Project Dossier - Asia

KNOWLEDGE FOR LIFE

Asia-Pacific Regional ConsultationProject Dossier14 and 15 November 2012

contents KEY:

Featured in the Dossier

Member Country Priority Area

Project Country

Trad

e de

velo

pmen

t and

goo

d ag

ricul

tura

l pra

ctic

es fo

r mar

ket a

cces

s

Inst

itutio

nal c

apac

ity s

treng

then

ing

and

know

ledg

e m

anag

emen

t

Pest

s, d

isea

ses

and

inva

sive

ness

of b

iofu

el c

rops

Ada

ptat

ion

to c

limat

e ch

ange

Tech

nolo

gy tr

ansf

er a

nd e

xper

t exc

hang

e be

twee

n m

embe

rs

Inte

grat

ed P

est M

anag

emen

t in

rela

tion

to h

igh

valu

e cr

ops

Mic

robi

al c

olle

ctio

ns: u

se a

nd m

anag

emen

t

Pro

tect

ing

biod

iver

sity

and

eco

syst

em s

ervi

ces

Page

num

ber

managing crops in Bamyan and Parwan, Afghanistan Afghanistan 1

Plantwise in AsiaAfghanistan, Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Vietnam

3

enhancing quarantine services and facilities in Brunei Brunei Darussalam 5

joint laboratory for biosafety in China China 7

helping Chinas farmers adapt to climate change China 9

improving the livelihoods of smallholder maize farmers China, Laos and Myanmar 11

increasing rice production around the Mekong China, Laos and Myanmar 13

partnering to help DPR Korea improve food security DPR Korea 15

Direct2Farm India 17

preventing Ganoderma from ruining oil palm Malaysia 19

investigating the impacts of Jatropha curcas production

Mexico, India, Burkina Faso and Mali 21

helping Pakistans farmers after the floods Pakistan 23

developing and establishing ICT solutions for South Asias farmers Pakistan 25

helping Pakistans wheat farmers lose less Pakistan 27

producing better cotton in Pakistan Pakistan 29

ensuring Pakistans agricultural trade is healthy Pakistan 31

stopping the coffee berry borer in its tracks Papua New Guinea and Indonesia 33

beyond compliance: managing quarantine pests in Southeast Asia Southeast Asia 35

managing invasive species in Southeast Asian forests

Vietnam, Philippines, Cambodia and Indonesia 37

the Invasive Species Compendium Worldwide 39

biofuels information exchange Worldwide 41

developing a global agricultural research archive Worldwide 43

other projects in the region

Project Country

Trad

e de

velo

pmen

t and

goo

d ag

ricul

tura

l pra

ctic

es fo

r mar

ket a

cces

s

Inst

itutio

nal c

apac

ity s

treng

then

ing

and

know

ledg

e m

anag

emen

t

Pest

s, d

isea

ses

and

inva

sive

ness

of b

iofu

el c

rops

Ada

ptat

ion

to c

limat

e ch

ange

Tech

nolo

gy tr

ansf

er a

nd e

xper

t exc

hang

e be

twee

n m

embe

rs

Inte

grat

ed P

est M

anag

emen

t in

rela

tion

to h

igh

valu

e cr

ops

Mic

robi

al c

olle

ctio

ns: u

se a

nd m

anag

emen

t

Pro

tect

ing

biod

iver

sity

and

eco

syst

em s

ervi

ces

plant disease management in Brunei Brunei Darussalam

releasing the potential of Indigenous fruits Brunei Darussalam

establishment of Brunei Biological Resource Centre Brunei Darussalam

integrated pest management for plant pests in Brunei Brunei Darussalam

networking for plant health in southeast Asia

Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao Peoples Democratic Republic, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Viet Nam

China and UK investigation into the benefits and risks of genetically modified crops China, United Kingdom

searching for ways to protect ecosystems in China China, United Kingdom

increasing maize production and availability in a sustainable way DPR Korea

promoting sustainable agriculture for DPR Koreas crops DPR Korea

arming DPR Koreas farmers with tools to tackle soil pests DPR Korea

rust proofing Indian and African coffee India, Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, Zimbabwe

biocontrol of yellow Himalayan raspberry India, United Kingdom, United States of America

biocontrol of Hedychium India, United Kingdom

biological control of Himalayan balsam India, United Kingdom

piloting the production of indigenous entomopathogens as biopesticides Malaysia

managing the pest Bagworm in oil palm Malaysia

rhinos, grassland and public engagement in Nepal Nepal

sustainable potato pest management in the Hindu Kush Pakistan

fruit and vegetable growers go back to school in the Punjab Pakistan

biological control of mealy bug on cotton Pakistan

preparing Papua New Guinea to fight the Cocoa Pod Borer

Papua New Guinea and Indonesia

going green empowering Communities towards sustainable agriculture Sri Lanka

KEY:

Not featured in the Dossier

Member Country Priority Area

1KNOWLEDGE FOR LIFE

development projects

Over 80 per cent of the mostly rural population in Bamyan and Parwan depends on agriculture and natural resources for a livelihood. As the region lies in Afghanistans highlands, farmers mostly grow fruits such as apricots, apples, peaches, cherries and pears in small orchards, as well as crops such as potatoes.

so whats the problem?Much of the land here is barren and inaccessible, characterized by acute water shortages, small landholdings, extensive food insecurity, and poor soil quality. However, specific areas of the region have benefited from many short-term relief efforts and some infrastructure development.

In addition, lack of technical know-how and worsening management skills in rural areas have brought agriculture to its knees. The regions traditional farming system needs innovation, which the integrated crop management (ICM) programme provides by training farmers and agricultural workers in a new system of produce management, postharvest management and marketing for commercial agriculture.

what is this project doing?Enhancing agricultural productivity is vital to the development of this region. Although fertilizer is used by many, ICM is a new concept to most, and knowledge of productivity and ecologically sound agriculture needs to be improved.

locationAfghanistan

datesNovember 2009 September 2012

project teamMuhammad Zahir Shah

managing crops in Bamyan and Parwan, Afghanistan

2To help develop farming communities here, the Aga Khan Foundation Afghanistan, in close collaboration with CABIs centre in Pakistan, has initiated an extension programme on ICM of vegetables, cereals and perennial crops, which CABI has been given a mandate to design, facilitate and implement in the region. CABI is also providing technical support.

We aim to:

designandimplementlearningexperimentsforfarmers developtechnicalpromotionalmaterialsonICMforsmallholderfarmersandthosewhomanagethenatural

resources in the region assisttheAgaKhanFoundationsstafftodeliverservices co-ordinatewiththeAgaKhanFoundationsnationalqualityassurancespecialisttoestablishmonitoringand

quality assurance mechanisms for the appropriate implementation of ICM activities ensuretheparticipationofallrelevantpeopleintheimplementationprocesses.

We are designing participatory learning experiments for farmers and co-ordinating their implementation in the field.

We are also helping to establish, develop and supervise a biological control laboratory to rear beneficial insects.

results so farCourses have been held for future trainers and farmers in ICM methods for different crops. We have helped to develop technology through participation. The course for future trainers, which involved producing off-season vegetables in polytunnels, included 20 participants from the Aga Khan Foundation, 39 lead farmers, four staff from a co-operative, 12 staff from the Department of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock (DAIL) and 11 from Bamyan University. These subsequently ran and facilitated 250 practising and regular farmer field schools (FFS), along with participatory technology development (PTDs), and worked with the farmers to develop this new technology. A total of approximately 6000 farmers (1000 of whom were women) were trained on field crops, vegetable production and perennial horticulture.

We ran a refresher course on producing fruit and vegetables using ICM methods for the trainers during the projects third year in all districts, including Bamyan, Shibar, Kahmard, Punjab and Waras (in Bamyan Province) and Surkhi Parsa and Shiekh Ali (in Parwan Province).

We also successfully trained and equipped people as subject specialists and reared two major natural enemies including a parasitic wasp, Trichogramma, and lacewing (Chrysppa spp) in our biological control laboratory the first of its kind in the region.

