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22nd Edition Uploaded in the SAC Website in August 2016 Published by SAARC Agriculture Centre (SAC) BARC Complex, Farmgate, Dhaka-1215, Bangladesh Phone: +880-2-58153152, Fax: +880-2-9124596 E-mail: [email protected], Web: www.sac.org.bd
Citation: SAC 2015, Annual Report Compiled and Page Layout
Ms. Nasrin Akter, Senior Program Specialist (Horticulture), SAC
Cover Designed by
Ms. Mafruha Begum, SPO (Information &Communication), SAC
Editorial Board
Dr. S.M. Bokhtiar, Director, SAC Ms. Nasrin Akter, Senior Program Specialist (Horticulture), SAC Dr. Tayan Raj Gurung, Senior Program Specialist (NRM), SAC Dr. Shiba Shankar Giri, Senior Program Specialist (Fisheries), SAC Printed at Natundhara Printing Press 277/3 Elephant Road (Kataban Dhal), Dhaka Cell: 01711019691, 01911294855 Email: [email protected]
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Contents
Abbreviations 5
Message from the Director, SAC 7
Salient Features of 2015 Programs 8
SAARC Agriculture Centre at a glance 12
HIGHLIGHTS OF AGRICULTURE MANAGEMENT PROGRAMS IN 2015
Regional Consultation Meeting on Potential and Prospect of Floriculture Sector to Improve Livelihood of the Farmers in SAARC Members Countries
17
Review Meeting on SAARC Vegetables Adaptive Trials Network 21
SAARC Regional Training on Successful Climate Smart Resilient Agricultural Technologies
24
Assessment of Common Crop Varieties and their Demand & Supply for the SAARC Seed Bank
25
SAC distributed Nili Ravi Buffalo Germplasm to SAARC Countries 27
Sericulture Scenario in SAARC Countries: A Re-emerging Industry for Poverty Alleviation
29
GIS for Assessment and Monitoring of Land Degradation in SAARC Countries
31
Status and Future Prospect of Organic Agriculture for Safe Food Security in SAARC Countries
34
Workshop on Cropping Systems Modelling: Focusing on Bangladesh Activities
36
Regional Training on Molecular Genetic Characterization of Farm Animal Genetic Resources
38
KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT AND NETWORKING
Information Management and Networking 42
Archive of SAARC Agriculture Centre 45
Publications available in SAC Archive 45
Videos available in SAC Archive 49
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SAC Website 62
Successful Agricultural Technology Dissemination in SAARC Member Countries
63
SAC Provides ABIS through e-mail 64
SAC corners in Agricultural libraries in Bangladesh 69
CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT
Training on On-line publication for SAC Personnel 71
An exposure visit and program building process of SAC in Pakistan 72
Professional Visit 77
INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATIONS
COMMON UPDATES
31st Anniversary of the SAARC Charter Day on 8 December 2015 and International Year of Soils
81
9th GB Meeting of SAARC Agriculture Centre 88
Felicitation Function 91
Dr. AK Azad joined as new Executive Chairman of BARC 92
Dr. S. M. Bokhtiar joined as new Director of SAC 92
Financial Report 94
SAARC Member States 98
Regional Programs implemented in 2015, Coordinator and national focal points
101
Price list of SAC Publications 111
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Abbreviations
APAARI Asia-Pacific Association of Agricultural Research Institutes AV Audio-Visual AVRDC Asian Vegetable Research and Development Centre BARC Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council BARI Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute BARI Barani Agricultural Research Institute BRRI Bangladesh Rice Research Institute BSMRAU Bangobondhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University BTV Bangladesh Television CIMMYT International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre CIRDAP Centre for Integrated Rural Development for Asia Pacific CoRRB Council for RNR Research of Bhutan CSB Central Sericulture Board CSIRO Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization CSRTI Central Sericultural Research & Training Institute CVOs Chief Veterinary Officers DAE Department of Agricultural Extension DAM Department of Agricultural Marketing FAO Food and Agriculture Organization FMD Foot and Mouth disease FSMF Fish Seed Multiplication Farm FSRD Farming Systems Research and Development GB Governing Board GFAR Global Forum for Agricultural Research HORDI Horticultural Research and Development Institute HPAI Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza HS Haemorrhagic Septicaemia ICAR Indian Council for Agricultural Research ICIMOD International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development ICRISAT International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics ICT Information and Communication Technology IFPRI International Food Policy Research Institute IGCG Inter-Governmental Core Group IIVR Indian Institute of Vegetable Research
http://r.search.yahoo.com/_ylt=AwrwNFhq8B5YXGMAG4i7HAx.;_ylu=X3oDMTBycWJpM21vBGNvbG8Dc2czBHBvcwMxBHZ0aWQDBHNlYwNzcg--/RV=2/RE=1478451435/RO=10/RU=http%3a%2f%2fwww.icimod.org%2f/RK=0/RS=E2FlHeRa_S9MEFbofPtGr8P99zM-http://r.search.yahoo.com/_ylt=A2oKmKi98B5YgXsABKq7HAx.;_ylu=X3oDMTBycWJpM21vBGNvbG8Dc2czBHBvcwMxBHZ0aWQDBHNlYwNzcg--/RV=2/RE=1478451517/RO=10/RU=http%3a%2f%2fwww.icrisat.org%2f/RK=0/RS=eAwtjO07V2kGozrqTH_o2.hL.2M-
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ILRI International Livestock Research Institute IRRI International Rice Research Institute ISC International Sericulture Commission MoAF Ministry of Agriculture and Forests NAES National Agricultural Extension Systems NARC National Agricultural Research Centre NARC Nepal Agricultural Research Council NARIS National Agricultural Research Information System NARS National Agricultural Research System NATP National Agricultural Technology Project NBAGR National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources NDRI National Dairy Research Institute NEA National Extension Agency NGO Non-Government Organization NRM Natural Resource Management PARC Pakistan Agricultural Research Council PPR Peste des Petits Ruminants RNR Renewable Natural Resource SAARC South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation SAC SAARC Agriculture Centre SAU Sher- E- Bangla Agricultural University SCPPC Seed Certification and Plant Protection Centre SDF SAARC Development Fund SDG Sustainable Development Goal SJA SAARC Journal of Agriculture SMRC SAARC Meteorological Research Centre SPINet SAARC Pesticide Information Network SSF SAARC Seed Forum STRASA Stress tolerant rice for poor farmers in Africa and South Asia SVATNet SAARC Vegetable Adaptive Trial Network T&V Training and Visit TAD Trans-boundary Animal Disease TCARD Technical Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development UNDP United Nations Development Program YVMV Yellow Vein Mosaic Virus
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Message from the Director, SAC
The Annual Report of the SAARC Agriculture Centre (SAC) for the year 2015 is in fact a pride for its important involvement taking forward the agricultural research and sustainable development, capacity enhancement, technology transfer and providing policy input in the South Asia. SAC in association with member countries working for enhancing the understanding of cross cutting issues in agriculture research and development. The Centre is working its six objectives as strengthen research, technology dissemination, policy input, capacity development, regional studies, and information dissemination that go forward to open global/ regional/ national partnerships, collaboration and exchange experience.
The regional research studies which are one of the principal activities of the Centre identified promising issues of
wider significance. The study findings are commendable in terms of its scope and depth of analysis.
SAC with the support of regional experts of leading research institutes conducted need based trainings for regional research and extension personnel as well as NGO and private sector. It is hoped that the knowledge and skills imparted are applied to address the local issues. Our focus has always been training the trainers, who in turn are expected to train their counterpart in respective countries. To promote wider participation of the member states, the Centre also facilitated group exposure visits for senior officials from SAARC member states.
Regional cooperation in agriculture gets new dimension SAARC Agriculture Centre is the first regional Centre of SAARC for promoting agricultural research, policy input, technology dissemination, regional need based studies, capacity development and sustainable agriculture development in SAARC member states.
With the collaboration of the focal point experts of the SAARC region and the proper guidance by the Honourable Governing Board members, TCARD, IGCG, SAARC Agricultural Ministers Meeting, Senior Agricultural Officers Meeting, CVOs and other higher forums of SAARC process and the SAARC Secretariat, the Centre is prolonging the function towards achieving its goal and wider objectives.
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The Centre has published a good number of books/proceedings of regional studies, workshops/consultation meeting on frontier areas of agriculture and allied disciplines which would be helpful for regional policy input to be implemented by SAC or member states. The centre has also published its regular publications like Journal, SAARC AgriNews (Newsletter), bulletin etc.
The Centre is also conducting adaptive trials networking on different commodities like rice, pulses, vegetables, oilseeds and cluster bean. These initiatives have really enhanced the height of the regional Centre and fulfilling its broader objectives and increase the visibility of the Centre.
We hope that the Centre continues its hard works to fulfil the objectives for enhancing the agricultural research and development as well as technology dissemination for sustainable agriculture and poverty reduction in the SAARC member countries.
