Increasing global demand for food has to be seen in the context of growing challenges of degradation of natural resources, market integration and climate change and variability. Water, food, energy and livelihood security are seriously threatened world-wide. This has adverse impact on sustainable improvement in production and productivity of staple crops.

To contribute to food security through innovative life sciences and biotechnology approaches, towards sustainable and climate resilient agriculture. The overall programme objective is that innovative biotechnological products and processes addressing smallholder farmers’ needs are developed, validated and their eventual dissemination and adoption promoted through public and private partners.

• Primary: Smallholder farmers.
• Secondary: Indian and Swiss research and development organisations, public and private sector product developers, NGOs and community based organisations, stakeholders of participatory value chain.
• Tertiary: policy makers.

1. Based on farmer’s needs, priority biotechnology research products are made available
2. Scaling up of production of proven products and regulatory approvals
3. Extension and advisory services ensure access and adoption of new technologies
4. Approaches integrated to policies and strategies
5. Strengthening of institutional set up for product development and technology transfer

Principaux résultats antérieurs:  

1. India considers ISCB as one of the most successful research partnership programmes
2. Successful development of bio-fertilisers that increase wheat yield by 40% can now be commercialised
3. Chickpea varieties are developed that are resistant to insect pests
4. Bio-pesticides are developed and ready to be rolled-out
5. Wheat breeding programme builds on synergies with Swiss technology

Phase 15 01.01.2013 - 31.10.2017   (Completed)