This work should improve the regions agriculture and consequently peoples livelihoods.

contactCABI, Opposite 1-A, Data Gunj Baksh Road, Satellite Town P.O. Box 8, Rawalpindi, PakistanT: +92 (0)51 9290132 F: +92 (0)51 9290131 E: [email protected] www.cabi.org/cwasia

www.cabi.org/icmbamyanID

-ICM

Bam

yan-

10-1

2

Muhammad Zahir Shah, Project Manager

partner

Aga Khan Foundation Afghanistan

sponsor

Aga Khan Foundation Afghanistan

3KNOWLEDGE FOR LIFE


In Asia, a huge number of people rely on what they can grow in order to survive. Led by CABI, Plantwise is an initiative to improve food security and the lives of the rural poor by reducing crop losses, helping countries establish community-based plant clinics which deliver practical advice to farmers when they have a problem with their crops.

so whats the problem?Pests and diseases frequently reduce crop yields by more than half. Timely and relevant advice can significantly improve food security, but extension services cannot meet all the information needs of smallholder farmers.

what is this project doing?Plantwise helps to connect farmers and the research community by translating the researchers knowledge into practical, accessible advice and feeding information from the farmers back into a central knowledge bank. Knowledge in the plant health field, including local pest distribution data, is collected and made available from a central resource.

datesOngoing

project teamAfghanistan: Muhammad Faheem, Rana ShafiqueBangladesh, India, Nepal and Sri Lanka: Kavya Dashora, Rashi Raizada, Ravi KheterpalCambodia and Vietnam: A. Sivapragasam China: Zhang Feng, Wan Min, Liu ZhiPakistan: Rana Shafique Plantwise in Asia

4We are currently working in nine countries in Asia:

trainingplantdoctorsandestablishingplanthealthclinicsinrurallocationstoprovidefreeadvicetofarmers trainingfutureplantdoctortrainers developingdatamanagementsystemsforcollatingandanalysinginformationfromplantclinics linkingdiagnosticlaboratoriestoplantclinics developingfarmer-friendlyfactsheetsforpestproblems collatingcountryspecificinformationforthePlantwiseknowledgebank(www.plantwise.org) providingcountryspecificplanthealthnews supportingextensioncampaignsbasedonplantclinicinformation strengtheninglinksbetweenstakeholdersinthenationalplanthealthsystem.

results so farAfghanistan Fourteen plant clinics are running in Bamyan and Parwan. Training on running the clinics is underway. Photo sheets on diseases and pests are being developed.

Bangladesh 31 clinics are running so far. 21 factsheets have been developed and 62 plant doctors have been trained in 2012. A broad range of extension providers are developing innovative approaches.

Cambodia Two plant clinics are operating under the General Directorate of Agriculture.

China Nine clinics are being run by local extension stations in and around Beijing and Xingan and in southwestern China. Training materials have been translated into Chinese and 29 plant doctors trained in field diagnosis, operating clinics and making pest management recommendations. Clinic data capture and management are under construction. Training sessions on developing fact sheets and monitoring and evaluating clinics are planned.

India 12 clinics are being run by the MS Swaminathan Research Foundation. Plant doctor training is in full swing. 30 factsheets are being produced and 71 plant doctors trained.

Nepal 15 clinics have been conducted and 28 factsheets obtained in 2012. Plant doctor training is completed with 71 plant doctors trained in 2012.

Pakistan CABI initiated 26 regular clinics in Punjab in 2012. We have trained 52 plant doctors and undertaken data management training. Over 4000 queries have been received and 25 fact sheets produced.

Sri Lanka 10 fact sheets developed in Sinhala are being translated into Tamil for use in the nine clinics in northern Sri Lanka, where they are strengthening agricultural extension and enhancing the livelihoods of the war affected community. This adds to the network of roughly 74 plant clinics established in the rest of Sri Lanka.

Vietnam Six clinics have been initiated and are being run by the Southern Horticultural Research Institute (SOFRI).

contactCABI, Nosworthy Way, Wallingford, Oxfordshire, OX10 8DE, UKT: +44 (0)1491 832111 F: +44 (0)1491 829198 E: [email protected] www.cabi.org

www.plantwise.orgID

-PW

Asi

a-10

-12

partners

Various ministries of agriculture, NGOs, extension services and research institutes

sponsors

Chinese Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) Department of International Development (DFID)Swiss Development Cooperation (SDC)AusAid

5KNOWLEDGE FOR LIFE


The Government of Brunei Darussalam intends to upgrade its plant and animal quarantine services, in line with its plan to increase agricultural productivity for better food security. At the same time, it i is planning to upgrade national biosecurity levels to comply with global trading frameworks such as the World Trade Organization (WTO), International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC), and associated conventions.

so whats the problem?While plant and animal quarantine services do exist in Brunei, current practices are not fully compliant with international frameworks. With an increased emphasis on agriculture and food production, and plans to export selected niche produce, the country needs to build adequate capacity in its quarantine and biosecurity services so it can handle risks relating to imports and comply with the sanitary and phytosanitary requirements of other importing countries.

locationBrunei

datesSeptember 2011 August 2013

project teamLum Keng Yeang Soetikno SastoutromoGraeme EvansDale Hamilton

enhancing quarantine services in Brunei

6what is this project doing?As the appointed consultant, CABI is helping to upgrade the countrys plant and animal quarantine services. The team is conducting a thorough assessment of services and their compliance with international expectations, providing recommendations, building capacity in identified areas, and preparing guidance documents to assist plant and animal health personnel in the performance of their daily tasks.

Specific activities include:

assessingcurrentplantandanimalquarantineinspectionsystemsandtheirinfrastructure;makingrecommendations;preparingshort-andlong-termworkplansforimprovingtheservicesandassessingthecurrentcapacity of staff

conductingtraininginplantpestanalysis,surveillanceandmonitoring,inspection,earlydetectionandinterceptionand emergency response

conductingtrainingonanimaldiseaseriskanalysis,animaldiseasesurveillanceandmonitoring,borderandmeatinspections

undertakingastudyvisitabroadforplantandanimalhealthpersonneltoseemoreadvancedquarantinesystemsin operation

developinganationalphytosanitarydatabase.

results so farThe assessment exercise has been completed and the findings presented to the relevant ministry. Plant and animal health officers have made a study visit to Australia and a second visit to Malaysia and Singapore is being planned.

A training course analysing the risks of plant pests has been successfully completed and will be followed by a similar course on the risks of animal diseases.

contactCABI, PO Box 21043400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, MalaysiaT: +60 (0)3 8943 2921 F: +60 (0)3 8942 6490 E: [email protected] www.cabi.org/malaysia

www.cabi.org/bruneipaqID

-BPA

Q-1

0-12

Lum Keng Yeang, Project Manager

sponsors

Department of Agriculture & AgrifoodMinistry of Industry and Primary ResourcesBrunei Darussalam

7KNOWLEDGE FOR LIFE


In 2008, CABI and the Chinese Ministry of Agriculture established the Joint Laboratory for Biosafety at the Institute of Plant Protection at the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (IPP-CAAS) in Beijing a milestone in China-CABI collaboration.

what is this project doing?The Joint Laboratory provides a platform for research collaboration for both CABI and the Chinese Ministry of Agriculture. It is also a training centre, a place where scientific exchanges can take place, and a consultancy service. An open platform for collaboration and joint research for CABIs member countries, international organizations and regional bodies, the Joint Laboratory helps organize national, regional and international training, as well as scientific exchange and cooperation on biosafety. Its ultimate aim is to become a base for both parties.

The Joint Laboratory generates novel technologies in biosafety, including prevention and control of invasive alien species, introduction and development of biopesticide resources, and integrated pest management (IPM) technologies. These activities are supported by funding from international and regional donors. It also provides consultancy services on policy, as required by the Ministry of Agriculture, as well as making appropriate recommendations on cooperation in biosafety between China and other countries.

locationBeijing, China

datesSeptember 2008 ongoing

project teamZhang FengLi HongmeiLuo ShupingZhang JinpingWan Huanhuan

joint laboratory for biosafety in China

8IPP-CAAS, on behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture, is responsible for hosting and day-to-day administration of the Joint Laboratory, while governance and management are undertaken jointly with CABI. The Steering Committee (four from China and three from CABI), is responsible for review and approval of research activities, working plans and finance of the Joint Laboratory. Two Co-Directors from China and CABI are responsible for overall management of the Joint Laboratory and report to the Steering Committee. Two liaison secretaries, one from China and one from CABI, are responsible for the relationship between China and CABI and for implementation of the working plan. Senior scientists and technicians from both parties work at the Joint Laboratory, and are deployed according to the needs of specific projects. Current research staff include one project scientist, one postdoctoral researcher, one research assistant, one visiting scientist, one technician and between five and seven undergraduate students.

results so farThe team is working together on invasive species, IPM technologies and developing biopesticides. We have been able to initiate and implement projects, organize workshops and conferences, and have developed relationships with other experts and organizations as a result. We are currently studying biological control of mirid bug (Apolygus lucorum), box tree caterpillar (Diaphania perspectalis), brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys) and Canada thistle (Cirsium arvense). Potential efficient biocontrol agents have been screened and cultured for further respective study at the Joint Laboratory. And two of our latest projects are helping smallholder farmers in the Greater Mekong subregion strengthen their food security by improving both rice and maize crops. IPP-CAAS is leading these projects, CABI is the major partner and the Joint Laboratory is providing project support. Biocontrol agent production facilities are being established throughout the region, using adapted technology from China.

