Seed Policy and Programmes for Asia and the Pacific


Book Description

This publication presents the proceedings a meeting organized and implemented by the Asia & Pacific Seed Association and the Department of Agricultural Extension of the Ministry of Agriculture in Bangkok, Thailand in close collaboration with the Seed and Plant Genetic Resources Service of the FAO. In line with the Rome Declaration on World Food Security and the World Food Summit Plan of Action, the Meeting recognized that one of the major challenges facing most countries in Asia and the Pacific is the need to invest significant resources into strengthening their capacity to increase the availability of good quality seeds of a wider range of plant varieties. This will contribute to the maximization of both agrobiodiversity and productivity, in order to achieve national food security while reducing environmental degradation and the depletion of natural resources. The Meeting proposed and agreed to establish a regional seed network to facilitate the exchange of information and expertise among countries and to coordinate policies and programmes designed to strengthen and improve local seed production and distribution systems in Asia and the Pacific. The Seed Network for Asia and the Pacific (SNAP) will facilitate inter-country scientific and technical collaboration on seed production and supply, and promote crop genetic resources evaluation, conservation and utilization in the region.







Status of seed legislation and policies in the Asia-Pacific region


Book Description

The vast majority of the world’s food crops are annuals that are grown from seed sown at the start of each production season. The quality of that seed is a key determinant of production. Farmers cannot easily observe the quality or identity of seed at the point of sale, which creates a risk on the part of the farmer. With the development of the commercial seed trade and the increasing number of varieties during the 20th century it became important to reduce this risk. This led to the formulation of laws and regulations intended to protect farmers and increase agricultural productivity through the adoption of modern varieties. The commercial seed industry has grown rapidly in Asia over recent years and these laws should be reviewed to ensure that they reflect recent developments in both technology and trade. In practice, the progress of this updating varies widely across the region; some countries have completed, some are working on it now, while others have not yet started. The purpose of this study is to review the current status of seed legislation in countries of the Asia-Pacific region, to share experiences and to make recommendations for future development of the seed sector in a way that serves the best interests of farmers and society as a whole.







Cases in the Environment of Business


Book Description

The Ivey Casebooks Series is a co-publishing partnership between SAGE Publications and the Richard Ivey School of Business, The University of Western Ontario.




Proceedings of the International Symposium Southeast Asia Vegetable 2021 (SEAVEG 2021)


Book Description

This is an open access book. International Symposium – SEAVEG 2021 as a medium for educators, researchers, practitioners and students to convey the results of research, insights, knowledge, and innovations that have been carried out and compile them into a concrete, implementable formula. SEAVEG 2021 could be a discussion forum that encourages and accelerates agricultural development in Indonesia, especially horticultural commodities. The symposium welcomes papers that explore but not limited to the topic of Vegetables for Resilience and Healthy Diets. The range of the topics covered by SEAVEG 2021 includes: Hunger and MalnutritionStarvation occurs when a person does not get enough food, and in the long run, it can lead to malnutrition. Malnutrition can also occur when a person lacks essential nutrients as a result of not eating sufficiently.The horticultural sub-sector, especially vegetables, is a rich source of nutrients. As a food ingredient that contains many nutrients including vitamins and minerals, proper consumption of vegetables is important. It includes breeding, seed quality, production, and related aspects. Food and Nutrition Security Food as basic human need plays a significant role to create a good life. The availability of safe and nutritious food must be fulfilled. Food deficiency can create instability. >In order to achieve food stability, each country has different concepts and methods depending on their respective conditions, such as economic, geographic, technological, regional dan socio-cultural conditions. It includes breeding, seed quality, production, and related aspects. Food Supply Chain and Agribusiness In developing countries, the food supply chain has not been efficient because of the many actors involved. The supply chain describes the process of food, in this case from horticulture commodities, from production, processing, distribution, consumption, and disposal. Each step of the supply chain requires human resources that will reduce the farmer’s margin. The length of the supply chain also affects people’s purchasing power. Food Supply Chain is one of the many aspects from agribusiness system. To make an environmental that is leaning towards farmer’s prosperity, we need to make an agribusiness system that is efficient. Digital marketing system, such as marketplace, can shorten the supply chain and support better agribusiness system. Young Agripreneur in Horticulture Currently, young people around the world are not much interested in the agricultural sector. Agriculture, especially horticulture sub-sector, is very prospective to increase income and economic value. Farming vegetable commodity from upstream to downstream is very challenging for the millennial generation to develop. The demand in the horticultural sector, especially vegetable products, is increasing during the covid-19 pandemic. It is a business opportunity in itself, especially for young agricultural entrepreneurs. Millennial characteristics, adaptive to technology, full of innovation, make young agricultural entrepreneurs have the potential to increase the income and develop their business in horticultural commodities. Covid-19: Issues and Challenges in Vegetables for Resilience during PandemicThe Covid-19 pandemic is a momentum for the revival of the horticultural sub-sector. A balanced nutritional intake, especially vegetables, is highly recommended. People are increasingly aware that vegetables accompanied by a proper and healthy diet are beneficial for increasing body immunity. People are also encouraged to practice a healthier lifestyle to maintain endurance. Therefore, they will get infected by the disease. This change in mindset has influenced people’s interest in finding healthy food sources, such as vegetables that are good for health.







Forest Genetic Resources Conservation and Management


Book Description




15 years in Afghanistan


Book Description

Emerging from decades of war in 2002, Afghanistan and its rich agricultural history were in need of urgent repair and reinvigoration. Since that time, FAO has been operating in the country to rehabiliate irrigation infrastructure, build new dairy and wheat seed industries, improve livestock health, help smallholders diversify their crops and add higher-value products, halt deforestation and help the country adapt to climate change. This report presents highlights from the work carried out over the past 15 years, featuring stories and testimonials from satisfied FAO beneficiairies. It is organized to reflect the priorities that the Government of Afghanistan has outlined in its current agricultural development plan, while also showing how FAO's work cuts across many sectors of agriculture. The report demonstrates that, despite some setbacks, FAO has brought increased prosperity, sustainability and self-reliance to the farmers, pastoralists and farm product processors of Afghanistan.