The remarkable successes made during 2015 were the outcome of the sincere efforts and cooperation from all our associates/peer groups. I place on record my gratitude to all Honourable Governing Board Members from SAARC member countries, Director (ARD), SAARC Secretariat, Nepal and Director-General as well as Director from SAARC, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Government of Bangladesh for their continued guidance and support in taking forwards the centre and its activities...
The Centres achievements in 2015 were possible with the dedicated efforts of all the professionals and staff of the Centre. The professional inputs of all the national focal points and experts who vigorously devoted their time in preparing the technical reports and analysis are highly appreciated. We sincerely look forward for continued support and collaborations from all the partners.
The Centre always appreciates getting criticism, observations and suggestion from the user of our products and services to help us enabling to do better.
Long Live the Spirit of SAARC
Dr. S.M. Bokhtiar Director, SAC
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Salient Features of 2015 Programs
Activities of the SAARC Agriculture Centre (SAC) in 2015 are ensured to its continuing success and growing more interest in the agricultural research and innovation for sustainable agriculture development and technology dissemination. It has been developed linkages among agricultural scientists, technologists, researchers, extension service providers and policy makers of the South Asian Region through the establishment of regional networking for technology dissemination and providing input for regional cooperation in agriculture to face the common goals and challenges meet by the SAARC member countries. This Annual Report provides a brief account on the activities of the Centre during the period from January to December 2015 on Crops, NRM, Livestock, Agro-Forestry, Sericulture, Horticulture and allied disciplines.
SAC made a journey during 2015 as a regional platform for facilitating agriculture research for development. Besides the regular activities of the Centre, the few initiatives on thrust areas of agriculture like Floriculture, Bio-pesticides, Agro-forestry, Sericulture, organic agriculture, high yielding dairy buffalo breed development, use of geo-information technology for mapping of land degradation, regional, five adaptive trials on oilseed, cluster bean, rice varieties tolerant to abiotic stresses, pulses and vegetables. The Centre also took initiatives for capacity development on molecular genetics characterization, climate change, and technological advancement in agro-forestry. Among the six objectives of the Centre, some need based regional country studies were initiated and completed in 2015.
The important programs and salient features of activities for the year 2015 are stated below
The 9th Governing Board Meeting of SAC SAARC Charter Day celebration on 8 December 2015 and International Year
of Soil 2015
Regional Country studies and adaptive research/trials Capacity development Information/technology dissemination Seminars/Guest Lectures on agricultural research and innovation
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Visit of the renowned personality New arrivals/publications on regular and need based programs and sharing
among SAARC member countries
The 9th Governing Board Meeting was held in September 2015. The Meeting directed to clearly describe the achievements of the Centre, progress of the year 2015 and recommended the new programs/projects for 2016.
Increasing the technical capacity of the member countries in agriculture, SAC, organized two regional training (i) molecular genetic characterization of farm animal genetic resources (ii) technological advancement in agro-forestry systems: strategy for climate smart agricultural technology. The trainings were very successful in ensuring the participation of the members and skill development of the participants.
To continue the dissemination of information on successful agricultural technologies, SAC collating, synthesis, compiled, edited and printed several manuscripts for wider distribution to the South Asian Regions for facilitating agriculture researchers, students and policy makers. To mention a few, SAARC Journal of Agriculture, SAARC AgriNews, Food grain situations in SAARC countries are important. The Centre collected videos CDs on agro-technologies from the region and distributed to interested agencies and individuals. In regular intervals, information on successful agro-technologies is broadcast in the television for wider dissemination.
The Centre also working on the following regular programs
The centre continues to diversify its program primarily to ensure inclusion of factors influencing agriculture production and also to promote holistic
agriculture development policies. To attend the diversified program, SAC is gradually increasing its human
resource capacity by inducting new professionals and promoting the existing professionals.
As one of the first SAARC regional centre, SAC has always remained concentrated with the member countries and the regional agriculture issues. As
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agricultural issues are becoming globalized and influenced by external factors, research and development focuses need to expand. In an effort to share our experiences with others and to take benefits of other organizations engaged in agriculture research and development related programs in the region, SAC tries to link with relevant institutions. For instance, SAC developed a Memorandum of Understanding with International Sericulture Commission to develop sericulture industry in the region. A close link is being developed with Asia-Pacific Association of Agricultural Research Institute (APAARI) and CIRDAP. Within the region, similar collaborations are also foreseen with International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), Nepal, and ICRISAT. The Centre is working with CIRDAP for agriculture and rural development as well as national institutes of the SAARC member countries with their financial involvement.
With the success and experience gained from 2015 activities, the 9th Meeting of the SAC-Governing Board bestowed the centre with challenges to become professional and work together with any international institution. In the spirit of enhancing SACs relevance and eminence, the meeting advocated the need to collaborate with regional and international institutions in conducting regional agricultural research and development, while taking the member country on board.
The Centre is now working on the very important program on adaptive trials/research on oilseed, cluster bean, rice varieties tolerant to abiotic stresses, pulses and vegetables and trying to develop networking among scientists. This on-going adaptive trials/research is fulfilling the wider objectives of the Centre.
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SAARC Agriculture Centre at a glance Genesis The Heads of the States or Governments established the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) on 8 December 1985. Seven South Asian Nations, namely Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, The Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka were the founder members of the Regional Association. Later Afghanistan became the eighth member country in 2007.
SAARC Agriculture Centre (renamed in April 2007 from SAARC Agricultural Information Centre, SAIC) is the first regional Centre established by the SAARC. The Centre started functioning in 1988 with a mandate for information management, primarily in the field of agriculture and allied discipline.
With the passage of time, the Centre braced up broader challenges to make regional cooperation more responsive to the needs of the stakeholders and farming communities as South Asia heads for a new order of agricultural transformation. The SAARC Agriculture Centre thus has been given an enhanced mandate for agricultural research and development, policy planning, and knowledge management.
Goal Promotion of agricultural Research and Development (R&D) as well as technology dissemination initiatives for sustainable agricultural development and poverty alleviation in the region
Objectives 1. To strengthen agricultural research and accelerate technology transfer
through establishing regional networks on agricultural and allied disciplines, particularly among agricultural research and extension institutes, professionals, policy planners and stakeholders.
2. To provide inputs for developing regional policies, strategies, projects, primarily through developing networks in crop, livestock and fisheries sectors; and for efficient management of soil, water and other natural resources.
3. To promote new and innovative techniques and systems in agriculture, including production, post-harvest and food processing.
4. To facilitate collaborative studies, inter alia, on agricultural marketing and distribution systems, harmonization of agricultural related standards, promotion of agricultural trade, food security, risks and disaster management in agriculture.
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5. To facilitate and undertake collaborative capacity building programmes in agriculture and allied sectors with focus on skill development and research on frontier areas.
6. To collate and disseminate information for agricultural advancement in the region.
Personnel The Centre is manned with regionally recruited Professionals and General Services Staff (GSS) from the host country. These personnel support programme planning and implementation.
Funding The Centre is supported directly by the member states through their annual financial contributions based on the annual budget. In implementing the programme, the Centre aims to maintain the balance of expenditure between institutional cost and programme cost. The program and institutional costs are shared by the member states according to the SAARC proportion formula.
The Government of Bangladesh provides the capital cost including infrastructure.
Programme Development The Centre institutionalizes "Participatory need-based programme building through consultations". The process involves participation of stakeholders at
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country levels as well as synthesis and vetting at the experts level for programme development. The SAARC Technical Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development (TCARD) also provides broad guidelines of programmes. The proposals are reviewed during the Governing Board (GB) Meeting for further direction.
The annual programme proposals recommended by the Governing Board are further reviewed by the SAARC programming Committee and subsequently approved by the Standing Committee. The Council of Ministers of the Member States gives concurrence prior to the convening of the SAARC Summit.
Major Activities Providing policy inputs to the SAARC higher authorities for consideration particularly at the ministerial level meeting on agriculture. Promoting outreach programmes through www.sac.org.bd to provide timely, relevant and universal access to information and knowledge resources to all agricultural practitioners of member states.
Production of regular publication (newsletters, bulletins, booklet, journal, etc.) Production of technical publications from priority programmes (directories,
statistical bulletins, bibliographies, databases, union catalogue, report, workshop proceedings, etc.)
Audio-visual media production and reproduction Providing inputs for developing regional policies and strategies. Providing and automated library services and on-line services. Hosting of workshops, seminars, symposium consultation and human
resources development programmes and carrying out in-house research and publications on thrust areas of agriculture
Establishing institutional linkages with relevant institutions. Undertaking activities leading to exchange of the best practices for adaptation
and/or absorption; time-bound short and medium terms projects and programmes; and enhancing capacities of the agricultural communities of the SAARC countries.
Challenges Nearly 50% of 1.5 billion people in the region live below poverty line,
predominant in rural areas. On one hand, population is rising and on the other, the cultivated land area is decreasing.
Food Security at the back drop of climate change. Ensuring safe food against agro - chemicals.
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Integration and application of new science in various products, processes and services for strengthening food, health and livelihood systems.
Integration and application of new science in various products, processes and services for strengthening food, health and livelihood systems.
