Proceedings of the Fifth Asian Regional Maize Workshop - Search ...

. According to the findings of the surveys, study planting dates, plant densities, weed
control, intercropping with various food crops, relay cropping, fertilizers, irrigation
levels, etc.
c. Preparation of written recommendations for improved cultural practices according to the
varieties, the agroecological conditions, and the cropping systems.
C. Post-harvest technology (Post production systems and seed technology):
The main objective is to improve the post-harvest operations in order to improve the quality
of the final products, such as maize for human food, for animal feed, and maize for dual purpose.
Activities will include:
a. Diagnostic surveys to identify the major constraints in post-harvest operations including
storage, drying, shelling, etc.
b. Test alternative techniques if necessary.
c. Develop improved seed technology techniques.
d. Prepare written recommendations for improved post-harvest operations appropriate for the
farmers.
D. Socio-economic studies:
The aim is to study the agro-socioeconomic aspects of maize production in the priority
regions in order to provide guidance to the other activities of the program. Activities will
include:
a. Conduct of surveys in priority regions to identify major constraints and potentials for
maize development.
b. Prepare written recommendations to guide the other components of the program.
E. Priority areas:
The priority regions for maize research will be the provinces of Luang Prabang,
sayabury, Vientiane, and Champasak, and also Vientiane prefecture.
OUdomsay,
Expected results
It is expected that research will give a better understanding of the maize situation at the
farm level, some improved material for extension, maize for food, feed, and dual purpose, and an
increased impact on lowland maize growers in the central region and upland growers in the
northern region.
10. R9COlIIIIet'ldat i ons:
a. The improvement of the varieties for food and for both food-and-feed, shall be pursued
employing an on-farm research approach. For the varieties for food, whenever possible, and in
order to counteract their inbreeding depression, a recombination procedure is recommended.
b. A national programme for seed conservation should be implemented in the area of maize
for feed with a subsidy incentive for the construction of bamboo cribs.
c. A governmental commitment for research and an agreement with an international institution
specialized in maize breeding, are also recommended.
d. In order to build up a research team for maize breeding, two pairs of nationals (one
pair at a time) should be allowed to get some training at a specialized maize breeding institution.
One of the first candidates should be the person recently nominated responsible for the
Lao National Maize Breeding Programme.
R9COlIIIIet'lded
- Variety
- Fertil ization
- Planting date
- Spacing
- Crop establishment
practices for farmers
HDK-4
NPK:90-60-30 kgs/ha
April-June / OCtober-December
80x25 cm
2-3 seeds/hill in furrows; thin to 1 plants per hill 2 weeks after
emergence
- Water management
- Hand weeding
Irrigate whenever necessary
Twice
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