Maclean et al. - 2002 - Rice almanac source book for the most important e

objectives are to focus rice-sector activities in an
integrated manner, provide a permanent forum
for the exchange of useful up-to-date
information, share results among the partners,
and strengthen the rice sector in its member
countries by consolidating local and regional
institutional arrangements. Participation of all
actors in the rice sector is encouraged, including
public-sector institutions, universities, and
NGOs. FLAR plays an important role in
diagnoses of national rice sectors, participates in
the elaboration of national rice research plans,
trains scientists to assess priorities, and promotes
the integration of rice producers’ associations
and other nongovernmental associations.
FAO
The principal involvement of FAO in rice
research and development is through the
International Rice Commission, established in
1948. Its purpose is to promote national and
international action in matters relating to the
production, conservation, distribution, and
consumption of rice. The members are FAO
member countries in which rice is grown.
The Commission’s functions also include
undertaking cooperative projects directed at
solving rice production problems. The
Commission has an information role in the
production of information on rice matters, and an
advisory role in recommending to the members
actions that appear necessary to solve these
problems.
The notable growth in rice production over
the past 50 years is attributable, at least in part,
to the work of the Commission, either directly or
indirectly, in applying technology, implementing
cooperative programs, and disseminating
information.
In the past decade, it has been involved in
setting up several regional networks and working
groups. The Commission’s Secretariat currently
supports
• the Inter-Regional Cooperative Research
Network on Rice in the Mediterranean
Climate Areas (Med-Rice),
• the Wetland Development and
Management Network/Inland Valley
Swamps,
• the Working Group on Hybrid Rice in
Latin America, and
• the International Task Force for Hybrid
Rice.
FAO has a memorandum of understanding
with two international rice research centers: with
IRRI to strengthen collaborative action aimed at
promoting wider adoption of hybrid rice
technology outside China (an agreement that was
extended to include the provision of information
to and joint publication of this Almanac) and
with WARDA to support rapid rice technology
diffusion in West Africa.
During the 1990s, member countries of the
Commission and international institutions
including FAO itself approved and funded nine
technical cooperation projects in support of the
Commission’s work. The Commission’s major
recommendations are implemented by the Rice
Development Programme in collaboration with
national and international institutions and
agencies. This program includes the following
elements:
• hybrid rice development and use,
• rice integrated crop management,
• inland-valley swamp development and
use,
• New Rice for Africa (NERICAs),
• prospering with rice, and
• support to the Special Programme on
Food Security.
58 Rice almanac