For full details, download:

• Letter of Prof. Dr. Adel El-Beltagy, Chair, IDDC, and President of CIHEAM Governing Board (17)
• First Announcement of the 11th ICDD (22)
• History of ICDD (17)

• Committee International Maize Conference, Indonesian Center for Food Crops Research and Development, Jalan Merdeka 147 Bogor 16111, West java – Indonesia

• e-mail: secretariat.imc2012@litbang.deptan.go.id; secretariat.imc2012@yahoo.com

• Download:  Conference brochure

• Conference Website

Foreword: Agriculture globally faces many challenges.  The foremost among them are to improve farm productivity and economic returns to reduce hunger and alleviate poverty.  This has to be done in a rapidly changing landscape of climate change, increasing water and arable land scarcity, threat of rapidly spreading plant and animal diseases and pests across vast regions, loss of biodiversity and volatile, global trade in agricultural commodities with significant inequities for producers.  The complex challenge of ushering agricultural innovation can be considered at a very basic level as the need to improve information content and information chains of market supply chains.  A core pathway to usher agricultural innovation globally is to improve availability, accessibility, applicability and ensure the relevance and usefulness of information for the intended users and enable agricultural communities to appropriate information and, through effective learning, use it as new knowledge, skills and technologies.  This pathway is increasingly being recognized as crucial and central for agricultural innovation to occur and spread rapidly. It is this recognition that is leading to the consideration of “openness” in agricultural information and knowledge for all.

In many economically developing and even in developed countries, a large proportion of agricultural research is done by and through public funds or by public collective and/or participatory action.  The outputs of this research, especially data and information, should therefore technically be “public goods” in the sense that they should not be excluded from the public which has funded the research.  Thus, “Openness” of agricultural information and knowledge in the context of the emerging paradigm of agricultural innovation should mean that a large part of relevant and useful information generated by and through the public sector investment should be available and also accessible as a public good with equity to all its users.

Ushering openness in agricultural information and knowledge for all is a complex challenge to those working towards bringing innovation in farming and agriculture.  The main obstacles remain with the Institutions, especially public sector and of Governmental, who need to change.  The full use of the new technological advances will definitely need change in existing Institutions as also establishment of new Institutions besides addressing technologies issues and community participation in the ICT initiatives.

To promote “openness” in agricultural information and knowledge management, APAARI organized a special session on “Openness in Agricultural Information and Knowledge Sharing” on 10 November, 2011 at NASC Complex, Pusa, New Delhi, India in the “International Conference on Innovative Approaches for Agricultural Knowledge Management: Global Extension Experiences” jointly organized by International Society of Extension Education (INSEE), India and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) with the partnership of Asia-Pacific Association of Agricultural Research Institutions (APAARI), Global Forum on Agricultural Research (GFAR), Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, Trust for Advancement of Agricultural Sciences (TAAS), Maharashtra Society of Extension Education (MSEE), National Academy of Agricultural Sciences (NAAS), Alcorn State University, Iowa State University and other partners on 9-12 November, 2011.The session was focused on the core issue of “Openness” of agricultural information and knowledge in the context of the emerging paradigm of agricultural innovation should mean that a large part of relevant and useful information generated by and through the public sector or investment, should be available and also accessible as a public good with equity to all its users. It underpins that market-linked agriculture requires new forms of knowledge, skills and technologies which can only come through information chains linked appropriately to innovation and ICTs are realized as tools for improving efficiency and effectiveness of information flows in market chains.

During the session, a total of 12 papers related to key themes of “Openness” viz., Technological issues, Institutional issues and Community participation issues were presented followed by group discussions and recommendations. I am sure that the proceedings of the session would be very useful for all the stakeholders engaged in promoting “Openness” in agricultural information and knowledge sharing for improving agricultural research and innovation systems in the Asia-Pacific region – Dr Raj Paroda, Executive Secretary, APAARI

The new and emerging biotechnological research advances, transboundary disease and pest movement, and climate change are likely to have profound impact on plant and animal health and consequently human welfare. Advances in genetic engineering leading to release of modified crops like Bt cotton and Bt corn have brought significant improvements in productivity, reduced the use of pesticides and increased farmers’ income. However, GMOs require proper handling and field management due to concerns about their safety to health and environment.

The liberalization of global trade in recent years has opened new avenues for growth and diversification of agriculture. But it has also increased the risk of introduction of exotic pests and weeds with the potential to cause serious economic losses. Climate change has the potential to alter the habitat of known pests and even help introduction of new pests. The emergence and spread of transboundary diseases such as the avian influenza and Ug-99 wheat stem rust pose new threats to human and plant safety. Also, there is a need to contend with the ever increasing threat of bio-terrorism. It is because of these concerns that agricultural biosecurity has emerged as a serious issue requiring policies and technological capabilities to prevent, detect, and respond to such threats.

