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I C A R D A N e w s INTERNATIONAL CENTER FOR AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH IN THE DRY AREAS P.O. Box 5466, Aleppo, Syria Phone: (963-21) 2213433, 2213477, 2225112, 2225012 Fax: (963-21) 2213490, 2225105; E-mail: ICARDA@CGIAR.ORG Website: www.icarda.cgiar.org |
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For
more information contact:
Dr Surendra Varma (s.varma@CGIAR.ORG)
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15 September 2005
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At the ICM training courses, ICARDA and CIP scientists discussed improved agronomic practices and the control of diseases and pests in potato. The discussions covered recent developments in clean seed production methods as well as land preparation, planting methods, fertilizer application, irrigation, insect and pest management practices, and post-harvest management of seed. Around 199 farmers; 41 staff members from the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Food (MAAHF); and 40 personnel from NGOs and other development agencies were trained in ICM practices in the five target provinces. At the IDM training courses, CIP experts delivered lectures on the major fungal, bacterial, viral and nematode diseases of potato; their diagnosis (visual identification) and integrated control measures; identification of major aphid species, their relationship with virus transmission, and monitoring and control in seed potato. Slides and live specimens were used to facilitate the diagnosis of pests. Through practical sessions the participants were trained in diagnosis of bacterial wilt, and two viral diseases (potato virus Y, and potato leaf-roll virus). A ‘Plant Clinic’ was also organized where insects and diseased plant specimens brought by farmers and extension workers were identified by the resource persons, and control measures recommended. The participants were also trained on various aspects of aphid monitoring. A total of 136 farmers; 57 officials from MAAHF and 35 from NGOs and other agencies were trained. Each ICM and IDM training activity was a two-day event. The first day was devoted to lectures, and the second to practical training. All the courses concluded with an assessment of the participants’ acquired knowledge on ICM and IDM that showed a 90% success rate. Besides high-ranking officials from MAAHF, the participants included Provincial Directors of Agriculture and Extension Services, representatives of Provincial Rehabilitation Team-United States Department of Agriculture (PRT-USDA), and RAMP. The events were covered by the local, national and international print and electronic media. Dr Mohinder Singh Kadian, Agronomist, International Potato Center, South West and Central Asia (CIP-SWCA), New Delhi; Dr Muhammad Arif, Seed Specialist/IRS and Mr Muhammad Essa Hussaini, Local Coordinator, CIP Liaison office, Kabul; Dr Nasrat Wassimi and Mr A.R. Manan, of ICARDA-Afghanistan were the resource persons for these training courses. Potato is the third important crop in many parts of Afghanistan and occupies more than 15% of the 90,000 hectares of cultivated land. Lack of quality seed limits the yield increases in the country, as no organized formal or informal seed system exists. To develop an effective seed production system, farmers need to be trained in production technologies of disease-free seed. Through the introduction of quality seed of improved potato varieties and agro-techniques coupled with a growing marketing system, the project has achieved a 30% yield increase during the past two years. |
About
ICARDA: Established in 1977, ICARDA (www.icarda.cgiar.org)
serves the entire developing world for the improvement of barley, lentil,
and faba bean; and dry-area developing countries for the on-farm management
of water, improvement of nutrition and productivity of small ruminants
(sheep and goats), and rehabilitation and management of rangelands. In
the Central and West Asia and North Africa (CWANA) region, ICARDA is responsible
for the improvement of durum and bread wheats, chickpea, pasture and forage
legumes and farming systems; and for the protection and enhancement of
the natural resource base of water, land, and biodiversity.
The Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) (www.cgiar.org) is a strategic alliance of countries, international and regional organizations, and private foundations supporting15 international research centers that mobilizes cutting-edge science to promote sustainable development by reducing hunger and poverty, improving human nutrition and health, and protecting the environment.