CGIAR Central Asia and the Caucasus

New Wheat Varieties Released in CAC Region

Two varieties of bread wheat, Azametly-95 and Nurlu-99, from CIMMYT-ICARDA-Turkey nurseries have recently been released in Azerbaijan by the resolution of the State Commission on Testing and Protection of Breeders' Achievements. During four-year trials, these varieties have shown good resistance to diseases, including yellow rust and are suitable for irrigated conditions in lowlands and foothills. In addition to being early maturing, varieties Azametly-95 and Nurlu-99 have potential productivity of about 7.0-8.0 t/ha. Primary seed production of these varieties was undertaken at the Research Institute of Crop Husbandry and farmers' fields since 2002 with support received from ICARDA since 2002. Presently, more than 1.4 thousand ha area has been sown to these two varieties. In 2004, it is planned to have about 20 tons of seed to be distributed to farmers in different areas of Azerbaijan.

Inception Workshop on ADB project held in Tashkent

An Inception workshop on ADB funded project on "Improving Rural Livelihoods through Efficient On-farm Water and Soil Fertility Management in Central Asia " was successfully held in Tashkent from 19-20 February, 2004. In all, more than 60 participants attended the workshop, including Heads of NARS and leading scientists from all Central Asian countries and Azerbaijan , representatives of ADB, SDC, USAID, GTZ, and some NGOs, scientists from ICARDA Headquarters and CAC Regional office as well as IWMI scientists.

ADB Mission visited ICARDA office in Tashkent

ADB Mission headed by Dr. Katsuji Matsunami, Director, Agriculture, Environment and Natural Resources Division, ADB visited ICARDA-CAC Regional Office in Tashkent on 11 February, 2004. The Mission was undertaken on the Central Asian Republics Initiative for Land Management (CARILM), which is an outgrowth of the ongoing process to strengthen implementation of the UNCCD in Central Asia.

RAIS - CAC Workshop held in Tashkent