ICRISAT is well positioned to significantly contribute to efforts towards restoring food security in the drylands, while combating the COVID-19 pandemic-related impacts and beyond. Here is a quick guide outlining ways in which we can collaborate with our partners and influence positive outcomes for smallholder farmers.
A look at how digital tools and technologies have been and could be used to overcome coronavirus-related challenges to agricultural supply chains.
Despite many exemptions from lockdown, the agricultural sector in India has experienced major disruptions due to the COVID-19 crisis. Agriculture in India employs about 55% of the population and contributes roughly 17% of the gross domestic product (GDP). Therefore, functioning agricultural supply chains are necessary for the food and nutritional security of India.
Furthermore, agriculture is a key engine that, alongside health and education, has the power to propel India and other developing countries toward reaching a number of the lofty Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. The question then is, how can India and the governments, in particular, intervene in agricultural value chains to help cope with the shocks caused by the coronavirus pandemic?
The health and safety of staff and communities are of utmost importance to ICRISAT during this difficult time of a COVID-19 global pandemic. Staff are required to work from home and postpone or cancel any group meetings and travel, and avail of ICT technologies for virtual communications. We are also following the rules of the government in each site where we work. Depending on the location, type of work and changing situation, project work continues. Please be assured we are doing everything possible but responsibly to undertake our important work while looking after staff, families and communities. Senior management are monitoring the situation closely and continually. We thank our partners and funders for their support. It is now even more important that together, including as OneCGIAR, we achieve food and nutrition security across Africa and Asia.
How COVID-19 is changing the world: a statistical perspective – UNSD
WFP Chief warns of hunger pandemic as COVID-19 spreads – Statement to UN Security Council
Helping staff work from home-stay home stay safe – ICARDA Internal Audit Unit
COVID-19 and food safety: guidance for food businesses – WHO
Policy briefs – FAO