TNAG-2110-FCO40-3009-Hong-Kong-participation-in-international-organisations-1990 — Page 180

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3.

In order to provide base-line data for the development of problem areas FAO completed sixteen country studies identifying major constraints to improvements in irrigation based on data from 99 irrigation projects, while assessments of soil-related constraints to agricultural production and fertilizer-use trends were completed for all countries in the Region.

4.

Assistance in the agricultural development of small island countries was provided to the Solomon Islands, where the country's land classification capacity was strengthened, and to Fiji where assistance was provided in environmental planning and analysis.

Soil Management and Fertilizers

5.

Increased emphasis was given to the promotion of TCDC. The RAPA-supported Regional Organic Recycling Network increased to 427 members from 27 countries. The exchange of information and experience between countries was facilitated through the annual network bulletin. Technical support was provided to an ESCAP/FAO regional seminar on the use of recycled organic matter China. Studies on biological and organic fertilizer use for 12 countries' in the Region were completed. The results were discussed at a regional expert consultation which led to the establishment of the Asian Network on Bio and Organic Fertilizers. FAO completed studies on problem soils management for 14 countries in the Region. These were discussed at an expert consultation to establish a TCDC network.

6.

Preparatory assistance in project formulation was provided for the development of transmigration projects in Indonesia and problem soils management in Viet Nam. Assistance to Thailand in the development and trial of soil tillage and management techniques to increase soil productivity is continuing.

7.

The promotion of equity along with agricultural growth is closely linked with small farmer access to factors of production, market information and training. In this regard field projects are underway in Bangladesh, Bhutan, Laos, Nepal, Philippines and Sri Lanka aiming at increasing crop production, particularly of food crops grown by small-scale farmers, through the efficient use of fertilizers, other sources of plant nutrition, and other necessary inputs. About 1 400 field trials and 2 500 field demonstrations, including 150 large-scale block demonstrations, were conducted to demonstrate to farmers the efficient use of fertilizers, organic matter, other inputs and improved crop husbandry practices. Over 400 in-service training courses were held in which about 10 000 national staff participated, 10 percent of whom were women. More than 50 000 farmers were directly reached through some 2 000 field day demonstrations with women representing 25 percent of the participants.

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Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, India, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Republic of Korea, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Viet Nam.

Bangladesh, China, India, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Viet Nam.

Australia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Viet Nam.

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