Seven undergraduate students have recently been trained in weed biological control, IPM and biological invasion. In recognition of the Joint-Laboratories outstanding achievements, the Co-Director from CABI, Dr UlrichKuhlmannhasbeengrantedtheChinesegovernmentsFriendshipAwardin2012;thehighesthonourawarded to foreign experts whove made outstanding contributions to Chinas economic, scientific and social progress. This indicates strong partnership between CABI, the Chinese Ministry of Agriculture, CAAS and IPP.

contactCABI, Internal Post Box 56, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 12 Zhongguancun Nandajie, Beijing 100081, China T: +86 (0)10 82105692 F: +86 (0)10 62197032 E: [email protected] www.cabi.org/china ID

-MoA

-CA

BI-1

0-12

Zhang Feng, Project Manager

partners

Institution of Plant ProtectionChinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences

sponsor

Chinese Ministry of Agriculture

9KNOWLEDGE FOR LIFE


Climate change is likely to have a huge impact on agriculture in China and as a result, on poverty. Recent studies have predicted that by 2050 climate change could reduce Chinas agricultural output by up to 37%. Chinas farmers therefore need appropriate options to adapt to climate change and be resilient to it.

A number of research studies have, and are, focused on tackling this difficult task. However, because of the complexity of agricultural systems, many key knowledge gaps remain.

what is this project doing?This project helps to foster closer cooperation and interaction between Chinese and UK researchers supporting the China-UK Sustainable Agriculture Innovation Network (SAIN: www.sainonline.org/English), established to provide a coherent framework for development and implementation of sustainable agriculture.

Through a structured programme of knowledge exchange and joint research between Chinese and UK researchers, the project aims to communicate both the impacts of climate change on agriculture and the benefits of sustainable farming systems to representatives from farming communities, researchers and policymakers.

helping Chinas farmers adapt to climate change

locationsChina

date2010 2012

CABI project teamQiaoqiao ZhangMin WanFook Wing ChanLoke Wai HongFeng Zhang

10

Conducting literature reviews and surveys in farming communities, the project will establish the level ofawareness and current research that has already taken place on sustainable farming systems in China. Fromthis, the project will build the capacity of Chinese researchers through training programmes and help farmersunderstand and adapt to climate change by raising awareness of the strategies available.

To help disseminate our progress we will produce a bi-lingual website in both Chinese and English, pressreleases, posters, project summaries and our findings. Applying CABIs expertise, the communication aspectsof the project will be mainly down to us. Our role is to bring everyone together and help them to discuss theissues and share their ideas.

By helping researchers and farmers adapt to a new landscape, the project will promote sustainable agriculture,and strengthen the capacity of researchers and farmers to respond to the impacts of climate change.

results so farSo far, weve built and populated the website (www.sainclimatechange.org) which allows scientists to uploadtheir project information, provides a discussion forum, caters for feedback and shares the latest news on thetopic. All the key content information has been translated into Chinese and a database has been developed tocapture and categorize project information. Also, a mobile version of the website has been launched to promotecoverage on different technology platforms.

The project will continue to encourage scientists to upload information and use the forums. In addition,materials for farmers are being produced to raise awareness of the impacts of climate change and the optionsavailable to them.

contactCABI, Nosworthy Way, Wallingford, Oxfordshire, OX10 8DE, UK T: +44 (0)1491 829352 E: [email protected] www.cabi.org

www.cabi.org/climatechangeID

-CC

C-0

6-12

partnersWalker Institute for Climate System Research, University of ReadingInstitute of Environment and Sustainable Development on Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (IEDA, CAAS)University of LeedsMet Office Hadley CentreCABIInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences (IAP, CAAS)Tyndall Centre for Climate Change ResearchUniversity of HertfordshireInner Mongolia Academy of Agricultural & Animal Husbandry SciencesAnhui Academy of Agricultural Sciences

sponsors

DefraQlaoqlao Zhang, CABI Project Manager

11

KNOWLEDGE FOR LIFE


After rice, maize is the most important crop in Myanmar, the Lao Peoples Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) and Yunnan, China. Produced by around 19 million farmers in the region, it is used for both animal feed and human consumption.

so whats the problem?Average maize yields are almost half those of other Asian countries, such as Bangladesh. Insects including the Asian corn borer and other lepidopteran pests are a major factor, causing annual yield losses of up to 15 per cent.

Lack of appropriate machinery is preventing the safe and efficient use of pesticides. Farmers have little knowledge ofsustainablepestmanagementandbiologicalcontrol;themajorityofmaizegrowersinSoutheastAsiauseconventional methods, relying on broad-spectrum insecticides. Synthetic insecticides are readily available in China and Myanmar, where fear of crop losses results in overuse. As well as destabilizing the agro-ecosystem, this approach poses significant health risks to both smallholder farmers and consumers.

In contrast, farmers in the project implementation area of Lao PDR have virtually no access to commercial plant protection products and are therefore at high risk of suffering from pest outbreaks. Throughout the region, smallholder farmers lack resources and support to benefit from agricultural research, and are often helpless against serious crop pests that threaten food security.

locationsLao PDR, Myanmar, China

datesApril 2012 March 2015

project teamManfred GrossriederFrida RodheDirk BabendreierWan Min Zhi LiuUrs Wittenwiler

improving the livelihoods of smallholder maize farmers

12

what is this project doing?The aim is to improve the livelihoods and access to markets of smallholder farmers in the region by effectively transferring validated and sustainable plant protection technology, nurturing grassroots organizations, and developing new business opportunities.

The tiny Trichogramma parasitic wasps kill the eggs of maize pests such as the Asian corn borer without harming beneficial insects. Building on Chinese technology (Tianyi Biological Control Company Ltd), facilities to mass produce these wasps will be established in 21 villages. Local capacity building including training personnel, extension officers and smallholders both to produce and apply the wasps and in integrated pest management (IPM) practices will ensure the projects long-term sustainability.

Ownership of the production facilities will be passed on to grassroots organizations, making local production sustainable and improving smallholder farmers access to Trichogramma. Increased agricultural productivity will create new markets and business opportunities.

results so farIn each country, information has been established about target groups, pest occurrence and awareness, the importance and range of maize production, partners and opportunities. National partners have been trained to conduct participatory rural appraisals with the farming communities involved in the project. This baseline information gained from these assessments has allowed us to develop a yearly action plan. Developing this plan has encouraged networking between stakeholders, strengthening partnerships through communication and information sharing.

The partners were able to observe commercial Trichogramma facilities and the impact of biologically based plant protection during a study tour to DPR Korea. This gave them a greater understanding of biological control and of the projects potential benefits and challenges. Ultimately, the project will create local experts, and the process will identify the best locally adapted production design, implementation villages and pilot facilities.

contactCABI, Rue des Grillons 1, CH-2800, Delmont, Switzerland T: +41 (0)32 421 4870 F: +41 (0)32 421 4871 E: [email protected] www.cabi.org/switzerland

www.cabi.org/mekongmaizeID

-Mai

zeM

-10-

12

Manfred Grossrieder, Project Manager

partners

The Institute of Plant Protection Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (IPP-CAAS project applicant)

Plant Protection and Quarantine Station, Yunnan, China

Plant Protection Centre, Department of Agriculture, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry,

PDR Laos Plant Protection Division, Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation, Myanmar

sponsor

DG DEVCO - EuropeAid

13

KNOWLEDGE FOR LIFE


Rice is the most important crop in the Greater Mekong Subregion ofsouthwesternChina,Laos,andMyanmar;notonlyisitthemostimportant source of food but it also provides work and income for 80% of the population.

so whats the problem?Despite significant improvement of rice production in the region over the past 15 years, rice productivity is still low, in part due to the impact of pests, diseases and weeds. Intensive use of broad spectrum pesticides has led to problems like insecticide resistance and outbreaks of secondary pests (such as plant hoppers). Knowledge on more advanced rice production technologies and Integrated Crop Management (ICM) to overcome these problems and boost productivity is limited.

what is this project doing?This project, which is being managed by the CABI and Chinese Ministry of Agriculture Joint Laboratory (hosted by the Institute of Plant Protection of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences), aims to increase rice productionsustainablythroughresearch;capacitybuilding;andtheimplementationofbiologically-basedpestmanagement suited to current and predicted climatic conditions.

increasing rice production around the Mekong

locationsLaos, Myanmar and Southwest China

date January 2011 January 2016

project team Dirk Babendreier Sivapragasam Annamalai Feng ZhangUrs Wittenwiler (CABI Associate)

14

The project is particularly looking at improving rice yields by providing smallholder farmers with access to effective, locally available alternatives to pesticides biological control agents.

