· The consultation recognized that crop diversification is one of the best options to increase farm income leading to food, nutrition and ecological security as well as poverty alleviation in the region. Therefore, greater attention should be paid to crop diversification by the governments of the region. Crop diversification could be approached in two complementary and interactive ways; a) horizontal diversification through expanding the crop base by substituting or adding more crops into the cropping systems as commonly practiced by many countries of the region; and b) through vertical diversification in which downstream activities are undertaken to add value, indicating the stage of industrialization of the crops and their economic returns. Vertical diversification is complementary to horizontal diversification, and the opportunities should be exploited for product diversification and value addition to achieve highest economic returns.
· Efforts have been made by different countries to identify high specialty crops, new crops, off-season varieties and production systems, and novel varieties of crops with comparative advantage, mainly fruits, vegetables and ornamentals, to open up new opportunities for farmers. It was noted that the promotion of multipurpose species would also be useful for diversification of agro-processing on small scale at local/national level for productivity enhancement and expanded employment opportunities.
· Rice is the most important crop in Asia. However, in marginal areas, rice-based cropping systems have relatively low returns. Improving the current cropping systems to enhance their sustainability to the extent possible, and shifting marginal areas out of rice into other more profitable crops is seen as a solution. Alternatively, flexible cropping systems for upland farmers that feature production of more income elastic goods like horticultural products are a means of diversifying their income sources.
· Concerns have been expressed regarding the policies of some countries to reduce the extent of land under major perennial crops and rice; and subsequent repercussions of these will have a long-term bearing. It was noted that such crop replacements unless carefully analyzed might have adverse effects on the food and industrial product supply in the region.
· The need for improved seed and other planting materials for effective crop diversification was recognized. The production of quality seed through national seed programmes and efforts of many countries towards hybrid seed development was noted. The consultation recommended the strengthening of national seed enterprises and promotion of private seed industries to supply quality seed and other planting materials which is so vital for crop diversification. Steps should be taken to maintain effective national and sub-regional seed security in the region through regional collaboration.
· The high post-harvest losses of crop produce particularly in horticultural crops which annually account for 20-40 percent in most countries, if prevented, could increase yield by similar amounts. It was recommended that efforts should be made to minimize such losses. The development of links with the food industry for product diversification and value addition to meet the demands of the changing society was recommended.
· Serious concern was expressed of the soil fertility depletion, due to continued intensive cropping over long periods of time, which needs to be corrected. The use of organic manures as replenishments through direct application or crop rotations and insertion of green manure crops and other food legumes in the cropping systems was recommended.
· Due to the impending labour shortages for agriculture, the need for mechanization of field and post-harvest operations was noted. Need for mechanization of agricultural operations and assessment of the machinery use by the agricultural sector of countries of the region was emphasized. In view of limited land, water and labour supply, the need for adoption of emerging agricultural technologies such as protected agriculture, organic farming, Integrated Plant Nutrient System (IPNS) and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) was emphasized. Efficient input supply systems through micro-irrigation and fertigation should be encouraged.
· The role of the private sector in the development of modern agro-enterprises to infuse capital and technology into diversified cropping systems for effective commercialization for long term sustainability was advocated.
· The importance of diversification to value-added export oriented crops was emphasized. In that context, the need to study marketing opportunities and product standards required by importing countries, as well as price fluctuations, competitiveness etc., prior to embarking on diversification, was highlighted. Furthermore, the availability of market information was considered essential for identifying promising external markets. In general, there is no point in diversifying into a crop for which market potential is limited.
· Individual countries have developed policies, strategies and implementing mechanisms for crop diversification. These include infrastructure development (transport, communication and markets), pricing policies, subsidies, insurance schemes, tax, tariff etc., in order to minimize risks and safeguard the interests of agricultural entrepreneurs. As the strategies adopted by different countries are innovative and diverse, sharing of such information will benefit the other countries to stabilize and sustain their crop diversification initiatives.
· The governments role in recognizing farmers participation in the total process of crop diversification, provision of information on new crop varieties, technologies to be used, potential yields, marketing avenues and incomes to be realized was essential for the development of successful crop diversification programmes. The need for skill development and capacity building and documentation of required information through the production of field manuals, extension leaflets etc., for use by the entrepreneurs was also considered essential.
· Significant changes are taking place in domestic and international demand for crop products due to improvement in income, better standard of living, and changing life styles and preference patterns such as improved horticultural and livestock products. Trade liberalization and development of transport and communication infrastructure have opened more avenues for trade and have improved access to new and distant markets. This has created new opportunities for crop diversification in various countries.
· The role of FAO as facilitator in the development efforts of crop diversification undertaken by different countries, through holding of seminars and workshops, skills development programmes, information sharing, facilitating germplasm exchanges etc., was recognized. The need for the development of an information database on crop diversification for use by policy makers, farmers, consumers, and other stakeholders was an essential requisite for crop diversification. It was recommended that efforts should be made to compile this database. To facilitate all the above-mentioned activities the establishment of a Network on Crop Diversification for the Region was recommended.
· Recognizing crop diversification as an element of poverty alleviation, income generation, equity and natural resource conservation, and to enhance this, a well designed mechanism has to be developed through the participation of international organizations and local governments to strengthen the initiative undertaken by this region.
For further details log on website :
http://www.fao.org/docrep/003/x6906e/x6906e0h.htm#CONCLUSIONS%20AND%20RECOMMENDATIONS
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