ICRISAT Strengthens Agricultural Partnerships in Mali
Media Release
In a bid to enhance agricultural resilience in Mali, a delegation from the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) recently engaged key stakeholders in a series of high-level meetings focused on strengthened collaboration and partnerships in dryland innovation.
Led by Dr ML Jat, Global Research Program Director for Resilient Farm and Food Systems at ICRISAT, the delegation held discussions with the Ministry of Agriculture, the International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC), the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Toguna Agro Industries, and Mali Tracteurs.
A highlight of the visit was the meeting with Mali's Minister of Agriculture, the Honorable Dr Daniel Simeon Kelema, where discussions focused on expanding millet production across one million hectares. The initiative is structured around five work packages that include:
- Socio-Economic Characterization: Conducting suitability analyses of millets using various data sources, including remote sensing.
- Seed Systems: Enhancing the availability and access to quality millet seeds.
- Best-Bet Resilient Management Practices: Implementing cropping systems such as intercropping and agroforestry, along with integrated soil fertility management and water conservation techniques.
- Climate Information Services: Providing farmers with essential climate data to optimize their practices.
- Markets and Value Chains: Fostering agribusiness innovation, creating market linkages, and engaging youth and women in the agricultural sector.
The delegation also met with the IFDC, where the ICRISAT team explored the potential to strengthen collaboration and partnerships for ongoing and future agricultural projects. Discussions highlighted the significance of integrating scientific research and practical solutions to improve soil health and fertility management.
At Toguna Agro Industries, Dr Jat and his team engaged with Mr Oumar Guindo, Director General, to explore public-private partnership opportunities. The focus was on advancing soil health, mechanization, agro-processing, and capacity building. This partnership aims to enhance agricultural productivity through innovative approaches and technology transfer. The team also discussed private partnerships, such as collaborations on soil management initiatives and, notably, soil fertility mapping.
Additionally, the team engaged in discussions with USAID representatives to explore further partnership opportunities. The visit concluded with meeting at Mali Tracteurs, where the team discussed the opportunities for mechanization of agriculture, including plans for a learning platform on mechanization to benefit smallholder farmers.
“ICRISAT is committed to advancing sustainable agriculture in the Sahel and addressing future challenges in agri-food systems, particularly in dryland areas. As we continue to support resilient agricultural practices in Mali, the focus remains on strengthening partnerships that drive innovative solutions to the region’s agricultural challenges,” asserted Dr Jat.
Header image: Dr ML Jat, Global Research Program Director for Resilient Farm and Food Systems at ICRISAT (third from right), with Dr Daniel Simeon Kelema, Minister of Agriculture (fourth from right). Also pictured are members of the Minister's cabinet and members of the ICRISAT's senior management team. Photo: ICRISAT.
This work aligns with SDG's 2, 13 & 17.
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