A spirited extension work to reduce yield gaps between the research field and the farmer's field with a blend of traditional knowledge and wisdom with modern technologies.
Skill enhancement of agro - entrepreneurship Dissemination of new and sustainable technology using modern information
and communication technologies (ICT) to accelerate the technology transfer process.
Minimizing postharvest losses; improvement in agro-processing; value addition; efficient utilization of crop residues and bi-products; and improvement in marketing facilities of agricultural products.
Putting research emphasis on sustainable management of natural resources. Forging Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) in agricultural technology.
Services The Centre's services and products are aimed to enhance the performances of scientists, extension service providers, technologists, etc. through support in research and development in agriculture and provide inputs for developing regional policies, strategies and programmes.
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Highlights of Agriculture Management Programs in 2015
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Regional Consultation Meeting on Potential and Prospect of Floriculture Sector to Improve Livelihood of the Farmers in SAARC Members Countries
Floriculture is considered one of the emerging industries for economic growth and rural agriculture development. Its role has been substantial, in the change needed to improve returns from agriculture and transform the lives of farmers. It is reported that penetration of floriculture into the farming system in many Asian countries has slowly converted subsistence cropping into profitable and viable farming enterprises. The focus on the consultation meeting was a lucrative agribusiness venture in the world particularly in the developing country in floriculture sector. Based on the emerging issues of livelihood security of farmers amongst the South Asian region, the meeting was detained with the objectives- to review the status of floriculture sector with suitable collaboration on aspects such as sharing of information, human resource development and identify the opportunities for trade and establish proper marketing channels.
Participants of the consultation meeting in Kandy, Sri Lanka
SAARC Agriculture Centre, Dhaka, Bangladesh in collaboration with Horticulture Research and Development Institute (HORDI), Sri Lanka was organized a consultation meeting on Potential and Prospect of Floriculture Sector to Improve Livelihood of the Farmers in SAARC Members Countries in Kandy, Sri Lanka during 05-07 October 2015. The meeting was inaugurated by the Chief Guest Dr. Rohan Wijekoon, Director-General, Department of Agriculture, Sri Lanka. Mr. Rizvi Zaheed, MD, Heyles Agri. Holdings, Sri Lanka made keynote presentation on Collaborative Partnerships to Improve Livelihoods in the Floriculture Sector. Dr. Hemal Fonseka, Director, HORDI and Governing
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Board Member of SAC for Sri Lanka welcomed all delegates and gave brief introduction about the meeting. Ms. Nasrin Akter, Senior Program Specialist (Horticulture), SAC welcomed all the participants and introduced with SAC activities at a glance. The consultation meeting was blessed by the august presence of high officials from Department of Agriculture, focal points experts from Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Around 40 professionals/scientist from National Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Systems of SAARC member countries participated in the consultation meeting.
Ten (10) technical papers were presented during the three days consultation meeting in different technical sessions. Considering country status report a good number recommendations has been made through brain storming session in different thematic areas on Policy, Marketing, Research and Extension issues.
Distinguished guest of the programme
Research issues
Sufficient fund should be allocated for research in floriculture especially for training and visits of the scientists among SAARC countries
Emphasis should be given on varietal development, evaluation and protected cultivation
More focus can be given on floricultural research at post graduate level in the university.
Sharing of appropriate technologies on GAP, post harvest management and value addition
Adaptive trials for varietal testing among SAARC countries-SAC initiative SAC may develop a research project on floriculture development and submit
to SDF
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Policy issues
Government rules & regulations for exchanging germplasm among SAARC member countries should be easier
Develop of supporting infrastructure To take initiative tax-concession export of flowers & restriction of import of
flowers
A partial view of the meeting with participants
Facilitating available quality planting materials through micro propagation Providing credit facilities at lower interest Excusive perishables cargo facilities for floriculture products Training in quarantine & post harvest technologies Establishment of bio-safety facilities To ensure genetic authensity system for legal protection for new varieties SAC will take initiative to publish a book on successful floriculture
technologies To establish national/regional/global collaboration to improve the floriculture
sector
Marketing
Establishment/linking to one common flower auction centre for SAAR region Networking marketing information-SAC initiative Promote public & private partnership for export industry Organizing stakeholders meeting for SAARC floriculture forum for SAARC
countries
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Extension
SAC may take initiative for arranging training for trainers and visit for the farmers/ extension service providers among the SAARC member countries
Establishment of model nurseries at farmers field Create competition among the farmers which may help improve production
skill and technical capacity
Maintenance and supply of certified quality planting material to flower growers.
Coordination for capacity building Media campaigning, mobile, early warning system and use of ICT that
encouraging all stakeholders for developing floriculture sector
Empowerment of women for floriculture development and marketing specially farmers organizations
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Review Meeting on SAARC Vegetables Adaptive Trials Network A meeting on Regional Review Meeting on SAARC Vegetables Adaptive Trials Network was organized at SAARC Agriculture Centre (SAC), Dhaka, Bangladesh during 14-15 December 2015. The review meeting was aended by the focal persons from the SAARC member countries namely Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The Vegetables Adaptive Trials were conducted in last three consecutive years from 2012-2014 and data were analyzed to identify the adaptability situation of the collected varieties/lines in SAARC member countries. The inaugural ceremony of the review meeting was graced by the Chief Guest Mr. Shyamal Kanti Ghosh, Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Govt. of the Peoples Republic of Bangladesh while Dr. Md. Rafiqul Islam Mondal, Director General, Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute was present as the Chairperson.
Distinguished guest in the dais in Dhaka, Bangladesh
Dr. S. M. Bokhtiar, Director, SAC delivered a welcome remarks. Dr. Bokhtiar in his remarks highlighted the importance of vegetables in agriculture, nutritional security and livelihood security of resource poor farmers. Mr. Shyamal Kanti Ghosh reiterated the importance of vegetable research in SAARC member countries and laid emphasis on need for improving productivity and production of vegetables. He appreciated the initiative of SAC for evaluating vegetable varieties in different SAARC member countries. This would synthesize synergy and collective wisdom for socio-economic upliftiment of small and marginal farmers
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in the region. Ms. Nasrin Akter, SPS (Horticulture), SAC made a comprehensive presentation about the modalities and outcomes of vegetable adaptive trials. Dr. Md. Rafiqul Islam Mondal emphasised vegetable research for nutritional security and need regional cooperation for varietal improvement. He thanked all distinguished participants in the regional review meeting. The focal persons from SAARC member countries presented their adaptive trials reports in the two different technical sessions. Finally a group of general recommendations were made through extensive discussion for further initiatives:
Recommendations
Trials should be continued on the selected varieties by the meeting for the next two years
Seeds should be supplied before optimum sowing/planting time individual country
Emphasis on visit and monitoring of research program Training may be done for effective research activities. For successful completion of the trial, some fund for miscellaneous cost
should be provided and placed in due me.
Varieties of each country may be reviewed and better variety/lines may be included for further trial. Specific stress tolerant (Temperature, drought, saline, pest and diseases) variety or line should be included for further trial
Before sending the seeds, first check germination percentage Need more seeds to have more locations Include one mega variety of each vegetable from each country Ensure participation of India and Afghanistan Common Data recording sheet and trial layout should also be made available
with the seed samples
Provide enough time for the collaborators to get prepare presentations and reports
Coordinator at SAC should analyze country data for Regional adaptability Compilation of a annual SAC publication using data of individual country and
Regional adaptability
Visit to other leading vegetable Research Institutes in SA under the program of visit to Premier Research Institutes of SAC
The Annual Review Meeting should held on a date agreed at this meeting to avoid short noticed event
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Group picture by all participants of the program in Dhaka, Bangladesh
Assistance of AVRDC should seek by SAC to improve the methodology and other technical matters related to SVATNet as well as seek for variety
Exchange of vegetable breeders to strengthen Vegetable breeding programs of SA countries
Conduct of training programs at IIVR, Varanasi on breeding, year round vegetable production and production of safe vegetables
South Asia is the origin of many vegetables having high diversity of crops, therefore we have opportunity to increase more germplasm or crop
High yielding, diseases, pest and stress tolerant varieties of vegetables may be introduced among the SAARC countries, varietal characters should be mentioned when supplied seeds
Different improved production technologies of vegetables may be exchanged among the countries
May find the agribusiness opportunity among the countries Considering the yield and yield contributing characters, reaction against
YVMV, no lines were found high yielder as well as resistant to yellow vein mosaic virus
Overall yield of all of the lines were low This trial may be repeated with more and new lines Overall yield of all of the lines were low because of heavily infection of
yellow vein mosaic virus Seed supplying countries are requested to provide the information on
tolerance and susceptibility of major diseases of the variety for taking previous measure
Annual regional level analysis and publication workshop or meeting to be conducted by SAC
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Trials for other crop may be included like Chilli, Onion, (short duration variety), Pea (Powdery mildew resistant), Gourds (bitter gourd, snake gourd, pointed gourd)
Strengthen Institutional linkages for technology and germplasm transfer (sharing) because of heavily infection of yellow vein mosaic virus
SAARC Regional Training on Successful Climate Smart Resilient Agricultural Technologies A training on SAARC Regional Training on successful climate smart resilient agricultural technologies was jointly organized by SAARC Agriculture Centre, SAARC Forestry Centre, International Food Policy Research Institute, Natural Recourse Management Division of Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), and Central Agroforestry Research Institute-Jhansi. The training was conducted in National Agricultural Science Complex (NSC) in New Delhi during 25-31st October 2015.
Participants from all SAARC member states (2 from Bangladesh, 2 from Bhutan, 2 from India, 1 from Maldives, 1 from Nepal, 1 from Pakistan, 2 from Sri Lanka, and 2 from Cambodia) parcipated the training program. Resource persons from ICAR Institutions, World Agroforestry Centre and International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) imparted the lectures and organized field visits.
Majority of the SAARC nations population living in rural areas and also depends on agriculture for their livelihood, while operating in 0.1 ha per capita of agriculture land and highly dependent on climate factors. The resource poor farmers are extremely vulnerable to climate change impacts Moreover, the South Asian countries lack of technologies, technical knowhow and capacities, institutions and financial resources for mitigation and adaptation to climate change. Consequences of climate change are likely to be more severe for developing countries because of their heavy dependence on agriculture and ecosystems, rapid population growth, and low health levels. Therefore, the training was organized with objectives mentioned at bellow:
Objectives
To develop a critical mass of master trainers on Climate Smart Resilient Agricultural technologies in SAARC countries
To develop training manual or a resource book on CSRA Technologies for general use in the region
To set up a network of CSRAT trainers and promote exchange of information, ideas and knowledge
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Assessment of Common Crop Varieties and their Demand & Supply for the SAARC Seed Bank
In view of the need to make a regional synthesis on common crop varieties and prepare for the SAARC Seed Bank, an expert consultation meeting Inception Meeting for assessment of common crop varieties and their demand & supply for the SAARC Seed Bank was held in Trivandrum, Kerala, India during 28-30th December 2015.
All participants assembled in the photo session in India
The Meeting was inaugurated by the Professor (Dr.) P. Rajendran, Vice Chancellor, Kerala Agricultural University. Other guests in the inauguration were Dr. Rajendra Prasad, Director, Directorate of Seed Research, ICAR; Dr. Ajith P, Director, Department of Agriculture, Kerala, Dr. John Kurian, Director (Research), Kerala Agriculture University, and Dr. K Prathapan, Director, Kerala State Horticulture Mission. Background of the Inception Meeting.
To operationalize the SAARC Seed Bank there is a region need to assess demand and supply of common varieties of quality seed for maximum production from the farmers field. It is noble expectation that the establishment of a Regional Seed Bank will contribute to the objective of harmonized seed testing and certification, supply quality seed and facilitate seed trade within the region.
This requires both demand and supply side issues were addressed. Disease quickly and easily wipes out crops thus seed bank can help as a reservoir. The seed demand and supply ratio has big gap amongst the SAARC countries. Total requirement of seed of SAARC Countries is around 12.75 million tonnes where as the supply is 2.49 million tons. The seed replacement rates of SAARC Countries are around 20% and it varies from country to country. The average seed replacement rate of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka are 10, 18, 9, 21, 10 3, 19 and 19%, respectively.
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A view of the meeting
Seed bank can helps to increase seed replacement rate, varietal development, quality seed supply, seed availability at adverse environment situation at domesc requirement, popularizing the common varieties between SAARC member Countries. Considering the diversity of the region and the crops grown, it was discussed to identify common varieties of prioritized crops (rice, wheat, maize, pulses & oilseeds) based on a set of criteria like number of countries it is grown in, extent of cultivable area, and generation. Seed stock kept safe to ensure that should genetic dirty or disease affect a population, a varied gene pool is kept safe for use in future breeding programs. Thereafter, establish the demand and supply situation of the common varieties and set specific strategies for seed sector development. For that why the meeting was arranged.
The specific objectives of the meeting were
To identify common varieties of prioritized crops grown in SAARC Countries;
To assess the demand and supply situation of the common varieties; To analyse and propose strategies for seed replacement, seed testing, common
variety release, and seed reserve.
Recommendations from the Meeting
The Focal Point Experts of the Member States will submit the list of popular varieties with pedigree and source for identifying the common varieties.
Climate resilient crop varieties (bioc and abiotic stress tolerant) will be identified and shared among the Member States. (Prepare a sharing list stress vs. varieties, and fast track release).
All MSs (Focal Points) will send 2-3 Mega varieties (Released-with multiple biotic/abiotic stress tolerance) to Directorate of Seed Research (DoSR) Mau, UP, India who will prepare trial kits and send to MSs for multi-location trials (The protocol will be developed by DoSR and SAC). SAC explore to provide seed handling fund to DoSR and also explore for small grants for experimentation.
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To facilitate sharing of potential crop varieties, there should be free exchange and sharing of information on crop varieties (SSB may initiate a information systems of crop varieties)
Seed trade protocols needs to be made more efficient (SSB) Participatory seed production systems and conventional seed systems may be
mainstreamed to support the seed systems Harmonize the procedural aspects of seed sector production systems,
release, certification, and exchange SAC may coordinate and facilitate access to Blue Book and other regulatory
guidelines in India All MSs will designate the Reference Laboratory for seed testing. A comprehensive proposal will be prepared by SAC on the Regional Release
variety
SAC distributed Nili Ravi Buffalo Germplasm to SAARC Countries
The SAARC Agriculture Centre (SAC) has been distributed frozen semen of Nili-Ravi buffalo among the SAARC member countries in a bid to expand cross breed
Dr. Shelina Afroza, Secretary, Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock were present as the chief Guest; Dr. S.M. Bokhtiar, Director, SAC delivered the welcome remarks and Dr. A K Azad,
Executive Chairman, BARC presided over the program.
species of buffalo. The semen was distributed in a handing over ceremony where the Ambassadors/ High Commissioners or representatives of the SAARC countries were present.
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G u est of N ili Rav i Handing O v er C erem ony , D haka, B angladesh
The handing over ceremony of Buffalo germplasm was held at Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council (BARC) on 19 August, 2015. Dr. Shelina Afroza, Secretary, Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock were present at the occasion as the chief Guest. Dr. S.M. Bokhtiar, Director, SAC delivered the welcome remarks. Dr. Abul Kalam Azad, Executive Chairman, BARC presided over the program. Ambassador of Bhutan Ms. Pema Choden; Deputy Chief of Mission of Nepal Mr. Sushil K Lamsal; Deputy High Commissioner of Pakistan Ms. Samina Mehtab, Acting High Commissioner of Sri Lanka Mr. A.G. Abeysekara, spoke on the occasion. The presentation on Importance of Nili Ravi Buffalo in Milk Production was made by Dr. Md. Nure Alam Siddiky, Senior Program Officer, SAC SAC received 1000 doses of Nili Ravi buffalo germplasm from Pakistan and distributed among Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal and Sri Lanka. Each country received 200 doses to impregnate buffalo cows that would be able to produce 12-14 litre milk per day. Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute, Department of Livestock Services and Bangladesh Agricultural University also received semen for impregnation of Buffalo cows. Dr. Shelina Afroza as the chief guest urged all SAARC countries to be shared the welfare oriented cooperation in this region after tapping the prospective resources. About the importance of Nili Ravi buffalo in milk production, Senior Program Officer of SAC Dr. Siddiky said, Buffalo has significant role to the white revolution in India, Pakistan and Nepal. Nili Ravi is one of the superior dairy buffalo breed for its higher productivity as well as wider range of adaptability in the changing climatic conditions. As the weather in SAARC region is almost the same, this animal will be able to thrive, he added. The distribution of semen will help to produce more milk through impregnation for generating improved species of buffalos. This process of cooperation will continue in the region, Director of SAC Dr. Bokhtiar said. The semen distribution ceremony was organized under a program on High Yielding Dairy Buffalo Breed Development in SAARC Countries which was recommended from the regional technical committee meeting such as 3rd Meeting of the Chief Veterinary Officers (CVOs) and 2nd Meeting of the Inter-Governmental Core Group (IGCG) on Agricultural Research and Extension.
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Sericulture Scenario in SAARC Countries A Re-emerging Industry for Poverty Alleviation A five days long Regional Consultation Meeting on Sericulture Scenario in SAARC Region A Re-emerging Industry for Poverty Alleviation in SAARC Region was held at International Sericulture Commission (ISC) Mysuru, India during 25-29 August 2015.
In the inaugural session Professor K. S. Rangappa, Vice Chancellor, University of Mysuru graced as the Chief Guest and Dr. S. M. Bokthiar, Director, SAARC Agriculture Centre (SAC) was present as the Guest of Honour. The keynote paper was presented by Dr. Nirmal Kumar, Ex-Director, Central Sericultural Research & Training Institute (CSRTI), Berhampore, India Dr. B.S. Agnadi, Director; Central Sericulture Board (CSB) presided over the program. Mr. K. K. Shetty, Officer on Special Duty, ISC extended warm welcome and Dr. V. Sivaprasad, Director, CSRTI, Mysore delivered the vote of thanks. Twenty eight scientists from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka were attended the meeting.
Dr. S. M. Bokhtiar, Director, SAARC Agriculture Centre (SAC) as the Guest of Honour briefed overview of the role of SAC in this initiative and the situations in the SAARC Region.
Emphasizing the need for alleviating poverty, he indicated the role of sericulture which could facilitate in improving the economic situation in the region.
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G u est in the inau gu ral fu nction of cons u ltation m eeting, M y sore, India
He assured that SAC could commit to the outcome of the meeting and facilitate the SAARC countries to achieve the goals of developing sericulture industry. He acknowledged the support and partnership
of ISC. He mentioned that SAARC and ISC are at the final stage of the MoU for sericulture research and development in the region.
In the technical session, country reports of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka were presented. Five special papers were also presented at the second technical session.
A good number of recommendations were made from the consultation meeting in the following three thematic areas are as follows
Policy Initiate program for sharing Seri-genetic resources among SAARC Member
countries under the provisions of SAARC-MTA (Material Transfer Agreement)
Create a separate institutional entity at National and Provincial level to introduce and promote Silk Industry in SAARC countries
Research Depute experts to the SAARC countries and utilize their services for
feasibility/project formulation/institutional study on non-currency exchange basis
Establish a sericulture technology validation laboratory in all countries Prepare multilateral collaborative research project under the aegis SAARC-
ISC MoU Extension Consolidate the available technologies and disseminate through cluster
approach in the identified potential pockets Organize SAARC regional training on sericulture
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GIS for Assessment and Monitoring of Land Degradation in SAARC Countries
The final meeting of the program on Application of GIS for Assessment and Monitoring of Land Degradation in SAARC Countries was held in Kathmandu, Nepal during 10-12 September 2015.
It was a joint collaboration of SAARC Agriculture Centre (SAC), SAARC Forestry Centre (SFC) and International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD). The meeting was attended by fifteen delegates from Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, and Nepal. Ms. Fatema Nasrin Jahan, SPO (NRM), SAC also attended the meeting. Participants from Pakistan and Sri Lanka had sent their reports and presentations. Mr. Birendra Bajracharya, Program Manager, MENRIS, ICIMOD welcomed the participants and guests.
To memorise the program all participants gatherd adequately
Dr. Tayan Raj Gurung, Senior Program Specialist (NRM), SAC explained the objectives of the meeting. He made clear that the planning meeting was held in ICIMOD in December 2013, followed by stakeholder meeting in SAARC Forestry Centre (SFC), Thimphu, Bhutan in December 2014 and agreed to carry out a field work based on the methodology provided by ICIMOD. Under the sponsorship of SFC in SAARC Countries conducted field work in designated pilot sites during May to August 2015. This meeting was designed where the experiences and outputs from the fields was assimilated.
Mr. Basanta Shrestha, Director, Strategic Cooperation, ICIMOD mentioned that land is the most crucial resource always under threat of soil degradation and it is needed to assessment and monitor it for appropriate measures to manage and mitigate can be done. He reiterated the need for linking science to policy and he also mentioned that SAARC-ICIMOD partnership could definitely foster this much needed linkage.
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Mr. M. J. H Jabed, Director (Agriculture and Rural Development), SAARC, Secretariat, Nepal expressed his appreciation to ICIMOD for engaging in this research. He urged the scientists from the SAARC countries to interact and take the benefit of being together by providing some practical policy briefings which can be used for better management of the land resources. Mr. Jabed also assured that SAARC would formalize a broader framework of collaboration with ICIMOD to promote greater engagement. Mr. Hammad Gilani, Remote Sensing Analyst, ICIMOD delivered vote of thanks.
In the technical session the delegates from Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, and Pakistan were presented their country field works reports
The following points were thoroughly discussed
Use of Land use factor (LS) as proxy data in place of management factor (P) in the Revise universal soil loss equation in case of study in Bangladesh due to unavailability of management data. The data will be sought from relevant institutions/agencies and re-run the model.
The study case in Bhutan indicated the difficulty in generating soil map and most serious for assessing organic matter content in the soil.
The model run and output results need for validation in the field and validation of large scale data can be a major task.
The purpose of mapping soil erosion was raised as a concern if it genuinely represents land degradation; the meeting suggested clarifying degradation and what to focus. Soil erosion in most cases is primary indicator of the land degradation. So, focus will be on the proper assessment of soil erosion and monitoring. For definition of degradation, all forms of degradation are included for the purpose of the study.
Some of the limitation and challenges in data collection in the field were also raised.
Limitation field based work Time and resources (fund and manpower) Scale should be specified Data acquisition methodology should be same for all regional countries Validation is necessary and methodology need to be explored Data handling and compilation needs to be clarified (Data to be consolidated at ICIMOD level).
Common meteorological data collection method of all SAARC countries.
It was agreed that following scale will be used for the land degradation studies.
Regional level (SAARC)= 1:1,000,000
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National level = 1:250,000 Local level = 1: 10,000 In the session, if any discussed on steps to be required for up-scaling the methodology
Identifying the land loss contribution factor Validation should be same Considering the P factor(Land management) Use same soil loss equation Capacity building through training Common meteorological data collection Method of all SAARC countries. Dr. Tayan Raj Gurung, Senior Program Specialist (NRM), SAC facilitated the discussion on finalizing the outline for the final report
Land degradation map should be considered the amount of land splash. First flash flood erosion than Gully erosion
In SAARC countries there should be a concrete manual/guideline of land degradation for further research.
One equation should be used for land degradation (ex-RUSLE method)
Recommendations
Capacity development or training will be arranged by SAC with collaboration of ICIMOD
Policy regarding issue will be observed by SAC Need more manpower for data collection Need more time to collect and compilation of all data Should be considered the management factor land Need for project based work, after than we will get accurate data Develop a joint proposal for program development Authentic manual should be prepared All data should be maintained in server.
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Status and Future Prospect of Organic Agriculture for Safe Food Security in SAARC Countries
SAARC Agriculture Centre (SAC) in collaboration with the National Organic Programme, Department of Agriculture, Ministry of Agriculture and Forest, Bhutan organized an expert consultation meeting on Status and Future Prospect of Organic Agriculture for Safe Food Security in SAARC Countries during 26-27 August 2015 in Bhutan. Renowned agricultural scientists from SAARC countries (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal and Sri Lanka) and professionals from various agencies of Bhutan also participated in the meeting.
Group of all participants
This study was undertaken to make an assessment of the prevailing organic agriculture scenario and further possibilities and find out the best possible ways for harvesting the maximum output from the sector based on opportunities available in SAARC countries.
Mrs. Kesang Tshomo, Coordinator of the National Organic Program welcomed the guests. Dr. M. Musa, SPS (Crops), SAC presented a brief note on activities of SAARC Agriculture Centre and synopsis based on country status reports. Director General, Mr. Nim Dorji, Department of Agriculture (DoA), Bhutan graced the inaugural session as Chief Guest. He highlighted the importance of organic agriculture for food security and food safety in his opening remarks. He also emphasized on establishing a network in development of collaborative action plans for the future. Mr. Norden Lepcha proposed the vote of thanks.
The technical sessions were chaired by Mr. G.B. Chettri, Joint Director, DoA, Bhutan and country status report on organic agriculture were presented by respective Focal Point Experts. In session II on the second day, four invited papers were presented by local professionals. Each technical session was followed
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by discussion. The session chairperson conveyed the concluding remarks at the end of each session. In Session III, group discussion was made to prepare recommendations. It was recommended that SAC should initiate a plan to develop SAARC organic standards and certification systems in line with the existing policies and standards of SAARC nations. An information exchange system should e developed by SAC to share the information on research and development related to organic agriculture including the technologies, packages of practices and farm level success stories. The organic growers/movement should be suitably supported with better incentives to enhance the percolation of organic farming. For this conversion period should be crop and area-specific depending on the nature of the crop and land use history. Adequate allocation of human, financial and physical resources to organic agricultural education in the form of degree, basic and applied infra-structure for research and development in all the countries was also recommended. Further, cross country capacity building functionaries, farmers and other relevant stakeholders among member nations should be developed and coordinated by SAC. Country specific model should be prepared for safe and secure food. However, SAC can synthesize the Indian model having the components of scientific organic agriculture in default organic areas and towards organic approach having integrated management with non-pesticide use for SAARC region. Inter-ministerial coordination among agriculture, health and environment is essential to promote organic agriculture. Free flow of organic commodities among the member countries should be allowed under SAARC organic standard. Periodic/annual review of the progress over this recommendation will be made by SAC and disseminate to member nations.
In concluding session, recommendations were finalized and presented for approval. Chief Guest, Dasho Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forests delivered his closing remarks. Then, certificates and mementos were offered to the participants. At the end, Mr. Norden Lepcha proposed the vote of thanks.
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P articipants and trainers in technical ses sion
Workshop on Cropping Systems Modelling: Focusing on Bangladesh Activities
One of the major emerging threats to food security in South Asia is decreasing availability of water for agriculture and the need for improved water productivity in both rainfed and irrigated cultivation. Despite several decades of agricultural research for water
productivity, the impact of the past research has not reached the level required to safeguard future food production against likely reductions in water availability. Cropping systems modelling are the key research tools for effective systems research.