The project will therefore undertake:

biological control research to find agent for controlling rice pests

climate change study to ensure agents appropriate for future climatic conditions

design and roll out of low-technology, energy-saving production system for rural areas

development and dissemination of wider Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategy to all stakeholders

strategy to promote take-up by farmers

A research network of scientists and rice experts is being established to seek the best way to fight the main lepidopteran (moths and butterflies) rice pests using their natural enemies. The team will conduct experiments to find a suitable biological control agent and explore ways of embedding this agent into a wider ICM strategy.

Facilities for the mass production of a biological control agent will be designed and adapted to the conditions in the three countries. Special focus will be given to ensuring the profitability of the mass rearing facilities in order to ensure on-going production after the project ends.

Production personnel, extension services, and farmers will be trained on how to best produce and release the biological control agent so that they can fight the pest before it causes serious damage to the rice.

results By the end of the project we aim to have:

12 locally-adapted biological control agent production facilities established with the potential to supply up to 24,000 smallholder farmers

12 production facility managers and 36 support personnel trained

12-15 trainers trained in Trichogramma production techniques for training of facility personnel

24-30 trainers trained in IPM and Trichogramma application for training of farmers

960 farmers trained in, and implementing, IPM

contactCABI, Rue des Grillons 1, CH-2800 Delemont, Switzerland T: +41 (0)32 421 4885 E: [email protected] www.cabi.org

www.cabi.org/mekongriceID

-ME

KO

NG

-08-

12

partners

Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS)Dehong Plant Protection and Quarantine Station, Yunnan Province, ChinaPlant Protection Centre, Department of Agriculture of Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, PDR LaosPlant Protection Division, Myanmar Agriculture Service, Ministry of Agricultue and Irrigation, MyanmarXingan Plant Protection Station, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China

sponsor:

EuropeAid

Dirk Babendreier, Project Manager

15

KNOWLEDGE FOR LIFE


The Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPR Korea) faces annual shortages in national food production. Improving food security by protecting its crops against pests and diseases is vital.

so whats the problem?Much of DPR Koreas research community lacks the resources necessary to be able to conduct effective scientific studies, which are needed to enable food security to be improved.

what is this project doing?Funded by Development and Cooperation EuropeAid, this partnership project aims to strengthen the knowledge and in-house applied research capacity of DPR Koreas Academy of Agricultural Sciences (AAS), which works to provide solutions to the countrys agricultural problems. Improved efficiency at the research and development level is likely to result in sustainable increases in agricultural productivity, which in turn will enhance food security and improve nutrition for the population as a whole, especially the vulnerable.

Through participatory learning, project partners will gain experience in problem identification, experimental design, data analysis, and the presentation of results. They will learn the importance of communicating research-related experiences and knowledge with their peers, and through the systematic sharing of ideas and experiences will help to build an effective communication network between researchers, research institutes and

locationDemocratic Peoples Republic of Korea

datesJuly 2010 December 2012

project teamKeith HolmesDirk Babendreier

partnering to help DPR Korea improve food security

16

farms. This will provide the framework for a system able to facilitate timely responses to agricultural production problems.

To support capacity building in the partner institutes, the project will also provide material resources for experimentation and communication where they are urgently needed.

results so farScientific staff of the AAS are now able to support the development and implementation of their research by accessing the internet and online resources, including our own a big achievement.

We have enhanced the infrastructure so that AAS staff can communicate more easily with both each other and other stakeholders. Internet access for off-site institutes has also been improved, so national and international scientific knowledge is now more readily available to them. It is hoped that this will improve crop production methods and enhance food security.

To enhance the ability of AAS staff to design, carry out, and analyze their research, a workshop was held introducing them to experimental design and statistical analysis, and the application of these to their own research. Supported by CABI, Kim Il Sung University Pyongyang Agricultural University (AAS-PAU) has developed this into a new course. With funding from the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), AAS-PAU has produced a course manual and made 150 copies available to students.

A select number of AAS staff have also received training in communicating scientific information. They used these new skills to create posters and presentations for an international conference, and then attended the 24th International Working Group of Ostrinia and other Maize Pests (IWGO) in October 2011 in Germany, where they presented two posters and gave two presentations.

An international symposium focusing on current pest monitoring and forecasting and assessing future needs has been held at AAS. This first Joint AAS-CABI Scientific Symposium provided an excellent opportunity involving lively and detailed discussions for local partner scientists to discuss pest monitoring and forecasting with international experts. It also proved a useful and timely forum in which ideas for future implementation could be developed.

In addition to providing direct support to knowledge transfer and providing information, the ability of AAS to provide training has also been enhanced. With support from this project, the AAS Training Facility accommodation block has been renovated and 12 rooms completely refitted, making it easier for AAS to host scientists and agricultural staff from outside Pyongyang and thus improving its capacity to train and disseminate knowledge nationally.

contactCABI, Rue des Grillons 1, CH-2800, Delmont, SwitzerlandT: +41 (0)32 421 4870 F: +41 (0)32 421 4871 E: [email protected] www.cabi.org/switzerland

www.cabi.org/dprkppID

-DP

RK

PP

-10-

12

Keith Holmes, Project Manager

sponsor

Development and Cooperation EuropeAid

17

KNOWLEDGE FOR LIFE


Agriculture is particularly important in India, contributing over 20 per cent of its GDP. The country ranks second worldwide in terms of farming output.

so whats the problem?There are fears that the population will increase more quickly than farmers ability to grow food, so we need to support farmers to grow more crops and lose less to pests and diseases. This means getting practical information direct to smallholder farmers.

In developing nations, 67.6 per cent of the population 3846 million people subscribe to mobile phones, while only 12 per cent have fixed telephone lines and 4.4 per cent fixed broadband.* The developing world makes four in every five mobile phone connections worldwide.

CABI has been involved in using mobile technology to support farming in India since 2008.

what is this project doing?CABI is developing Direct2Farm, a mobile-enabled agriculture infomediary service aimed at making high quality information readily accessible to farmers, thus empowering them to solve their everyday farming problems.

* International Telecommunication Union, 2010.

locationIndia

dates2009 ongoing

project teamSharbendu BanerjeePriyanka Anand Direct2Farm

18

CABIs expertise in indexing and managing vast amounts of complex data, combined with its experience in agricultural best practice, soil health, plant pests and diseases will provide the basis for developing a powerful core of farming information. The Direct2Farm service will synthesize this data into short SMS and voice messages, which can be delivered via mobile phones. The information transmitted on agricultural issues will help smallholder farmers to improve their profitability and consequently their livelihoods.

The model being developed enables factsheets to be turned into small packages of information in the local language and then delivered directly to farmers via SMS and voice messaging. Farmers will be also able to consult a virtual helpline, the cloud contact centre.

CABI is also creating the core information product, a database of factsheets known as the agro-extension information repository, which includes administrative functionality such as allowing input and updating, accepting weather and agricultural market data, and outputting in a range of formats, which will be delivered to end-users by external organizations. CABI will work in partnership with mobile service providers as well as extension services, NGOs and agribusiness support.

results so farPartnerships have been created with mobile value-added service providers. The first of these is with IKSL, a joint venture between the Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Ltd (IFFCO) the largest farmers co-operative in India and Airtel, the countrys largest mobile network operator, along with Star Global Resources Limited, a rural telephony company. CABI is providing content quality assurance. Other partnerships have been formed with Handygo Technologies and the India Coffee Association, where Direct2Farms agroinfomediary service is used to reach rural communities.

Agricultural information, especially extension information, is widely dispersed across various institutions. CABI has created a Beta version of the web repository that will hold and provide access to core agricultural, animal production and market data. The Direct2Farm knowledge repository makes all this information available through a single window for simple dissemination. It allows NGOs, development projects, extension workers, and agribusiness to create customized content, which can then be disseminated through the agro-advisory or cloud contact centre service, for their target audience.

contactCABI, 2nd Floor, CG Block, NASC Complex, DP, Shastri Marg, Opp. Todapur Village, PUSA, New Delhi - 110 012, IndiaT: +91 (0)11 25841906 F: +91 (0)11 25842907 E: [email protected] www.cabi.org/india

www.cabi.org/direct2farmID

-D2F

-10-

12

Sharbendu Banerjee, Project Manager

partners

Handygo technologiesIKSL

sponsor

CABI Development Fund (CDF)

19

KNOWLEDGE FOR LIFE

research projects

OilpalmisofparticulareconomicimportanceinSoutheastAsia;Indonesia and Malaysia are two of the worlds largest producers.

so whats the problem?Ganoderma spp is impeding production of oil palm and many tropical perennial crops such as coconut, betel palm, rubber and tea, as it causes root and stem rot. Ganoderma basal stem rot (BSR) of oil palm is of particular economic importance, since it shortens the productive life of plantations, an effect which tends to be cumulative after successive planting cycles of this monoculture.

