By Scout Nelson
Kansas State University has been selected to lead two Feed the Future Innovation Labs funded by the U.S. Department of State. The initiatives, the Cereals Innovation Lab and the Sustainable Intensification of Targeted Agricultural Systems (SITAS) Innovation Lab, will focus on addressing global food security challenges and advancing sustainable agriculture.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, about 870 million people worldwide lack reliable access to safe and nutritious food. To support research and innovation aimed at addressing this issue, the two labs have received a combined $16.6 million in funding for the next two years.
The Cereals Innovation Lab will focus on improving wheat, millet, sorghum, and rice, which together provide nearly half of the world’s caloric intake. Researchers will work to strengthen these crops against threats such as drought, heat, disease, and other environmental stresses while advancing modern plant-breeding techniques.
The initiative will identify valuable genetic traits that can help crops perform better under challenging conditions. By developing more resilient crop varieties, researchers aim to improve food production and support farming communities facing climate-related challenges.
Nina Lilja, director of the Cereals Innovation Lab and associate dean of international programs in K-State’s College of Agriculture, noted that drought conditions reduced the 2026 Kansas wheat crop by nearly 40%. She emphasized the importance of cereal crops to food security and the need to strengthen agricultural resilience.
The project brings together researchers from K-State, Clemson University, Cornell University, Louisiana State University, Purdue University, Texas A&M University, and the University of Florida. These institutions will collaborate with partners in Bangladesh, Ethiopia, and Senegal to develop improved cereal varieties capable of delivering stronger yields under difficult growing conditions.
The SITAS Innovation Lab will focus on turning agricultural research into practical solutions for farmers. Operating across eight countries in the Indo-Pacific region, Central America, and the Lobito Corridor, the program will connect researchers, extension specialists, businesses, and farmers to address local agricultural challenges.
Key research areas include crop productivity, water management, soil health, fertilizer efficiency, artificial intelligence, smart agricultural sensors, and workforce development. Training programs, digital tools, and strategic partnerships will help farmers adopt technologies that improve productivity and profitability.
Vara Prasad, director of the SITAS Innovation Lab and University Distinguished Professor of Agronomy, said the initiative will focus on farmer needs while expanding access to proven technologies, services, and markets. The goal is to create lasting benefits for farming communities and strengthen local agricultural institutions.
Working with U.S. and international universities, research organizations, and private-sector partners, K-State will lead both initiatives. The knowledge generated through these programs is expected to benefit farmers worldwide while also improving agricultural production and resource management practices in Kansas and across the United States.
Photo Credit: kansas-state-university
Categories: Kansas, Crops, Equipment & Machinery, Sustainable Agriculture