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Cereal crops such as rice, wheat and maize are the major food sources in South Asian (SA) countries. The second half of twentieth century marked a significant achievement in production of these major cereals with impressive gains mainly due to the introduction of improved germplasm, increased use of fertilizer inputs and an expansion of irrigated areas. However, agriculture in the region is now facing a new set of challenges due to degradation of land and natural resources and changing climatic conditions. At the same time, production of these cereals will have to increase to meet the food demand of an increasing population. Given the circumstances, agricultural systems need a paradigm shift so as to increase food production and adapt to climatic variability whilst at the same time minimizing the effects on the environment.

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