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30 Dec 2008
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Student in Lao PDR has a taste for good nutrition
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Vientiane - Lee Yay Sayaxang, a 27 year old student in his final year at the Faculty of Agriculture at the National University of Laos, beat over 260 other entrants to win the FAO Nutrition Quiz, receiving a 150 000 Kip prize.
Inspired by the signing of the new National Nutrition Policy, the Nutrition Quiz was a popular feature of the FAO...
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30 Dec 2008
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High food prices in Asia – an update on assistance and policy developments
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Bangkok (FAO) - Delivery of agricultural inputs to vulnerable farm households under FAO’s Initiative on Soaring Food Prices (ISFP) has recently begun in Bhutan, the Philippines and the Pacific Island Countries; has almost been completed in Afghanistan and is nearing completion in Cambodia and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.
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29 Dec 2008
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Mixed prospects for 2008 cereal production in Asia
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Despite the unprecedented high global cereal harvest in 2008 which is projected to boost world wheat and rice stocks by up to 10 percent in 2009, Asia and the Pacific region faces mixed prospects with average cereal outputs almost stagnant.
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28 Dec 2008
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Changes in dietary habits due to rising incomes in Asia
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Bangkok (FAO) - Rising incomes, urbanization and changing lifestyles have led to a major shift in food preferences in Asia and the Pacific region. Traditionally carbohydrate-heavy Asian diets are becoming richer in fat and protein with rice consumption declining in Southeast and East Asia since 1995.
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27 Dec 2008
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Putting nutrition at the centre of development - The significance of the launch of the Lao National Nutrition Policy
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Despite more than 10 years of robust economic growth in Lao PDR, the situation remains unchanged for the 40 percent of children under five years that continue to be affected by chronic malnutrition, denying them the right to reach their full mental and physical potential. Many also suffer from high levels of micronutrient deficiencies.
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26 Dec 2008
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Pacific countries need to build food resilience against climate change
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Apia, Samoa (FAO) - A new study by FAO, the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme and the University of the South Pacific highlights the urgent need for agricultural and environmental institutions and stakeholders in the Pacific Island Countries to team up
to address the serious threat to regional food security from climate...
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23 Dec 2008
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First detection of Ebola Reston virus in pigs – FAO/OIE/WHO offer assistance to the Philippines
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Manila (FAO/OIE/WHO) – Following the detection of the Ebola Reston virus in pigs in the Philippines, the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) and the World Health Organization (WHO) announced today that the government of the Philippines has requested the three agencies send an expert mission...
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22 Dec 2008
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Improving agricultural production in earthquake-hit Sichuan province
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Chengdu – Farmers, experts and development partners agree that training and capacity building are urgently needed to support efforts for improved rural production and raising livelihoods of families affected by the May 2008 earthquake in China’s Sichuan province, FAO said today.
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18 Dec 2008
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Indonesia’s media talents join in the fight against avian influenza
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Jakarta - Established talents and rising stars from Indonesia’s media celebrated the opening of an exhibition of their work at the national launch of the FAO and Indonesian Ministry of Agriculture 'Media Partnership Project: Human Faces of Avian Influenza'.
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15 Dec 2008
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26th session of the Commission for controlling the Desert Locust in Southwest Asia
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Kabul - The Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock (MAIL) with collaboration of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is hosting the 26th session of the Commission for Controlling the Desert Locust in Southwest Asia (SWAC) which will be held in Kabul on 15-17 December 2008.
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8 Dec 2008
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8.7 million North Koreans need food assistance
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Low yields because of lack of fertilizer and fuel
Rome - Around 40 percent of the population of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), an estimated 8.7 million people, mostly young children, pregnant and nursing women and the elderly, will urgently need food assistance because of an expected cereals deficit in the coming months,...
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11 Nov 2008
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Record-level US support for bird flu programme - Indonesia, