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Cropping systems working group evaluates IRRI’s program H. G. Zandstra, agronomist, International Rice Research Institute The 7th Cropping Systems Working Group Meeting was held at IRRI 2–5 October 1978. Participating members from Asia presented progress reports and future research plans for on-farm cropping systems research in their countries. Working committees also reported on methodology, e.g., varietal screening and testing, analysis of cropping patterns monitoring results, field plot techniques for on- farm research, and time required at on-farm research sites. Working committees discussed network plans for future collaborative research on weed control, economics, and entomology for cropping systems. The Working Group inspected cropping-pattern and research-managed trials conducted in farmers’ fields at the IRRI-Philippine Bureau of Plant Industry research site in Pangasinan province, Philippines. A committee on Evaluation of IRRI's Cropping Systems Program made the following observations: • IRRI’s Cropping Systems Program should continue to develop a concept of site- specific research in farmers’ fields, taking physical, biological, and socioeconomic factors into account. • IRRI needs to increase emphasis on the development of production models that integrate soil, plant, and climatic factors. Research methods should be developed to evaluate the effect of several combinations of human, animal, and mechanical power sources on production potential and labor productivity. • Increased emphasis should be placed on the use of site-related research methodology to provide technology to large-scale crop production programs. The methodology should consider the role of community action in dealing with the institutional support of production, including extension, farm input supply, credit, processing, and marketing. Zandstra HG. 1978. Cropping systems working group evaluates IRRI’s program. International Rice Research Newsletter 3 (6) 21. (see photo below)
