Proceedings of the Asian regional maize research planning and coordination meeting

Abstract

It was after leaming of the impact of a similar meeting in the CIMMYT South American Regional Maize Program, that we agreed in also holding a Regional Maize Research Planning and Coordination Meeting. In such meetings, an efficient collaboration can he decided between national programs from countries with similar research problems increasing the efficiency in utilizing financial and human resources in solving common problems. The meeting was divided in 3 Sessions, each followed by a plenary to agreed on what was determined by various groups in each Session. Such Sessions were: I. Identification and prioritization of problems affecting maize production in the Region; II. Comparative advantages of institutions, individual and listing of resources required for solving those problems; and III. Assignment of responsibilities and identifIcation of resources for implementation of the projects. It was encouraging to have the presence and enthusiasm of 34 participants from 7 strong NARS, in the Region, private sector, and international organizations involved in this Meeting. Our appreciation to Dr. Rachain Thirapom, Coordinator of Maize Program of Kasetsart University and staff at the Inseechandrastitya Institute for Crops Research and Development (Farm Suwan) for making these facilities available to hold this meeting. The results of our deliberations (included in these Proceedings), will undoubtedly be positive. It will be up to all of us in the Region to execute our decisions and show the results that can be accomplished when we work together to solve common problems.