Crop Diversification in the Asia-Pacific region - United Nations in ...

Working Strategy- Pocket areas as defined by the APP is the strategy for implementation.- Within the pocket areas farmers groups will be formed, comprising mixed groups ofmen and women farmers, and specific women farmers groups particularly in areasand for crops where women are the key decision makers.- To make the farmers groups sustainable, appropriate measures will be adapted.- In order to make the groups independent, the formation of cooperatives and higherlevel organization are being encouraged.- The approach will be demand driven with the demand coming from the farmergroups. The research and extension services are provided on the basis of farmers'needs.- The needs and requirements of the farmers are identified through group meetings inthe pocket area itself.- The farmers are being encouraged to undertake marketing through demonstrations,training and workshops.- The private sector involvement is encouraged in appropriate areas, such asprocessing, marketing etc.- In every potential district, a joint forum for traders and producers is beingencouraged.- Besides technical and input services, credit services are being made available tofarmers.The whole agricultural system has been divided into two areas i.e., food security andcommercialization.Crop diversification does not only addresses food security and commercialization, butalso makes judicious use of land, water and other resources. Any commodity which is locallyfeasible commercially and has higher comparative advantage can be taken into considerationso that there will be income growth which contributes to poverty alleviation. Even small andmarginal farmers come into groups and can have a commercial type of farming. In this waythe system can be made economically sustainable, environmentally friendly and ecologicallysound.As regards the implementation, besides the concerned agencies, there are differentcommittees at different levels i.e., District level, Regional level, Central and National level.These committees have representations from line agencies, NGOs, private sector, andfarmers etc. Problems encountered are taken to these committees and discussed thoroughly tobring out solutions. They also provide guidelines to implementers and suggestions to policymakers. Crop diversification programmes if implemented properly help improve the wholeagricultural system.90