The rationale behind this focus resides a daylong workshop organized by SAARC Agriculture Centre with the participation of Bangladesh Modelling team on Workshop on Cropping Systems Modelling: Focusing on Bangladesh Modelling Team Activities of SAARC-Australia and ACCA Project was held on 22 April, 2015 at Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council (BARC) Conference Room, Farmgate, Dhaka.
Technical session of the workshop on cropping systems modelling at SAC conference room
Objectives of the workshop were:
to review the impact of achievement, experiences and learning of modelling from the project
to involvement and initiative of Modelling program in Bangladesh
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Participants and trainers in technical
session of the workshop
to develop a way forward to establish a sustainable network of APSIM modellers in South Asia
The workshop background has successfully completed the SAARC-Australia Project on Developing capacity in cropping systems modelling to promote food security and the sustainable use of water resources in South Asia. A series of training workshops on APSIM-ORYZA modelling relating to suite of improved crop and water management practices for increasing water productivity of rain-fed and irrigated rice-based cropping systems were organized by SAC in collaboration with the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO) and International Rice Research Institute (IRRI).
Mr. Md. Eunusur Rahman, Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Government of Bangladesh (GoB) was present at the inaugural session as the Chief Guest. Mr. Abdul Motaleb Sarker Director General of SAARC & BIMSTEC, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, GoB spoke at the occasion as the Guest of Honour. Dr. Abul Kalam Azad, Director, SAC & Executive Chairman, BARC presided over the meeting. The meeting was also honoured by the presence of Mr. Yonten Gyamt, Trade Consultant for Royal Bhutan Embassy and Samina Mehtab, Deputy High Commissioner, the High Commission for Pakistan. Dr. Md. Rafiqul Islam Mondal, Director General (DG) of Bangladesh Agriculture Research Institute (BARI); Dr. Jiban Krishna Biswas, DG, Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI) and Dr. Cecep Effendi, DG, Centre on Integrated Rural Development for Asia and the Pacific (CIRDAP) were also present at the meeting. Two Key note papers were presented by Dr. Donald S Gaydon and Dr. Christian Roth, representatives of CSIRO (Australia).
On the keynote paper The need to institutionalize cropping systems modelling in Bangladesh speaker Dr. Christian Roth highlighted one of the important issue that Institutionalization of modelling research would be timely approach to cope up with current constrains of research. This presentation also emphasises to promote food security in South Asia. He also said that the capacity built so far in Bangladesh is
at risk as compare to India. The Bangladesh modelling group still requires strong support from external modelling experts because there is no in-country expert to continue to build and consolidate the group. There is a need for full-time local modelling science leaders within Bangladeshi NARS whose primary role is
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modelling and whose time is not fragmented across other roles. There is a need to integrate and mainstream modelling into the day-to-day research activities and priorities of BARI and BRRI, as well as to continue to provide support to an inter-institutional modelling community of practice, building on the modelling group coordination role. Options to consolidate strengthen.
International modelling PhD or Post-doc programs. This could be achieved by rationalizing and pooling modelling capacity to support experimentalists, and ensuring modellers do not become assigned to non-modelling tasks. The second keynote paper on Cropping Systems Modelling: a vital tool in researching climate change, adaptation and system optimization presented by S. Gaydon. He said that for any simulation model to be a useful tool in rice-based cropping systems research, it must be well tested in a range of possible configurations different geographical locations, soil types, crop mixes and sequences, agronomic managements (fertilizer, sowing criteria, crop establishment and tillage practices), irrigation practices and variation in incident climatic variables such as temperatures and CO2. The APSIM framework is already a useful tool to investigate the production impacts of changed management scenarios in rice-based cropping systems in addition to trainee capacity-building, this project has allowed us to gain a more thorough testing of the model under diverse conditions and provided an enhanced understanding of the models strengths and weaknesses in the SAARC country environments. Six (6) papers were presented at two technical sessions. Thirty five (35) professionals, resource personals, scientists from NARS institutions and educationists from Agricultural Universities were participated in the workshop.
The meeting recommended developing a national strategy for developing institutional modelling capacity; creating positions for Modellers in the NARSs institutes; developing and implementing of appropriate modelling curricula in the Agricultural Universities; organizing advanced modelling training for Bangladesh Modelling Group (BMG) members, and establishing & maintaining a national modelling database within BARC Data Centre.
Regional Training on Molecular Genetic Characterization of Farm Animal Genetic Resources SAARC Agriculture Centre (SAC), Dhaka, Bangladesh in collaboration with Indian Council of Agricultural Research ( ICAR) and National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources (NBAGR), India jointly organized a seven days training program at NBAGR, Karnal, Haryana, India during 19-26 April 2015. A total of sixteen participants from six member countries namely Bangladesh, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka were attended the training program.
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Guest in the inaugural function of regional training in India
Dr. R. M. Acharya, Retired Deputy Director General (Animal Science), ICAR, graced the inaugural ceremony as the Chief Guest while Dr. B. Prakash, Director, ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Cattle, Meerut, India and Dr. Md. Nure Alam Siddiky, Senior Program Officer (Livestock), SAC were present as Guest of Honour. Dr. Arjava Sharma, Director, ICAR-NBAGR, Karnal, India delivered welcome remarks and Dr. R.S. Kataria, Course Coordinator also delivered brief remarks.
The training program will help in characterizing and documenting the indigenous AnGR for their management across the member countries. Further, it will help in prioritizing the populations for conservation as well as value addition.
The training course blends with series of theory as well as hands on practical exposures. The theory courses were included characterization and conservation of animal genetic resources-an overview, designing field strategies for characterization of farm animal genetic resources, breed registration process, conservation of genome resources-concept of Gene Bank, cytogenetic screening of abnormalities in breeding bulls, FAO
guidelines for genetic characterization of AnGR, analyzing diversity and population structure of farm animals using microsatellite markers, genomic DNA isolation from blood samples, amplification of microsatellite loci, automated genotyping using ABI sequencer, scoring of alleles, analysis of genotypic data to estimate within/between breed diversity, genetic distance and phylogenetic analysis, Mitochondrial DNA based diversity and phylogeographical analysis in farm AnGR, strategies for detecting & genotyping of polymorphism in candidate gene, quantitative trait loci detection in farm AnGR, Y chromosome based diversity analysis in farm AnGR, high throughput techniques for transcript tome analysis in farm AnGR, conservation strategies through network programmed, high performance computing system for high throughput data analysis. Similarly, the practical and demonstration courses were included conservation of genome resources- concept of Gene Bank, karyotyping/ genetic tests, microsatellite genotyping for genetic characterization of breeds- genomic DNA isolation from blood samples, amplification and sequencing of mitochondrial (Mt) DNA, analysis of Mt sequence data, Mt DNA data analysis for assessment of diversity, haplotypes and phylogeography, analysis of sequence data, PCR-RFLP, tetra ARMS-PCR, primer designing, databases and sequence submission tools, PCR based species differentiation, basic bioinformatics tools for SNP data analysis,
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genetic dissection of complex traits-detection of quantitative trait loci using various statistical methods, Real-time PCR primer designing, RNA isolation, DNA synthesis, RT-PCR, demonstration of microarray based expression analysis work flow, Real-Time PCR based relative expression analysis, next generation sequencing & data analysis.
A formal valedictory session was also organized which was graced by Dr. R. S. Gandhi, Assistant Director General (Animal Production & Breeding), ICAR as the Chief Guest. The certificates were distributed by Dr. Arjava Sharma, Director, ICAR-NBAGR and Course Coordinator Dr. R. S. Kataria. Dr. S. K. Niranjan, Course Joint-Coordinator, ICAR-NBAGR was also present in the dais.
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Knowledge Management and Networking
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Knowledge Management and Networking
Information Management and Networking Under the aegis of Knowledge Management and Networking, SAARC Agriculture Centre regularly published SAARC AgriNews (Quarterly); SAARC Journal of Agriculture (Half yearly); Food Grain situation in SAARC countries (Annually); SAARC Agriculture Outlook (Annually); SAC Annual Report (Annually) and Statistical Data Book for Agricultural Research & Development in SAARC countries (Biennially) etc.
SAC Publications in 2015
Technological Advancement in Agro-forestry Systems: Strategy for Smart Agricultural Technologies in SAARC Region.
It is a comprehensive compilation of agro-forestry information from eight SAARC Countries. Agro-forestry is emerging as an enduring technology with ability to help socio-ecological systems develop resilience in the face of changing weather patterns.
SAARC Outlook on Water-Energy-Food Nexus in SAARC Countries
This compilation is an attempt to bring a wide-ranging over view of potentials and challenges in Water, Energy and Food Nexus in SAARC region.
Potential and Prospect of Floriculture Sector to Improve Livelihood of the Farmers in SAARC Member Countries
This book highlighted the total status of floriculture, sharing of information, human resource development, identify opportunities of trade and establish proper marketing channels, utilization of resources for higher income generation through produce good quality planting materials, dissemination among member countries.