While appreciating its biosafety risks, biotechnology offers means to enhance biosecurity. Animal diseases are controlled by biotechnologically developed vaccines while ELISA and PCR enable quick and reliable diagnosis of diseases in plants and animals. Genetically modified crops would safeguard against the spread of new diseases and pests, and thus serve as a first line of defense.

In view of the above mentioned biotechnology and biosecurity issues to ensure food and nutritional security, the Asia-Pacific Association of Agricultural Research Institutions in collaboration with Council of Agriculture, Chinese Taipei organized an “Expert Consultation on Agricultural Biotechnology, Biosafety and Biosecurity” in Taichung on 27-28 October 2011. The objective was to review the present status of biotechnology and biosafety adoption in the Asia-Pacific countries, to suggest approaches to improved application of biotechnology, biosafety and biosecurity for agriculture, and develop strategies for regional cooperation in these areas. We are glad to note that the meeting evoked excellent response with participation of 73 invitees from 22 countries of Asia, the Pacific, Australia, Africa and North America. The participants included international experts and leaders from APAARI member NARS and CG centers, representatives of industry, civil society organizations and farmer groups. We appreciate the support of Global Forum on Agricultural Research (GFAR), Taiwan Agricultural Research Institute (TARI), AVRDC- The World Vegetable Center, IRRI, CIMMYT, CABI and staff of APAARI, COA and TARI in organizing this meeting. It is our hope that the recommendations will stimulate action for development of comprehensive agricultural biosecurity systems at the national and regional levels, while taking advantage of available tools of modern biotechnology.

The energy requirement has been a major concern currently across the globe. The ever increasing population, fast depleting fossil fuels, global warming and climate change are the major causes of this concern. The energy crisis in future is being felt in the tropical world with large number of developing countries. The situation is no different in developed countries too as they account for high per capita consumption of energy in the world. Hence, alternative and eco-friendly energy resources such as biofuels, (biodiesel, bioethanol) have lately become important and have successfully been tried and used across the world. Several plant species have been used as source of biofuel. Southeast Asia and Pacific nations like Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore concentrate on large plantations of palm oil as a source for biodiesel, while Thailand and Philippines concentrate on coconut oil and Myanmar on Jatropha. Studies in the Indian sub-continent on various biofuel programs are underway with main focus on Jatropha, especially for production of biodiesel. However, the traditionally available feed stock resources like Pongamia and host of other local non-edible oil yielding species are well known.

In India, use of biofuel feed stocks for production of eco-friendly fuel has drawn attention of both producers and users. The policy makers are keen as these fuel species bring multiple benefits to farming communities and to the industry.  India has more than 300 plant species that are suitable for biofuel production and can thus be exploited. The important common species, which can provide feed stock for biofuel production, include neem (Azadiracta indica), honge (Pongamia pinnata), hippe (Bassia latifolia), turuka haralu (Jatropa curcas) and paradise tree (Simarouba glauca).

This publication entitled “Biofuel Growers Market Network- A Success Story” by Dr. K. Narayana Gowda is rather timely and describes the potential and usefulness of a successful model which can be replicated under similar situations across the states/countries with modifications to suit to the local needs. The publication embodies six important sections, i) introduction giving status and scope alongwith marketing systems, ii) initiatives taken at the University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore, iii) launching of biofuel growers association, iv) benefits to farmers, v) success of the model and vi) future prospects.

The Asia-Pacific Association of Agricultural research Institutions (APAARI) has been publishing success stories on various aspects of agricultural research and development that have large scale impact and have brought tangible benefits to both farmers and consumers alike. So far, more than 40 success stories on diverse topics have been published by APAARI, the details of which are available on APAARI website (www.apaari.org).

We are thankful to Dr. K. Narayana Gowda for synthesizing this valuable information relating to the efforts made at the University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS), Bangalore. It is our expectation that APAARI members and stakeholders will find this publication both informative and of real practical value.

Conservation Agriculture (CA) based crop management technologies being practiced over 116 m ha globally have helped millions of farmers through arresting land degradation, improve input use efficiency, adapt and mitigate climatic extremes, and improve farm profitability in diverse ecologies across the world. Realizing the potential impacts of CA, since mid 1990’s, significant efforts have been made by the National Agricultural Research and Extension Systems (NARES), in close collaboration with CGIAR institutions under the umbrella of Rice –Wheat Consortium (RWC), that resulted in adoption of these practices on more than 2.5 million ha area in South Asia. In India alone, this has led to an overall saving of USD 164 million with an investment of only USD 3.5 million on zero tillage technology with internal rate of return of 66%. In addition to the saving on production inputs, the CA based management practices have other potential benefits such as natural resource conservation, reduced emission of greenhouse gases and better resilience to climatic extremes. However, moving from conventional to CA based technologies involve paradigm shift not only in key elements but also in approaches to develop component technologies of cultivar choices, nutrient, water, weed and pest management while optimizing cropping systems. Therefore, efforts on ‘Basic-strategic-applied research-extension-capacity building-knowledge sharing’ continuum should henceforth form the foundation of conservation agriculture research for inclusive growth and development.

