Disease-resistant crops Creating disease resistant crops to help feed millions

Description

Pearl millet is a staple crop for populations throughout Africa and South Asia. Every year it suffers extensive crop losses due to the disease downy mildew. This leads to widespread food insecurity and financial instability, especially for the poorest farmers. Researchers at the Universities of Bangor and Aberystwyth have been part of an international effort to successfully breed a new disease-resistant variety of pearl millet. It is now grown extensively in India – enabling more resilient farming systems, creating jobs for local women and increasing food security for an estimated 3 million people.