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Sericulture Scenario in SAARC Region
The Book is the compilation of historical perspective of the sericulture industry among the SAARC countries as well as understanding of present situation. The region is enriched by various agricultural based industries, the cottage industry Sericulture is gradually re-emerging as an important occupation for rural development and inclusive growth.
Status and Future Prospect of Organic Agriculture for safe Food Security in SAARC Countries
The book is based on country status reports presented by professionals from the member countries, recommendations, summary and synthesis incorporated to provide comprehensive picture of research and development and prospects of organic agriculture in the region.
SAARC Dairy Outlook
The book contains the data on dairying, analysis of present status input and delivery system for identifying the points of interventions to boosting dairy production and processing.
Means and End for Sustainable Agriculture A Collection of Essays and Seminar Papers on Soil
This manuscript comprises of prize winning essays and papers presented during technical session in observance of SAARC Charter Day on 8 December 2015, summary and synthesis are also incorporated to provide a comprehensive picture of role and importance of healthy soils.
SAARC Journal of Agriculture (SJA)
SAARC Agriculture Centre (SAC) has been publishing half yearly peer reviewed journal SAARC Journal of Agriculture since 2003. It is a half yearly publication from the centre and serves as a platform for exchange of latest knowledge on break through topics that are of current concern. It publishes original research articles as well as review articles in all areas of agriculture, animal science and fisheries from SAARC member countries. It is regular publication of SAC. In 2015, two issues have been published.
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Annual Report-2014
The Centre has been publishing Annual Report every year. The Annual Report 2014 presented SAARC Agriculture Centres completed activities and programmes. It is a comprehensive report and published in July 2015.
SAARC AgriNews
This is a quarterly publication contains information on successful technologies/success stories generated in the fields of crops, fisheries, forestry, livestock, etc. in different SAARC member countries. Its volume 8, issue 4 and volume 9, issue 1, 2 and 3 were published in 2015. SAARC AgriNews is a regular publication of the Centre. It is a widely circulated quarterly Newsletter, devoted for disseminating agricultural research and development finding as well as information on applied technology for scientists, technologists, extension service providers, policy makers, students and farmers in South Asia.
Request for SAC Publications
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Archive of SAARC Agriculture Centre SAARC Agriculture Centre developed system study and information collection from the existing system and requirement of the new database, interface and the CMS.04, designing and finalize the format of the archive and new web portal. The system needs to be robust enough to address multiple queries simultaneously by multiple users. In case of system crash there should be a rollback option with log and content.
The web address of the SAC is www.sac.org.bd. SAC publications have been uploaded in SAC website to facilitate easy access of the users. The pdf files are downloadable from the archive
Publications available in SAC Archive 1. Technological Advancement in Agro-forestry Systems:
Strategy for Smart Agricultural Technologies in SAARC Region
2. SAARC Outlook-Water Energy-Food Nexus in SAARC Countries
3. Potential and Prospect of Floriculture Sector to Improve Livelihood of the Farmers in SAARC Member Countries
4. Sericulture Scenario in SAARC Region
5. Status and Future Prospect of Organic Agriculture for safe Food Security in SAARC Countries
6. SAARC Dairy Out Look
7. Means and End for Sustainable Agriculture-A collection of essays and seminar papers on Soil
8. Mite management of coconut in SAARC member countries
9. Adaptation to Climate Change Impact on Crop Production in SAARC Member Countries
10. Prospects, Needs Benefits and Risk Assessment of Agriculture Related Genetically Modified Products in SAARC Countries
11. Farm Animal Genetic Resources in SAARC Countries Diversity, Conservation and Management
12. SAARC Journal of Agriculture Vol.12 Issue 1
13. Value Chain Analysis and Market Studies on Fruits and Vegetable in SAARC Member Countries
14. National Agricultural Extension Systems in SAARC Countries-An Analysis of the System Diversity
15. SAC Monograph-The SAARC Australia Project ,Developing Capacity in Cropping Systems Modelling for South Asia
16. Coastal and Marine Fisheries Management in SAARC Countries
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17. Popularizing Multiple Cropping Innovation As a means to Raise Crop Productivity and Farm Income
18. Extent and Potential use of Bio-pesticides for Crop Production in SAARC Countries
19. Best Practices and Procedures of Saline Soil Reclamation Systems in SAARC Countries
20. National Agricultural Education System in SAARC Countries
21. Economic Impact of Transboundary Animal Diseases in SAARC Countries
22. Diversity of Veterinary Services in SAARC Countries
. SAARC Journal of Agriculture Vol.11 Issue 1
23. SAARC Journal of Agriculture Vol.11 Issue 2
24. Quality Seed in SAARC Countries-Production, Processing, Legal and quality Control and Marketing System (Reprint)
25. SAARC Seed Outlook
26. Current Status and Future Prospect of Pulse Production in SAARC Countries
27. Directory of Successful Farm Machinery in SAARC Countries
28. Statistical Data Book for Agricultural Research and Development in SAARC Countries 2012
29. Impact of Climatic Parameters on Agricultural Production and Crop Productivity Losses through Weather Forecast and Advisory Service in SAARC Countries
30. Enhancing Oilseeds Production through Improved Technology in SAARC Countries
31. SAARC Journal of Agriculture Vol.10 No.1
32. National Agricultural Research System in SAARC Countries-An analysis of System diversity
33. Pesticide Information of SAARC Countries
34. Veterinary Public Health and Zoonotic Disease Control in SAARC Countries (Workshop Proceedings)
35. SAARC Journal of Agriculture Vol. 9 No.1
36. SAARC Journal of Agriculture Vol. 9 No.2
37. Dairy Production, Quality Control and Marketing System in SAARC Countries
38. Strategies for Arresting Land Degradation in South Asian Countries
39. Quality Seed in SAARC Countries: Production, Processing, Legal and Quality Control and Marketing System
40. Public Sector Support System and its collaboration with Private Sector for Livestock Development in SAARC countries
41. Statistical Data Book for Agricultural Research and Development in SAARC Countries (2008-09)
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42. Proceedings of Regional Workshop on Hill Agriculture in SAARC Countries: Constraints & Opportunities
43. Directory of Ph.D. Dissertations on Agriculture in SAARC Countries 2000-2006 Vol. 3, India
44. SAARC Journal of Agriculture Vol. 8 No.1
45. SAARC Journal of Agriculture Vol. 8 No.2
46. SAARC Journal of Agriculture Vol. 7 No.1
47. SAARC Journal of Agriculture Vol. 7 No.2
48. Fodder Germplasm in SAARC Countries
49. Status of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in SAARC Countries
50. SAARC Journal of Agriculture Vol. 6 No.1
51. SAARC Journal of Agriculture Vol. 6 No. 2
52. Regional Workshop on Farm Mechanization for Small holders Agriculture in SAARC Countries
53. Directory of Ph.D. Dissertations on Agriculture in SAARC Countries 2000-2006 Vol. 2, India
54. Bibliography of Periodicals Available in SAARC Agriculture Centre Library (2nd Edition)
55. Livelihood Development through Agriculture in the Saline Prone Coastal Ecosystem of SAARC Countries
56. Best Practices in Animal Feed Production and Management in SAARC Countries
57. SAARC Journal of Agriculture Vol. 5 No.1
58. SAARC Journal of Agriculture Vol. 5 No.2
59. Statistics Data Book for Agricultural Research and Development in SAARC Countries
60. Crop Varieties in SAARC Countries
61. Regional Programme Development in Agriculture Through Consultations
62. Handbook on Livestock and Poultry Diseases in SAARC Countries
63. Training Manual and Interactive Multimedia CD ROMs on Presentation Technology
64. Catalogue on Natural Enemies of the Insect Pests Food Crops in SAARC Countries
65. Directory of Ph.D. Dissertations on Agriculture in SAARC Countries 2000-06 Vol. 1, Bangladesh
66. Bibliography of Periodicals Available in SAARC Agriculture Centre Library
67. Bibliography of Periodicals Available in SAARC Agriculture Centre Library
68. SAARC Journal of Agriculture Vol. 4 (2006)
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69. Proceedings of the Regional workshop on Research-Extension Linkages for Effective Delivery of Agricultural Technology in SAARC Countries
