For plant scientist Neha Paserkar, research questions are not just theoretical. They have always been tied to farmers’ realities and challenges.
Raised in Maharashtra, India, the McGill PhD student grew up watching farmers grapple with drought, crop failures and mounting climate stress. In some parts of the state, the pressure on farming communities has been so severe that it has contributed to a growing mental health crisis among farmers. As a student, Paserkar noticed a gap between scientific research and the lived experience of farmers.
“Sometimes research can become disconnected from the realities farmers face,” said Paserkar, the recent winner of a Canadian Plant Breeding Innovation (CPBI) scholarship, reflecting on those experiences. I think it’s important for scientists to understand what is happening on the ground so research can better address real agricultural challenges. I asked myself, why can’t I do something for them?”
Today, that question continues to shape how she approaches her work.
“Scientists often spend much of their time focused on laboratory research,” she said. “I think it’s important to stay connected to the realities farmers face, so research can better address practical agricultural challenges.”
Paserkar’s research focuses on white mold, a fungal disease that causes major crop losses worldwide. White mold poses a particular challenge for common bean production, affecting both yield and reliability. Her research uses genome-wide association studies (GWAS) to identify genomic regions associated with white mold resistance in common beans.
The goal is durable resilience. By identifying key resistance loci, she hopes to support breeding strategies that result in crops better equipped to withstand disease pressure, especially as climate conditions become more unpredictable.
Through the CPBI program, Paserkar also sees new opportunities to strengthen links among researchers, plant breeders, industry, and farmers to help translate research into practical outcomes.
“CPBI has given us a platform for communication,” she said, pointing to its role in bringing different actors together. For Paserkar, that dialogue is essential to understanding farmers’ needs and ensuring research remains relevant.
While her experiences in India continue to inform her outlook, Paserkar is focused on building depth and strength in her research at McGill. She said she sees her work as contributing to a broader conversation about food security, one that extends across countries and farming systems.