Initially, this disease was mostly confined to plantations in coastal areas. Now it has not only reached epidemic proportions, but has also had a severe impact on inland soils.

what is this project doing?Considerable work has been undertaken to amend soil so as to limit Ganoderma damage. Strains of the fungus Trichoderma have been shown to be incompatible with Ganoderma in laboratory tests, preventing it from affecting oil palm. An effective delivery system is therefore required to ensure that selected Trichoderma strains can be maintained in the environment and are able to contact and interact with the Ganoderma fungus.

Although research has concentrated on amending the soil to limit the spread of this fungus, aerial dispersion via spores may also be a significant cause of disease. Consequently, the project will trial both compost-based soil amendments and liquid or gel-based amendments that can be applied to the actual palm, at the base of the frond.

locationMalaysia

datesJanuary 2011 June 2013

project teamLum Keng Yeang Lee Boun Siew (CABI Associate)Low Ying ChiangChan Hong Twu

preventing Ganoderma from ruining oil palm

20

The phenomenon of suppressive soils where the fungus cannot develop has been reported and shown to manage a number of soil-borne diseases. A thorough investigation into the microbial diversity of these soils may provide useful leads to manage Ganoderma disease sustainably.

The project takes a fresh approach to examining ways to reduce the amount of Ganoderma in the oil palm ecosystem, both through direct intervention where Ganoderma is already resident in the soil and by boosting the soils capacity to suppress the development of Ganoderma disease.

results so farThe microbial profiles of the soil, as well as its physic-chemical properties, have been studied for plantations exhibiting both high and low incidences of Ganoderma disease. The team is looking for evidence of soil suppression, and the possible correlation between low incidence and population levels of specific microbial taxonomic groups. A number of these organisms have been isolated and show promising antagonistic properties in laboratory tests. Some of these have now been incorporated in a controlled environment and field trials are being carried out to test appropriate delivery systems for use in managing this debilitating disease.

contactCABI, PO Box 21043400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia T: +60 (0)3 8943 2921 F: +60 (0)3 8942 6490 E: [email protected] www.cabi.org/malaysia

www.cabi.org/ganodermaID

-Gan

oder

ma-

10-1

2

Lum Keng Yeang, Project Manager

partner

FELDA Agricultural Services Sdn Bhd

sponsor

Federal Land Development Authority (FELDA) Malaysia

21

KNOWLEDGE FOR LIFE


As fossil fuel prices increase and concerns about climate change grow, bioenergy crops have gained international prominence.

so whats the problem?Increasing demand for bioenergy crops could lead to conflict, particularly in the tropics where the need to produce food is paramount. Growing such crops could also lead to increased deforestation, where large scale forest land conversions are initiated. Some think smallholder farmers could incorporate the production of bioenergy crops into their current land use systems, growing such crops alongside food crops without jeopardizing their own food security. This would increase the smallholders cash flow and enable them to intensify food production.

Jatropha curcas is a Euphorbiaceae (from the spurge family), native to Central America and cultivated throughout the tropics. Its seeds are rich in oil (2740 per cent) which, using low-tech extraction techniques, is suitable for biodiesel. The plant is being promoted in several regions worldwide and especially in the two primary project countries, Mexico and India. Following insurgent activity in the planned field work area in India, in 2010 project activities were moved to Mali, and then, after the coup dtat in Mali in March 2012, to Burkina Faso.

In Mexico, where the plant is native, it is traditionally planted as a hedge. Large scale planting was initiated in 2006, particularly in Chiapas and Veracruz. In India, large-scale land conversions to Jatropha have been initiated in several states. In Burkina Faso and Mali farmers have been encouraged to plant Jatropha as part of an intercropping system or as hedges, with support from local extension workers. So far, however, little is known about basic agronomy and ecological impacts across different agro-eco-regions.

locationsIndia, Mexico, Mali, Burkina Faso

datesJune 2009 February 2013

project teamMarc KenisTim HayeCarol EllisonSteve EdgingtonSean Murphy

investigating the impacts of Jatropha curcas production

22

what is this project doing?The primary project involved six partner teams from Mexico, India, Belgium, Spain, Switzerland and the UK, with specific additional input from partners in Mali and, in the final year, Burkina Faso.

The aim was to assess the profitability, economic, social and environmental impacts of the production of the bioenergy crop Jatropha. The data obtained should enable us to identify the most suitable eco-regions for maximizing yields, taking into account different pests and diseases, production methods (smallholder versus large-scale planting), and economic, social and environmental production risks. A further objective was to identify shortfalls in land tenure systems or law, and develop legislation to ensure the social sustainability and equity of future bioenergy projects.

Studies on Jatropha were carried out in Mexico (Chiapas and Veracruz), northern India (Uttar Pradesh), Mali (Sikasso and Koulikoro) and Burkina Faso (Sissili). Where possible, three eco-regions along rainfall gradients were chosen in each country for the study. Activities were divided into three work packages:

categorizationofexistingbioenergysystems assessmentofenvironmentalimpacts socioeconomicimpactassessmentanddissemination.

results so farThe project is continuing, and data is still being analyzed. The main findings to date include:

Jatropha production in parts of all regions is being seriously curtailed by insect and pathogen attack lowpriceofJatropha seed and labour competition are the main concerns among producers with

established crops thereisnoevidencethatJatropha is an invasive species in the study areas in Africa.

contactCABI, Rue des Grillons 1, CH-2800 Delmont, SwitzerlandT: +41 (0)32 421 4870 F: +41 (0)32 421 4871 E: [email protected] www.cabi.org/switzerland

www.cabi.org/era-ardbiofuelsID

-ER

A-A

RD

-10-

12

Marc Kenis, Project Manager

partners

Centro Tecnolgico Forestal de Catalunya, Solsona, Spain Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Forestales y Agropecuarias, Veracruz, Mexico Katholieke Universiteit Leuven UTTHAN, Allahabad, IndiaMali Biocarburant and Faso BiocarburantMali-Folkecenter

sponsors

Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) Swiss Agency for Development & Cooperation (SDC)

23

KNOWLEDGE FOR LIFE


The floods experienced in Pakistan following the monsoon rains in summer 2010 were the worst since 1929, affecting over two million people and covering 20 per cent of the land. In Khyber, Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab, more than 200 mm of rain fell over a 24-hour period, and in Peshawar a record-breaking 274 mm.

so whats the problem?More than 1600 people were killed and over 3000 injured. Entire villages were swept away and millions of acres of agricultural land went under water, ruining crops. The floods also destroyed vital infrastructure, including wells and water channels, houses and animal sheds, personal seed stocks, fertilizers and agricultural equipment. The fact that it was nearly harvest time for many vital crops made the situation worse.

Many of the 170 million people who live in the region are smallholder farmers, which means that their livelihoods are extremely susceptible to the weather.

In the immediate aftermath it was very difficult to work effectively and efficiently. Aid agencies sprang into action and organizations like CABI worked to rebuild infrastructures that were damaged in the floods.

locationPakistan

datesNovember 2010 December 2011

project teamKauser Iqbal KhanAbdul Rehman Naeem Aslam

helping Pakistans farmers after the floods

24

what did this project do?CABI began a project, funded by Welthungerhilfe (a German relief charity), initiating an agricultural recovery programme in one of the worst affected regions Muzaffargarh district in the Punjab. Designed to address the needs of the flood-affected farming communities, the programme ensured they had enough food for the following year and were capable of supporting themselves.

The programme consisted of a free agriculture and irrigation support package, meaning that each flood-stricken farmer in the region could sow one acre of wheat. It also provided short-term employment opportunities for skilled and unskilled labour (nearly 20,000 man days in total), as well as training for farmers in good agricultural practices (GAP). The aim was to help reduce the vulnerability of flood-affected people, and improve group organization and the management capacity of farmers.

After the initial success of this project, CABI received additional funding to carry out further rehabilitation work of the agricultural infrastructure to promote food security among the flood damaged populations in the Muzaffargarh district of the Punjab.

resultsSeed and fertilizers have been distributed to 7000 farmers with fewer than five acres of land who suffered the worst damage in the floods, and have been trained in good agricultural practices. 2500 farmers have also been trained in integrated pest management (IPM) of wheat. Diesel has been distributed to over 5000 beneficiaries. We have reconstructed and rehabilitated 729 damaged tube wells, 12,450 m of lined flood damaged watercourses (111 in total) and 32,679 m of earthen portions of 36 water courses to carry water for farming.

We have also rehabilitated 10 fish farms, distributed 11,870 fingerlings (young fish) and food for the fish, and taught farmers how to manage them effectively.

2100 women (one from each household) have been trained in kitchen gardening, and we have distributed the seeds of five vegetable crops to them so they can feed their families with a diverse diet and secure their income through selling their surplus yield.