70. Guide on Medicinal and Aromatic Plants of SAAC Countries
71. SAARC Journal of Agriculture Vol. 3 (2005)
72. Risk in Agriculture and their Coping Strategies in SAARC Countries
73. Handbook on Fish and Crustacean Diseases in the SAARC Region
74. Agricultural Scientists and Technologists of SAARC Countries: 2nd Edition
75. Statistical Bulletin of SAARC Agricultural Data-2004
76. SAARC Journal of Agriculture Vol.2 (2004)
77. Proceedings of the Regional Workshop on Attempts and Successes of ICT Roadmap to Villages in the SAARC Countries
78. Technologies on Livestock and Fisheries for Poverty Alleviation in SAARC Countries
79. Agricultural Institutions in SAARC Countries: 3rd Edition
80. Statistical Bulletin of SAARC Agricultural Data-2003
81. Plant Genetic Resources of SAARC Countries: Their Conservation and Management
82. Proceedings of SAARC Workshop on Post harvest Technology
83. Role of Information and Communication Technologies for Poverty Alleviation through Agricultural Development in SAARC Countries
84. SAARC Directory of Seed Companies/ Entrepreneurs 2003
85. SAARC Journal of Agriculture Vol.1 (2003)
86. Statistical Bulletin of SAARC Agricultural Data 2002
87. Proceedings of SAARC Workshop on Soil Fertility Management for Increasing Productivity in Rice-based Cropping System
88. Annotated Bibliography on Seed Quality, Production and Preservation in the SAARC Region
89. Agricultural Research and Extension Systems in SAARC Countries
90. Quarantine and Phytosanitary Laws of SAARC Member Countries
91. Directory of Agricultural Periodicals of SAARC Countries (3rd edition)
92. Development of Horticulture in SAARC Countries
93. Regional Workshop of Experts in SAARC Countries on Transfer of Technology in Agriculture
94. Agricultural Information Systems and Services in SAARC Countries
95. Union Catalogue of Ph.D. Thesis of SAARC Countries
96. Agricultural Training in SAARC Countries
49
97. Agricultural Information Needs, Mode, Mechanism and Information Flow in SAARC Countries
98. Bibliography on Technologies for Drought-prone and Salt-affected AEZ in SAARC Countries
99. Success Stories on Transfer of Farm Technology in SAARC Countries
100. Hybrid and High Yielding Crop Varieties in SAARC Countries
101. Innovative Agricultural Technologies in SAARC Countries
102. Agricultural Institutions in SAARC Countries: 2nd Edition
103. Database on Renewable Energy Resources in SAARC Countries (1996)
104. Directory of Agricultural Periodicals of SAARC Countries: 2nd Revised Edition
105. Database on Livestock Production Breeding and Management in SAARC Countries
106. Improved Equipment for the Farm People of the SAARC Region
107. Annotated Bibliography on Potato in the SAARC Countries
108. Bibliography on Fish Diseases in the SAARC Countries
109. Dynamics of Agricultural Biotechnology: SAARC Bibliographical Database
110. Postharvest Management in Agriculture SAARC Bibliographical Database
111. Agricultural Scientists and Technologists of SAARC Countries: 1st Edition
112. Agricultural Institutions in SAARC Countries: 1st Edition
113. Annotated Bibliography on Agroforestry in the SAARC Region
114. Directory of Agricultural Periodicals of SAARC Countries (1st edition)
115. Women in Agriculture, Gender issues in South Asian Farming
Videos available in SAC Archive Sl. Title of the Videos Name of the File Short Code
001. Agricultural Technology Development in Barind in Bangladesh
001_Barind
002. Apple Cultivation in Nepal 002_Apple
003. Appropriate Farm Mechanization in Bangladesh
003_Farm_Bangladesh
004. Bamboo and Its Propagation in Bangladesh 004_Bamboo https://youtu.be/P3aU1Tkt7gM
005. Bangladesh Rice Research Institute and Its Success
005_BRRI
006. Black Bengal Goats in Bangladesh 006_Goats https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dPQN1XzGR3g
50
Sl. Title of the Videos Name of the File Short Code
007. Bee keeping in Nepal 007_Bee keeping
008. Coffee Cultivation in Nepal 008_Coffee Cultivation
009. Community Based Mushroom Management in Bhutan
009_Mushroom_Bhutan
010. Compost Production in Sri Lanka 010_Compost
011. Current Practice of Sericulture in Bangladesh 011_Sericulture
012. Drip Irrigation in Pakistan 012_Drip_Irrigation https://youtu.be/SEZQhWRPV08
013. Farm Mechanization in Bhutan 013_Farm_Bhutan
014. Floriculture in India and its Prospects 014_Floriculture
015. Integrated Pest Management in Nepal 015_IPM_Nepal
016. Integrated Pest Management in Sri Lanka 016_IPM_SriLanka
017. Jackfruits in Sri Lanka 017_Jackfruits
018. Kithul Tree in Sri Lanka 018_Kithul_Tree
019. Livestock Development in Bhutan 019_Livestock
020. Make Money from Ornamental Plants in Sri Lanka
020_Ornamental_Plants
021. Mandarin in Bhutan 021_Mandarin
022. Mango Production and Post Harvest Management in Pakistan
022_Mango
023. Marvels of Himalayan Herbs - India 023_Marvels
024. Milk Production Cooperative System in Nepal 024_Milk_Production
025. Milk Testing Method for Hidden Mastitis Pakistan
025_Milk_Testing
026. Multi Operations Machine for Agriculture Pakistan
026_Machine
027. Mushroom Farming Through Artificially Cultured Spawn Production in Nepal
027_Mushroom_Nepal
028. Ornamental Fish Breeding and Culture in India 028_Ornamental_Fish
029. Ornamental Foliage Plants in Sri Lanka 029_Foliage_Plants
030. Biological Control of Helicoverpa armigera in Cotton and Chickpea India
030_Cotton
031. Post-harvest Technology of Major Fruit crops in Sri Lanka
031_Post_Harvest
032. Potato Production from True Potato Seed (TPS) - Nepal
032_Potato_TPS
51
Sl. Title of the Videos Name of the File Short Code
033. Poultry Farming for Rural Women in Nepal 033_Poultry
034. Rice Cultivation in Sri Lanka (Triumph of Golden Panic)
034_Rice
035. Science and Practice of Mushroom Growing in India
035_Mushroom_India
036. Seed Production for Better Crops in Nepal 036_Seed_Nepal
037. Self Paddy Seed Production in Sri Lanka 037_Seed_SriLanka
038. Simple Hydroponics in Sri Lanka 038_Hydroponics
039. Sprinkler Irrigation in Pakistan 039_Sprinkler_Irrigation
040. The Success Stories of Dairy Development in SAARC Countries (Nepal)
040_Dairy
041. Technology of Rubber Cultivation in Sri Lanka
041_Rubber
042. Tea Cultivation and Processing in Sri Lanka 042_Tea
043. The Success Story of Rindpest Eradication in Nepal
043_Rinderpest
044. Transplanted Sugarcane in Bangladesh 044_Sugarcane
045. Triumph of Golden Harvest Sri Lanka 045_Golden_Harvest
046. Upgrading of Milk Production Through Artificially Insemination of Local Cows in Nepal
046_Milk Upgrading
047. Virus-free Potato Seed Production Through Tissue Culture in Nepal
047_Virus_free_Potato
048. Wheat: From Deficit to Surplus: A Spectacular Story India
048_Wheat
049. Cultivation of Rabi Medicinal Plants India 049_Medicinal plants
050. Higher Income from Cultivation of off-season Vegetables in the Hills India
050_Vevetables
051. Greening the Sea: The Story of Green Mussel Cultivation in India
051_Green Mussel
052. Yellow fin Tuna Fishing: Some Glimpses India
052_Tuna Fishing
053. Tea Manufacture (CTC) Sri Lanka 053_Tea
054. New Horizons in Mariculture: Culture of Seabass in open Sea Cage India
054_ Mariculture
055. CMFRI: The Saga Continues India 055_ Saga Continues
056. Farming Jewels from the Sea - India 056_Jewel Farming
52
Sl. Title of the Videos Name of the File Short Code
057. CIFT-The Wave Riders India 057_ Wave Riders_1
057_ Wave Riders_2
058. HACCP in food processing plants - India 058_Food Processing
059. The pre-requisite programmes-GMP & SSOP - India
059_ GMP & SSOP
060. Wealth from waste-livestock feed from cephalopod processing waste - India
060_ Feed from waste
061. Fabrication and maintenance of fishing nets India
061_Fishing net
062. Catfish (Magur) farming India 062_Catfish farming
063. Freshwater prawn hatchery for boosting prawn production India
063_ Prawn hatchery
064. CIFA : gateway of aquaculture - India 064_ Aquaculture
065. Poultry Passion in India 065_Poultry
066. CPRI in Tune with the Time India 066_Potato research
067. Potato Seed Production in India 067_Potato seed
068. ICRISAT helping and poverty through Inclusive Market Oriented Development India
068_ICRISAT_01
069. ICRISAT pigeonpea genome sequence India 069_ ICRISAT_02
070. ICRISAT NASFAM partnership India 070_ ICRISAT_03
071. Preparation of Vermicmpost India 071_ ICRISAT_04
072. Integrated water management- A successful story, Kothapally India
072_ ICRISAT_05
073. Watershed Project Kothapally- Success story - India
073_ ICRISAT_06
074. National Research Centre for Agroforestry in service of nation India
074_Agroforestry
075. Documentary on National Resource Conservation through Watershed Development India
075_Watershed
076. Directorate of Wheat Research (DWR) profile India
076_DWR profile
077. RCT for increased wheat production in India 077_RCT wheat
078. Honey Bee Pakistan 078_Honey Bee
079. Area Specific Mineral Mixture for improving pr
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