Sometimes simple solutions looking at the issue of timing and planting cycles can provide effective solutions.

For example, in India, mustard seeds were planted in September and harvested in late December/January.

But often, up to 30% of the harvest was often lost to frost.

In response, breeders worked on a seed with a shorter duration period, which enabled farmers to harvest in early December, avoiding the issue of frost.

These farmers not only avoided loosing part of their harvest, they also benefited from better prices as they were able to bring their seeds to the market before the usual glut occurred in January. Finally, a shorter cycle allowed farmers to plant wheat in December/January.