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this tool in improved vegetable production. Training courses on mushroom production were organized in four countries and are proving helpful in popularizing mushroom production with small growers. Specialized technical assistance for improved mushroom cultivation was provided through projects in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Viet Nam, Bhutan and Papua New Guinea.
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27.
More than 20 scientists were trained under TCP/RAS/8853 Regional Tropical Pasture Demonstration and Extension in Southeast Asia. A working group on grassland and forage resources of Malaysia, Philippines and Thailand was established for promoting development of manpower, exchange of expertise and materials. The status and future prospects of production of pasture and fodder were analysed in China, India, Nepal, Pakistan and Philippines, and the countries were assisted in sharing successful experiences with each other. The problem of fodder scarcity and degradation of the vegetative cover of the high altitude zones in the Himalayas which is currently leading to severe erosion and water control problems as well as to reduced rural incomes is being tackled by the regional project RAS/79/121, which helps in the pooling of national knowledge and expertise in Bhutan, India, Nepal and Pakistan.
28.
Eleven South Pacific Island countries were given support for germplasm collection, breeding, agronomic trials, development of new cropping patterns, storage, marketing, utilization and processing of root and tuber crops through country and regional projects. An expert consultation which examined current status, gaps in areas of research and development in root and tuber crops in the Pacific Island countries was organized. Tissue culture techniques promoted through various projects. helped in increased sharing of root planting materials and freeing clones of pathogens in the island countries.
Seeds
29.
Production and distribution of standard seed was strengthened in a dozen countries which is proving effective in wider adoption of new production technologies based on improved seeds. Assistance was provided through project GCP/RAS/103/DEN to Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, Indonesia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Sri Lanka and Thailand for strengthening national seed centres and manpower. Sixteen training courses on seed technology were organized at national and regional levels and over 1 800 staff were trained. Nine national seed centres were strengthened and planting materials and equipment for seed production, processing, storage and testing were supplied.
30. Assistance was given to Myanmar for the preparation of a national project on vegetable seed production, to China and India for production of forage seed. Assistance was given through operational projects to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea in seed processing and storage, Bangladesh in vegetable seed production, Indonesia in seed quality control and certification, Nepal in vegetable seed and fresh vegetable production and marketing, Pakistan in variety registration and in seed potato and vegetable seed production, and Afghanistan in seed production and training. The present and future needs of vegetable seed production in Pacific Island countries were analysed and a sub-regional project was prepared. About
5 000 seed samples were sent for experimental purposes to 18 countries in the Region.
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