Overall, the project has helped many farmers to turn towards sustainable agriculture, enabling them to feed their families with less outside help.

contactCABI, Opposite 1-A, Data Gunj Baksh Road, Satellite Town P.O. Box 8, Rawalpindi, PakistanT: +92 (0)51 9290132 F: +92 (0)51 9290131 E: [email protected] www.cabi.org/sasia

www.cabi.org/floodID

-PK

Floo

d-10

-12

Kauser Iqbal Khan, Project Manager

sponsor

Welthungerhilfe

25

KNOWLEDGE FOR LIFE


Agriculture is hugely important in South Asia, generating money for the economy and income for smallholder farming families.

so whats the problem?Many smallholder farmers in the region are not making as much income as they could and a lot of produce is being wasted along the supply chain. Although nearly half of its population is employed in agriculture, Pakistan is still a net importer of food. The same is true of Bangladesh, where most farmers grind out a living, unable to move to a more commercialized way of farming to lift them out of poverty.

If rural farmers in India, Pakistan and Bangladesh are to succeed in todays market, they need immediate access to the latest information. Governments and development agencies recognize the potential for ICT and mobile technology to provide this, but although 45 per cent of South Asians now have a home PC and some villages have internet access, critical data on the weather and market prices are still not reaching the smallholder famers.

Farmers inability to access news about new agricultural technologies that improve productivity has been cited as the single largest barrier to the uptake of technology.

what is this project doing?Funded by the UKs Department for International Development (DFID), the CABI team is carrying out research and developing ICT solutions for farmers in India, Pakistan and Bangladesh.

locationPakistan

datesOctober 2010 March 2013

project teamMahrukh Siraj

developing and establishing ICT solutions for South Asias farmers

26

Building a picture of the gaps and fault lines in the current system of ICT provision will enable us to pinpoint the problems. We are exploring the possibility of working with local partners to deliver the necessary information services and, by using our decades of experience and expertise in implementing similar grassroots schemes, will ensure that people have access to the vital information they need.

Our research has identified the information required and the best means of disseminating it. The most frequently requested information is area/crop specific. Solutions tailored to farmers budgets are needed and, in addition, a requirement for advice on a yearly cropping plan to improve return on investment has been identified.

The project has also established that extension workers are under-resourced, inadequately trained and lack the infrastructure to communicate with farmers effectively. High transportation costs and lack of budget mean insufficient visits by field extension staff to the farmers in their area. Although a helpline has been established, it needs further development.

As most of the smallholder farmers have mobile phones, mobile applications are particularly well suited for communication between farmers and extension service providers, as well as for disseminating and collecting information to and from the field via voice and text massages in Urdu. Mobile phone operators have recognized that this could be a huge untapped market and are therefore keen to get involved.

results so farIn addition to the fieldwork, the CABI team has attended conferences and exhibitions showcasing developments in IT provision for farmers.

Discussions with a variety of people from government ministries and NGOs have enabled the team to establish what the issues are and future requirements for agricultural ICT provision. Informed by this research, a model has been proposed which focuses on providing self-sustaining, customized information through mobile phone technology in the field plus a web-based interface for institutional users. The model is currently being piloted in Pakistan.

contactCABI, Opposite 1-A, Data Gunj Baksh Road, Satellite Town P.O. Box 8, Rawalpindi, Pakistan T: +92 (0)51 9290132 F: +92 (0)51 9290131 E: [email protected] www.cabi.org/cwasia

www.cabi.org/ictsasiaID

-Asi

aIC

T-10

-12

Mahrukh Siraj, Project Manager

sponsor

Department for International Development (DFID), UK

27

KNOWLEDGE FOR LIFE


With 8.41 million hectares of land under its production, wheat dominates all others crops in Pakistan. The majority of it is grown in the Punjab, in the east of the country.

so whats the problem?Yields could be increased. Pests, such as the wheat aphid, can decimate crops. Natural enemies of the aphids, such as other insects, are being wiped out by broad spectrum chemical pesticides, the use of which has soared in recent years. This spraying is undermining the natural balance and, without the threat of their natural enemies, the wheat aphids are reaping the benefits.

More worryingly, wheat aphids are starting to attack crops at an early stage, causing maximum damage to maturing grains. It is inadvisable to spray most pesticides at this stage, and this is causing further economic loss to the farmers. Aphids are also thought to transmit viral and fungal diseases, and it could be just a matter of time before this happens in Pakistan.

what is this project doing?CABI is implementing a project to stop the pests before it is too late. As wheat is grown on a large scale, it is neither economically nor environmentally feasible to spray it with non-selective pesticides. More research is needed so the issue can be permanently and sustainably resolved.

locationPakistan

dates July 2009 June 2013

project teamRana ShafiqueMuhammad FaheemMushtaq Ahmed

helping Pakistans wheat farmers lose less

28

The CABI team is carrying out research and developing a management package which allows wheat farmers to take a proactive approach to controlling the aphids. A package of best agricultural practices (BAP) including the use of biological control agents, such as beneficial insects, has been developed as a management tool to tackle the problem before it becomes an epidemic. As a last line of defence, the team will draw up a list of pesticides that are comparatively safe for the environment. The selected pesticides will not harm beneficial insects but will be effective against wheat aphids.

To increase the numbers of beneficial insects, the team will encourage farmers to intercrop their wheat with canola (rapeseed). Natural enemies will then help to control the aphid populations before they cause any significant damage. We will also look at the potential benefits of balanced fertilizer use and the possibility of developing resistant wheat varieties which are naturally able to withstand wheat aphids.

results so farFirst, the team tested different ratios of the main constituents of fertilizer nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium to gauge their effects on aphid infestation and yield. The most aphids were recorded in plots where only nitrogen was applied, whereas the fewest aphids were noted in the plots where balanced fertilizer was used. These plots also gave the maximum yield.

Intercropping of wheat with canola was also trialled. The aphid population was reduced as a result of the higher population of natural enemies in the intercropped area, with little sacrifice to the wheat yield in economic terms.

We tested the effects of 15 insecticides on wheat aphids and their natural enemies. 10 pesticides caused more than 60 per cent reduction in the aphid population. Two of these proved to be best at controlling aphids and were also safe for natural enemies.

Farmers are now being trained in when to sow wheat, applying balanced fertilizer and safer pesticides, watering and intercropping, and these techniques are being promoted for dissemination across the region.

contactCABI, Opposite 1-A, Data Gunj Baksh Road, Satellite Town, P.O. Box 8, Rawalpindi, Pakistan T: +92 (0)51 9290132 F: +92 (0)51 9290131 E: [email protected] www.cabi.org/sasia

www.cabi.org/sawheatID

-WA

-10-

12

Rana Shafique, Project Manager

partners

Directorate Adaptive Research Punjab, LahoreWheat Research Institute, Faisalabad

sponsor

Punjab Agricultural Research Board

29

KNOWLEDGE FOR LIFE


Pakistan needs to produce better cotton. Sustainable production and improved quality are essential if this is to be achieved, but are being prevented by such problems as the overuse of pesticides and water resources, poor soil management, bad working conditions including the use of child and bonded labour and limited knowledge and skills.

so whats the problem?Too many pesticides, poor picking practices, adulteration with water and other materials, mixed grades and seed varieties, inefficient storage and transportation cause Pakistani cotton to lose around 1015 per cent of its value, equivalent to around US$350m a year. Farmers need to be made aware of the problems and trained properly to produce better cotton.

what is this project doing?Using Better Cotton Initiative production principles, this project mainly focuses on encouraging farmers to implement good agricultural practices (GAP). Participatory training is being given to small and large growers/farmers in Mirpurkhas in Sindh, following the farmer field school pattern where people learn by doing.

locationPakistan

dates16 April, 2012 15 April, 2013

project teamRiaz MahmoodAshfaque Ahmed Nahiyoon Ghulam Sarwar Solangi

producing better cotton in Pakistan

30

We are organizing 20 grower clusters and training them to produce better cotton. The clusters include more than 1000 large and small defined as farmers with over and under 50 acres of cotton growers and workers. We are providing large growers with advisory services and training for their workers. We visit each grower cluster every fortnight, in addition to providing advice via mobile phone.

Training modules cover the biology of pests and their ecological management, on-site mass production of natural enemies and their conservation, the disadvantages of pesticides, crop maintenance from sowing to harvest, decency in work, contamination-free picking, packing, storage and transportation to ginners.

results so farCrop management is improving and farmers attitudes are gradually changing: training field facilitators and developing grower clusters has resulted in farmers becoming aware of the disadvantages of pesticides and understanding the values of biocontrol agents in regulating pest populations.

We are helping large growers to establish reservoirs of natural enemies in their fields and training farmers to mass produce natural enemies of the mealy bug, the regions major cotton pest.

