Cereal Systems Initiative for South Asia 4.0 to transform agronomic research in India

To leverage investments made in India in the third phase and focus on institutionalising interventions

The objective of Cereal Systems Initiative for South Asia (CSISA) 4.0 is to transform agronomic research and extension are implemented and embedded in decision-making and policy processes, primarily in India, where CSISA has the most experience and influence. 

Phase 4.0 will leverage the investments made in India in the third phase and focus on institutionalising interventions through partnerships with the national and state agricultural systems, including on-ground strategic partnerships with civil society and the private sectors. 

According to Craufurd, Phase 4.0 will further strengthen the pathways established and scale the impact, particularly the institutional research and development capacity and strategic partnerships thus far established in India, through its seven focused work areas, including gender empowerment.

“We are confident of our strong partnership with the national systems led by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) to support Indian farmers with improved yield and productivity,” said RK Malik, CSISA India coordinator. “Over the last decade, CSISA has built a strong track record for agronomy at scale that can help transform agri-research delivery systems in the region. There is also the opportunity to make CSISA outputs and products portable or useable for other stakeholders addressing food insecurity in the region in the future.”

The CSISA team hopes to continue supporting the smallholder farmers in the region to optimise yield and contribute to the region’s food security.

To leverage investments made in India in