of experience in crop improvement, capacity development, and international research collaboration, supporting countries in building more productive, resilient, and sustainable food systems. Editors' recommendations.

CIMMYT and partners launch Ethiopia's Fertilizer and Soil Health roadmap to restore degraded soils and boost food security. March 30, 2026 Ethiopia has taken a major step toward restoring soil health and strengthening national food security with the launch of its Fertilizer and Soil Health Roadmap, developed by the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) in partnership with CIMMYT and other key stakeholders. The Roadmap provides a comprehensive strategic framework to address soil degradation, promote balanced nutrient management, improve fertilizer use-efficiency, and guide targeted investments aimed at restoring productivity and resilience across Ethiopia's agricultural landscapes. "Soil health is the foundation of Ethiopia's food systems and rural economy," said H.E. Prof. Eyasu Elias, State Minister at the Ministry of Agriculture during the launch ceremony. "This Road Map provides a coordinated national framework to rehabilitate degraded soils, improve fertilizer management, and ensure sustainable agricultural growth for future generations." Addressing a critical national challenge Soil degradation remains one of the most pressing constraints to agricultural productivity in Ethiopia. An estimated 41% of cultivated land is affected by soil acidity, alongside widespread nutrient depletion, land degradation, alkalinity, sodicity, and declining organic matter. These challenges are further compounded by climate change, unsustainable land management practices, and the limited adoption of improved soil management technologies. The economic consequences are significant. Ethiopia is estimated to lose between USD 1 billion and USD 4.3 billion annually in agricultural production and ecosystem services due to soil degradation. In the highlands alone, annual grain losses are estimated at 1.5 million tons, equivalent to approximately 2% to 6.75% of the national agricultural GDP. "These constraints undermine our national efforts to increase productivity, ensure food and nutrition security, and build climate-resilient farming systems," the state minister added. "Through this partnership with CIMMYT and other stakeholders, we are strengthening our institutional capacity and mobilizing investments to reverse soil degradation at scale." Evidence-based solutions and strengthened soil information systems The Fertilizer and Soil Health Roadmap focus on five priority areas: * Policy and regulatory reform * Finance and investment * Input supply and trade * Research and innovation * Soil information systems and institutional capacity building A central pillar of the Roadmap is the strengthening of Ethiopia's National Soil Information System (NSIS) to support evidence-based decision-making and targeted interventions. In this regard, CIMMYT has made significant technical contributions, including generating evidence-based recommendations for managing acid soils and developing decision-support tools integrated into the NSIS platform. These tools enable site-specific nutrient management, improve fertilizer use efficiency, and support more targeted and sustainable soil health interventions across the country. "Through this partnership, we seek to unlock the full potential of Ethiopia's soils as the foundation for sustainable food systems and national development in Ethiopia" said Tesfaye Shiferaw, CIMMYT scientist and systems agronomist. "Transforming soil health and fertilizer use is central to driving sustainable agriculture, enhancing food security, and building climate resilience." Aligning national and continental ambitions The initiative is strategically aligned with Ethiopia's national development priorities and the African Union's Africa Fertilizer and Soil Health Action Plan, endorsed by AU Member States in 2024 in Nairobi, Kenya, and reinforced through the Nairobi Declaration on Fertilizer and Soil Health. "The Road Map reflects Ethiopia's strong commitment to continental goals and to restoring the productivity of our soils," Lire Abiyo, Soil Health Lead Executive Officer at the MoA, noted. "Healthy soils are not only an agricultural priority, they are a national development priority." With the official launch completed, the Government of Ethiopia and its partners are now advancing implementation and promoting coordinated action to accelerate soil restoration, enhance fertilizer use efficiency, and unlock Ethiopia's agricultural potential.