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PROMOTION OF
ACCELERATED MAIZE
PRODUCTION PROGRAMS
The UNDP and CIMMYT signed an agreement
in March, 1970 to promote the joint
development and use of high yielding, high
lysine corn in Latin America. Subsistence
farmers in Mexico, Central America, and the
Andean Region of South America are the
primary clientele.
Experience gained in the Puebla Project
should prove useful in this work. Since 1967,
this project has field tested and refined a
model to speed up the adoption of new corn
varieties and production practices among
small farmers. This model, which combines
applied research, extension and coordination
of infra-structural activities, offers a useful
framework for programs now being organized
in other countries.
CIMMYT's participation in these programs
includes: assistance in the identification of a
project area; selection and training of a team
of (approx.) five agronomists; purchase of
some vehicles for direct use in the project,
and technical assistance to the project team
during the initial stages of operation. Cooperating
countries are expected to cover the
operational costs of salaries, vehicle operation
and repair, supplies and equipment.
Cooperative maize production programs
have entered initial stages in three cpuntries.
A project area has been identified In Ecuador;
and Colombia and Peru will select project
sites during 1970. Colombia's team of agronomists
was selected and sent to Mexico for
training in JUly. A team from Peru is expected
in Mexico for training by the end of 1970 and
a team from Ecuador is due in 1971.
In most cases, the training in Mexico will
consist of a degree program at the Graduate
College at Chapingo, plus direct participation
in the field activities of the Puebla Project.
This will generally require two years; hence
it is expected that applied research activities
in the cooperative program will be initiated in
1971 through use of personnel and facilities
of the country research institutes.
Much of the world's food production is produced on small holdings by families who manage to provide
enough for themselves and their farm animals, with little or no surplus to sell. The Puebla Project is
aimed directly at bringing the benefits of modern production technology to these families, with an integrated
program of improved practices, applied research and close work with agricultural agencies,
political leaders, and agronomic input suppliers. A varietal demonstration is shown below, providing
the farmers with first-hand knowledge of the new technology.