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ICARDA News 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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Media
contact:
Dr Surendra Varma (s.varma@CGIAR.ORG)
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1 December 2005
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ICARDA adopted a strategy to utilize wild native plant species in the deserts of UAE and other countries to tackle the problems of animal feed shortage, lack of water for forage production, and rangeland degradation. Local farmers and livestock owners in UAE and other countries helped in identifying specific plant species, which were then tested for forage productivity, quality, and water-use efficiency. Integrated production and protection management (IPPM) The extensive use of chemicals to control diseases and pests in greenhouses results in complex problems of resistance build-up, and health and environmental hazards. Instead of relying on hazardous chemicals, crop protection can be achieved using specific control measures that form an integrated production and protection management (IPPM) program. Research stations and private growers in UAE and other Arabian Peninsula (AP) countries have adopted and implemented the IPPM.
The next step after identifying suitable forage species is to ensure the availability of large quantity of seeds for distribution to farmers. ICARDA-APRP, in collaboration with the MAF, has established a Seed Technology Unit at Dhaid Research Station to help in seed multiplication, processing, storage, and quality control of all range and forage species. Soil-less growing technology The soil-less growing technology was introduced into UAE using simple growing channels constructed with locally available materials for the production of high quality tomato, cucumber, pepper, and lettuce with minimum amount of water. The economics of this technique is highly significant in comparison to conventional soil-based growing system.
The automatic weather station network for AP The automatic weather station network consists of eleven automatic weather stations, which were distributed to all AP countries. The weather station network aims to improve weather management through proper irrigation scheduling. Data from the network are collected by telephone and published on the internet. Information technology and expert systems Information technology for natural resources management in the Arabian Peninsula (ITAP) is one of the major components of ICARDA-APRP program. Some of its achivements include:
ICARDA conducted several training courses in collaboration with NARS in the AP countries to improve human resources and technology transfer. On-the-job training courses proved to have been greatly successful in farm management. The Center is providing necessary support and logistics for young researchers and extension agents to work for 2-3 months in advanced farms and agricultural research stations in the region. ICARDA provided training on indigenous and exotic forages; production of quality seed of important indigenous forage and range plants; production of high quality cash crops with less water and hazardous chemicals; rangeland rehabilitation, water harvesting and re-seeding techniques; techniques for the production of high quality cash crops; information technology and expert systems; scientific writing and data presentation.
From 1987 to December 2004, 64 trainees from the UAE, including researchers, technicians, and extension agents participated in different training programs of ICARDA. For more information contact: Dr Ahmed Moustafa |
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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.