Regional vegetable R&D for food security
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Agricultural experts and researchers from Asean members and other countries in the region are gathering in Champassak province to discuss cooperation on vegetable research and development for food security, nutrition, poverty reduction and environment sus
The 10th steering committee meeting of the Asean-AVRDC Regional Network for Vegetable Research and Development (AARNET) hosted by Laos will run for four days from March 24-27.
The meeting is being chaired by the Champassak provincial Deputy Governor, Bouasone Vongsongkhone.
“The AARNET steering committee meeting has been held in different countries every year according to the constitution approved by all the member countries. We have managed a great deal of cooperation and achievement in the past 10 years,” said the National Agriculture and Forestry Research Institute Director General, Bounthong Bouahom.
Laos has long recognised the value of vegetable production for enhancing nutrition and providing income so, for more than 30 years, adaptive research for improved varieties and production technologies has been emphasised to bring better production and income to Lao people, he said.
“In Laos many different kinds of vegetables are consumed daily, but the 10 top species prioritised from our survey are cucumber, chili pepper, pak choi, onion and others,” Bounthong said.
Tomato and cabbage are prioritised for research and development.
Vegetable production in the country is progressing, however there is still poor crop management, poor post harvest handling of pest and disease problems which decrease their productivity, quality and availability year round, he explained.
During this meeting, members will update and discuss about cooperation on vegetable research and development in the past and how to apply the results achieved and further deepen research cooperation in the coming years.
Participants are also discussing and analysing difficulties or challenges with and opportunities for priority crops, capacity building and exchanging research results.
They will make a one-day tour to the Bolaven Plateau in Pakxong district, where most vegetables are grown.
Bounthong hoped that the vegetable research and development in the region will be further strengthened and progressed in order to help producers and to meet the need of consumers and industry demands.
