Groundbreaking Data Analysis set to Sharpen Crop Breeding Investments

A groundbreaking new dataset and analysis are set to ensure crop breeders develop new varieties that benefit the world’s most disadvantaged people.

The CGIAR Excellence in Breeding Platform (EiB) led a data collection effort across public breeding programs and target regions in the developing world. The work has identified and described 428 market segments – market opportunities in a particular region with shared characteristics such as high rates of poverty or particular growing conditions.

With these market segments, it will be possible to identify specific product needs and address those needs. This will enhance the effort towards higher adoption rates of products developed by CGIAR and national partners.

The researchers then identified approximately 142 breeding pipelines – efforts of eight CGIAR Centers (including former CGIAR Center ICRISAT) that aim to serve these market segments. The pipelines cover 25 crops including wheat, maize, rice and cassava.

The analysis sets the stage for a transformation of how new crop varieties are designed, resourced and managed in public breeding networks. The data help breeding programs identify which market segments are underserved, and where there might be an overinvestment.

In short, it means future breeding investment decisions can better target the people with the highest need. New varieties can be tailored to help those struggling most with poverty, undernourishment, climate change impacts, gender equity and other challenges.