Food and nutrition security, income growth, poverty alleviation, employment generation, judicious use of land, water and other resources, sustainable agricultural development and environmental and ecological management/improvement have assumed high priority in the various countries of the region. Crop diversification could be an effective strategy in this direction. Efforts, therefore, need to be made by governments to explore fully the potential and prospects of crop diversification to forge congruence of enhanced productivity, profitability and sustainability.
Against the above backdrop, FAO organized a Regional Expert Consultation on Crop Diversification in the Asia-Pacific Region at the FAO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific, Bangkok, Thailand, from 4 to 6 July 2000. Experts from concerned countries participated in the workshop. They were able to identify critical issues needing attention. The report of the consultation was published as RAP publication No. 2000/14, in October 2000, highlighting the major recommendations. This publication collates further useful information in the form of proceedings.
Appreciation is expressed to the participants for their presentation of papers and contribution to the discussions. In particular, sincere thanks must be accorded to Messrs M.K. Papademetriou and F.J. Dent for compiling and editing this valuable document. Also, the unfailing support of Mrs Valai Visuthi, who provided assistance in formatting the manuscript, is greatly appreciated.
R.B. Singh
Assistant Director-General and FAO Regional Representative
for Asia and the Pacific
