The Asian maize biotechnology network (AMBIONET): a model for strengthening national agricultural research systems

Abstract

This report reviews the impacts of the Asian Maize Biotechnology Network (AMBIONET), organized by the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) with funding from the Asian Development Bank to strengthen the capacity of public maize research institutions in China, India, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam to produce high-yielding, disease resistant, stress tolerant maize cultivars. It was found that, during its lifetime (1998-2005), AMBIONET clearly benefited researchers and institutions in participating countries, as well as CIMMYT. In addition, there was good progress toward developing improved cultivars. Asian farmers are just beginning to gain from the work, but their future benefits will likely pay for AMBIONET’s relatively modest expenditures many times over.