More than 50,000 Aenasius bambawalei adults have been released at different farms from CABIs centre in Rawalpindi. This parasitoid has become abundant in the project area, keeping the mealy bug population under tolerable limits. We are also encouraging farmers to form their own small organizations, have contact with authorities to address their farming problems and achieve better access to market.

As a result of the project:

thefrequencyofuseofpesticidesisdecreasing

farmersarebecomingawareofhowtoworkandchildrenarebeingtakenawayfromfieldwork

farmersareawareofbettermethodsofcottonpicking,storageandtransportation

discussionsoncropandsoilmanagementissuesandhowtosolvethemaretakingplace

ginners(cottonprocessors)havebeenaskedtoworkwiththefarmerspractisingBetterCottonInitiativeprinciples in farming on the project area

We hope that better production will improve the livelihoods of smallholder cotton producers.

contactCABI, Opposite 1-A, Data Gunj Baksh Road, Satellite Town, P.O. Box 8, Rawalpindi, Pakistan T: +92 (0)51 9290132 F: +92 (0)51 9290131 E: [email protected] www.cabi.org/sasia

www.cabi.org/pkcottonID

-Gan

oder

ma-

10-1

2

Riaz Mahmood, Project Manager

partners

Agriculture Research Institute, TandojamGovernment of Sindh, Pakistan

sponsor

Ikea Trading (Hong Kong) Ltd

31

KNOWLEDGE FOR LIFE


AgricultureisvitaltoPakistan;about25percentofitstotallandisunder cultivation, and exports bring in much needed foreign exchange.

so whats the problem?Pakistans agricultural sector is thriving, but it faces existing and emerging challenges in relation to food safety, agricultural health standards and trade. Poor sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures relating to the countrys exports bacterial contaminants, pesticides, inspection and labelling as well as animal and plant health issues have a damaging effect on revenue and, consequently, economic development. Agricultural exports have recently been subject to rejections and/or alerts from the EU. Pakistan therefore needs to develop a comprehensive SPS strategy.

what is this project doing?In order to increase the technical capacity of animal and plant health officials and scientists in Pakistan, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), CABI and Texas A & M University (TAMU) are developing and running training courses in SPS measures to meet both Pakistani and international needs.

The training modules which will be developed as distance learning DVDs to ensure that they can be used in places with poor internet access will be translated into Urdu, the national language of Pakistan. CABI will pilot the newly developed modules with appropriate audiences and solicit feedback.

locationPakistan

datesSeptember 2011 September 2014

project teamMahrukh Siraj

ensuring Pakistans agricultural trade is healthy

32

The modules will be complemented by workshops held at CABIs Rawalpindi office and at regional locations within Pakistan, which will consist of audio, video and written content catering to the different learning styles of the target audience.

results so farFour requirement workshops two each with animal and plant health officials to discuss issues and needs have been held in different locations in Pakistan. The results have been used to draw up a list of topics for the development of training modules, which has been shared with USDA and TAMU. Over the next two years, Pakistani plant and animal health officials, exporters and port inspectors will receive this comprehensive, contextualized training.

The USDA and TAMU team has visited Pakistan to meet plant and animal health officials in order to get a better understanding of the target audience and the regulatory environment and systems currently in place in Pakistan.

The project partners and CABI are developing the first e-learning modules which will be rolled out in the first quarter of 2013.

contactCABI, Opposite 1-A, Data Gunj Baksh Road, Satellite Town P.O. Box 8, Rawalpindi, PakistanT: +92 (0)51 9290132 F: +92 (0)51 9290131 E: [email protected] www.cabi.org/sasia

www.cabi.org/spsID

-Asi

aSP

S-1

0-12

Mahrukh Siraj, Project Manager

partner

Texas A & M University, USA

sponsor

USDA APHIS (United States Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service)

33

KNOWLEDGE FOR LIFE


Coffee is one of the most valuable primary products in world trade, earning crucial foreign exchange for developing countries. Its cultivation, processing, trade, transportation and marketing provide employment for millions of people worldwide. However, there are numerousthreatstoproduction;especiallypestsanddiseaseswhich,if left unchecked, can decimate crops.

so whats the problem?The coffee berry borer (Hypothenemus hampei) is the worlds most widespread and damaging insect pest of coffee. It develops inside the maturing coffee berry, making it difficult for farmers to control and causing the beans to weigh less and drop prematurely, resulting in a reduction in quality for harvestable berries. Production losses of at least US$500m per year have been estimated. Although the incidence of coffee berry borers varies, the pest can cause severe economic hardship in heavily affected areas.

what is this project doing?This Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) funded project applies CABIs vast experience in coffee berry borer management to address the problem in Indonesia and prevent it occurring in

locationsIndonesia, Papua New Guinea

datesJune 2008 June 2013

project teamSoetikno S SastroutomoMartin KimaniKeng-Yeang LumSean T MurphyGeorge OduorBryony Taylor

stopping the coffee berry borer in its tracks

34

Papua New Guinea. We are doing this by encouraging better management, and by putting in place prevention and incursion procedures where the pest is not yet known to occur.

Coffee berry borer management in Indonesia emphasizes situation-specific surveillance and awareness, appropriate integrated pest management research (such as cultural methods including crop sanitation and pest trapping), and the application of biocontrol agents. We will also use a participatory approach to train farmers in the latest technology. Indonesian farmers practical knowledge of coffee berry borer and its management has already significantly improved, following on-farm participatory trials and training.

In Papua New Guinea, we are emphasizing quarantine procedures where we are building capacity, encouraging early detection and emergency responses.

results so farMuch has already been achieved in this project. Master facilitators have been trained in integrated pest management (IPM) for coffee, with particular attention to the coffee berry borer and how to control it effectively and sustainably. Similarly, farmer field schools have been run to good effect. We have found that a combination of treatments, including pruning, sanitation, application of Beauveria bassiana (a fungus) and attractant (ethanol-methanol) trapping, gives the highest profit margin.

Two integrated pest management trials have been run in Indonesia to good effect and the results presented along with further information about the pest at the International Association of Coffee Sciences (ASIC) meeting.

Detected in Papua New Guinea in 2009 (on the border with Indonesia) and successfully contained and eradicated, the team sought the coffee berry borers possible route into the country. Three pathways were identified;humanmovement;exportandimportofcoffee;andinternalmovementofcoffee.Basedonthese,surveillance strategies and sampling methods for the pest have been developed for implementation.

The team is also producing materials to help build public awareness of the pest on the border between Papua New Guinea and Papua in Indonesia.


www.cabi.org/cbbID

-CB

B-1

0-12

Soetikno S Sastroutomo, Project Manager

partners

Indonesian Coffee & Cocoa Research Institute (ICCRI) PNG Coffee Industry Corporation Ltd. (CIC)PNG National Agriculture Quarantine & Inspection Agency (NAQIA)Provincial Estate Crops Agency for South Sulawesi & Papua, IndonesiaDirectorate of Estate Crops Protection, Ministry of Agriculture, Indonesia

sponsor

Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR)

35

KNOWLEDGE FOR LIFE


Trade is hugely important to Southeast Asia, where exports of fresh produce are worth over US$6bn each year.

so whats the problem?Much of this trade is subject to the importing countries pest risk management requirements. These requirements may be damaging to product quality, hampered by limited availability or capacity, or detrimental to the environment. Where measures fail, trade may be disrupted entirely.

Pests may also be introduced to Southeast Asia via imports. This is a particular risk where a pest may enter one country and then spread to neighbouring countries unimpeded. Experience shows that by the time an introduced pest has been detected, it may have already have become too widespread to eradicate.

what is this project doing?With funding from the Standards and Trade Development Facility (STDF), we are taking a look at the regional case study on oil palm planting materials and providing our project management expertise. This systems approach uses modelling and decision support tools, such as Control Point-Bayesian Network, to help quantify integrated management methods combined with two or more risk management measures. This offers more flexible, quantified pest risk management and with the addition or removal of measures as needed sometimes without stopping trade allows for a more proportionate response to risks. Using this approach, plans are generally developed jointly between exporting and importing countries, which creates a more symmetrical

locationsMalaysia, Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, United Kingdom, Australia

dates1st July 2011 30 June 2012

project teamA SivapragasamLum Keng Yeang Sue Mei Jean

beyond compliance: managing quarantine pests in Southeast Asia

36

relationship in trade negotiations. While the participating countries comply with the importers requirements, the area is ready to move to a more proactive role in designing pest risk management plans.

Although the systems approach has already been implemented in Southeast Asian trade, there are significant conceptual, technical and institutional barriers to taking full advantage of it. Besides building competence in technical issues, building confidence is key to moving beyond compliance. So plans imposed by trade partners are negotiated, evaluated and considered. And using modelling to clarify a proposed trade system means that the importing country does not require extensive data and can assess the efficacy and impact of each measure, thereby building confidence.