It gives me immense pleasure that the “Regional Dialogue on Conservation Agriculture in South Asia” was organized by the Asia-Pacific Association Agricultural Research Institutions (APAARI), in collaboration with International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) and Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) at National Agriculture Science Center, New Delhi on 1-2 November, 2011. The dialogue has provided a neutral platform to all stakeholders to deliberate and define future strategy on CA. The in-depth deliberations had helped in framing key recommendations that are likely to be of immense uses in promoting CA under diverse production systems in different agro-ecologies in South Asia.

I am sure the National Agricultural Research and Extension Systems (NARES) in South Asia, in partnership with all stakeholders (CGIAR, IARCs, CSOs, NGOs, private sector organizations and farmer associations), will take full advantage of these recommendations emerging from the dialogue. It is our expectation that conservation agriculture will receive high priority in future AR4D agenda. It is also expected that this publication will be of immense use to the planners, administrators, scientists, farmers, and other stakeholders for sustainable natural resource management in South As

Download: Agenda and Agenda Notes of APAARI Excutive Committee Meeting, 12 March, 2012, New Delhi (59)

Today, much of the scientific knowledge and technologies does not reach rural women for various reasons. This needs rectification. Research systems must also seek the inputs of women, as they have historically been the source of much traditional knowledge and innovations at the grassroots level’, she said.

While appreciating the efforts of the National Agricultural Research System for bringing women in the fore front of agricultural research and development, President of India suggested forming of Mahila Kisan Mandals in every village to educate women on different aspects of agriculture and related activities. ‘I also believe that tapping the potential of Rainfed and Dry land farming is necessary. In this, water management would be essential, again an area where the role of women is crucial, and needs to be supported’, she added. Smt. Patil hoped that the outcomes of this Conference will contribute to enhancing agricultural production, and in bringing a transformation in the lives of women engaged in the sector. President of India conferred three best poster award and two best exhibition stall award to participating women delegates. She also released special publications brought out on the occasion.

Sri Sharad Pawar, Union Minister of Agriculture and Food Processing Industries and Chair of the Valedictory Function expressed satisfaction over the increasing participation of women in agriculture but was concerned that only 11 per cent women have access to land holdings, that too, mostly as small and marginal farmers. He opined that assertive interventions by the various governments are required to ensure that more and more women get access to the land holdings. ‘A Gender in Agriculture Platform for Gender in Agriculture Partnership (GAP 4 GAP) is required to be set up with hubs in different countries to work in this direction. The ICAR should take lead and address gender concerns through such a platform’, he added.

Sri Pawar appreciated the role of ICAR in technological empowerment of women in agriculture which has enabled the policy makers to take high level policy initiatives in this sector. The research efforts at the ICAR Institutes have focused on relieving women’s drudgery in agriculture by providing time and labour saving tools. Vocational trainings are also being conducted, to impart skills to undertake different vocations. In extension activities the women is now the centre point and activities are being planned keeping her in view. I am sure these efforts will change the way agriculture is practiced in India’, he added.

Dr Charan Das Mahant, Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Processing Industries graced the occassion.

Dr. R.S. Paroda, Executive Secretary, APAARI and Co-Chair, International Organizing Committee presented the glimpse of synthesis report based on the deliberations held during the conference. He elaborated upon the five action points for full empowerment of women in agriculture which include enhanced visibility for role of women, generation of knowledge and evidence for support and contextualization of global issues to suit local needs. More policy support and institutional mechanisms are required to achieve desired results. He said that collective action for empowerment of women is required so that they come together on a single platform to march further. Dr. Paroda informed the audience that second GCWA will be held in 2015 in Africa.

Earlier, Dr. S. Ayyappan, Secretary, DARE and Director General, ICAR and Chair IOC welcomed the dignitaries and highlighted focal points of the conference. He informed that nearly 500 delegates participated in the conference in which approximately 150 were from 50 countries of the world. While elaborating upon key initiatives of the ICAR for empowerment of women in agriculture, he informed that 36 per cent girl students are studying in various courses of State Agricultural Universities. Women have made a difference in agriculture and the time has now come that agriculture should make a difference in the lives of women, he added.

Dr. K.D. Kokate, Deputy Director General (Agriculture Extension) and Chair, NOC proposed vote of thanks and expressed his gratitude to President of India for visiting Innovation Market Place, organized as an event of this Conference, to showcase technology and products by farm women.  (Source: NAIP Sub-Project on Mass Media Mobilization, DKMA)

Conference Documents:

• Speech by Her Excellency The President of India (41)
• Speech by Hon'ble Minister of Agriculture and Food Processing Industries, India (37)
• Outcomes of Group Discussions (46)
• Brief on Conference Outcomes by Dr Raj Paroda (53)
• Letter of GFAR Chair and Summary of the Meeting (43)

For more details visit:

• Conference Website: www.gcwa.in
• GCWA Brochure (133)
• GCWA Program (150)
• GFAR Website