Using case studies on priority trade opportunities, the project will guide the exporting countries involved through the process of using a systems approach to pest management. Guidance on governance for stakeholder involvement, plans and others are provided by our partner, Imperial College London.

results so farThe project has produced a review that describes pest risk management for imports and exports in the region, including the design and evaluation of these measures. We have also designed a conceptual framework for decision-making within the systems approach. Demonstrations of this approach through case studies, and establishing Southeast Asias competencies, has been undertaken. We are also developing a coordinated framework, which can be shared regionally and presented to the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC).

The long-term outcomes of applying the systems approach include more robust pest risk management in the region, leading to increased protection from the threat of introduced pests, more confidence in trade negotiations, and new opportunities for trade. More stakeholders will be involved in the pest risk management planning process, resulting in increased engagement in compliance with phytosanitary measures.

contactCABI, PO Box 21043400 UPM Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia T: +60 (0)3 8943 2921 F: +60 (0)3 8942 6490 E: [email protected] www.cabi.org/malaysia

beyondcompliance.wordpress.comID

-BC

-10-

12

A. Sivapragasam, Project Manager

partners

Queensland University of TechnologyImperial College London National Plant Protection Organizations of the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia and Thailand

sponsor

Standards and Trade Development Facility (STDF)

37

KNOWLEDGE FOR LIFE


Invasive alien species (IAS) are, after habitat destruction, the second biggest threat to biodiversity worldwide.

so whats the problem?Invasive alien species are significantly affecting local and global biodiversity in Southeast Asia, invading and threatening forest habitats and the species that live in them. They are also indirectly affecting the livelihoods of millions of people who depend on forests for food, commodities and energy security. Countries in the region recognize the need to implement Article 8 (h) of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) to mitigate the threats posed by IAS.

what is this project doing?Responding to the need for additional action against invasive species, CABI and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), in collaboration with a host of partners, have developed a project funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF).

The overall goal is to conserve globally important forests, species and genetic diversity in the region, with the initial aim of enhancing the capacity of four countries Cambodia, Indonesia, Philippines and Vietnam to manage their invasive alien species. Focusing particularly on forest ecosystems, the project will strengthen existing national frameworks to prevent and manage IAS. We will achieve this by establishing national policy and institutional frameworks, developing mechanisms for risk analysis, early detection and rapid response mechanisms, and cost-recovery systems to finance IAS activities.

locationsCambodia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Philippines

datesDecember 2011 November 2015

project teamA Sivapragasam, Arne WittMorris Akiri, Alphonse WerahLum Weng Kiong, Chan Fook Wing, Chan Hong Twu

managing invasive species in Southeast Asian forests

38

We plan to increase regional co-operation and create awareness of the threats posed by IAS. Building capacity within the region will be an important component of this, and will contribute to the sustainability of all interventions during this project.

Overall, the project will:

establishnationalpolicyandinstitutionalframeworks buildregionalco-operationinSoutheastAsia buildnationalcapacityandstrengtheninstitutionalsupport undertakenationalpilotworktoprevent,controlandmanagepriorityforestIAS carryoutnationalinformationandawarenessprogrammes monitorandevaluatepests.

There are five pilot projects across the four partner countries, addressing the management of invasive plants in protected and production forests.

results so farA successful inception meeting has been held with the stakeholders and the project has been launched in Indonesia. The other countries will follow as soon as the necessary administrative protocols have been completed.

Work plans and activities, including those for the five project sites, have been finalized between CABI and the project countries. Work within the countries to implement the various components is already underway.

Participants, supported by funds provided through UNEP from the Satogaeri Foundation of Japan, have undergone a week-long training course on forest restoration provided by the Forest Restoration Research Unit (FORRU) at Chiangmai University.


www.gefforestinvasivessea.org

ID-G

EFI

AS

-10-

12

A Sivapragasam, Project Manager

partners

United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Cambodia General Department of Administration for Nature Conservation and Protection (GDANCP)Ministry of EnvironmentIndonesiaConservation and Rehabilitation Research and Development CentreForest Research and Development Agency (FORDA)Ministry of ForestryPhilippinesForeign Assisted and Special Projects Office (FASPO)Department of Environment and Natural Resources VietnamBiodiversity Conservation Agency (BCA)Environment Administration, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE)

sponsors

Global Environment Facility (GEF) main donorASEAN Center for Biodiversity (ACB)SEAMEO-BIOTROP, IndonesiaDepartment of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF), Australia Wildlife Conservation Society Indonesia ProgramWWF Asian Rhino and Elephant Action Strategy (AREAS) Kerala Forest Research Institute Biosecurity Queensland (DEEDI), AustraliaCSIRO, AustraliaSatogaeri Fund, Japan

39

KNOWLEDGE FOR LIFE


Invasive species are species not native to an ecosystem which threaten habitats, biodiversity, food security, health or economic development through their introduction, establishment and distribution.

so whats the problem?The global cost of damage caused by invasive species has been estimated at US$1.5 trillion per year close to 5 per cent of global GDP. A more recent estimate of the cost in Europe alone is 12bn.

Invasive species affect many ecosystems and pose one of the biggest threats to biodiversity worldwide. Growth in trade, transport, travel and tourism inevitably increases the intentional or accidental introduction of organisms to new environments and it is widely predicted that climate change will make matters worse.

CABI has a long history of researching the behaviour and management of invasive species.

what is this project doing?CABI developed the Invasive Species Compendium (ISC) in partnership with an international development consortium to address the global need for accessible information on invasive species. The ISC, a comprehensive online knowledgebase covering recognition, biology, distribution, impact and management of the worlds invasive species, is the most extensive and authoritative compilation on the subject. Content is derived from thousands of peer-reviewed expert contributors, backed up by compilations of knowledge and

locationWorldwide

datesOngoing

project teamGareth Richards, Lucinda Charles,Mark Palmer, David Simpson, Nicola Wakefield

the Invasive Species Compendium

40

research. It offers extensive coverage of all invasive species, from every taxonomic group (excluding human pathogens), with fast and easy navigation between text, images, maps and databases.

The ISC is essential for resource managers, extension workers, policymakers and researchers in agriculture and the environment. Freely available to all on an open access basis, it includes detailed datasheets comprising fully referenced sections on taxonomy and nomenclature, distribution, habitat, identification, biology and ecology, species associations, pathways of introduction, impacts and management, complemented by images and maps, supported by abstracts and full text articles.

invasive species datasheets

Over 1500 datasheets on invasive species and animal diseases have been developed for inclusion in the ISC:

35percentplants(aquaticandterrestrial) - 30 per cent pests and pathogens of agricultural and environmental plants (terrestrial) - 15 per cent aquatic animals - 15 per cent animal pathogens - 5 per cent terrestrial vertebrates animaldisease - over 120 animal diseases and associated pathogens habitatinformationonriskofspeciesinvasion,impactsandmanagement pathwayinformationonpathwaysforintroductionanddispersal - causes (why a species is transported) - vectors (physical means of transport) summaryinformationonassociatedspecies

library

Full text articles complementing the individual species datasheets. Articles can be easily searched for on the library page or the home page.

bibliographic database

Over 79,000 abstracts with metadata are available via CAB Direct. These CAB abstracts include references cited in the datasheets of relevant research literature and are updated weekly. The CABI full text archive gives access to more than 1400 articles. CAB Direct provides linking services.

results so farThe ISC launched in April 2012, with 1520 full datasheets, 6980 basic datasheets, 57 library documents, 1130 full text articles, over 780 glossary definitions, and over 75,000 bibliographic records.

contactCABI, Nosworthy Way Wallingford Oxfordshire OX10 8DE UKT: +44 (0)1491 832111 F: +44 (0)1491 829198 E: [email protected] www.cabi.org

www.cabi.org/iscID

-ISC

-10-

12

Gareth Richards, Project Manager

partners

European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organization (EPPO)Invasive Species Specialist Group (ISSG)World Organization for Animal Health (OIE)

contributors

The Invasive Species Compendium could not have been produced without the collaboration of experts from around the world.

sponsors

A consortium of 29 organizations

41

KNOWLEDGE FOR LIFE


Biofuels, derived from biological carbon fixation, have been identified as a sustainable alternative to traditional energy sources such as wood, oil, coal and gas. They include transport fuel derived from oil crops such as Jatropha and sunflower, bioethanol from fermentation of plant sugars (eg sugarcane), starches and lignocellulose (eg crop residues), and algal fuels.

Over the last five years, higher oil prices around the world and the perceived growing need for energy security have resulted in biofuels receiving increased attention from the public and the

Date post:	12-Mar-2016
Category:	Documents
Upload:	cabi
View:	223 times
Download:	1 times

Project Dossier - Asia

Documents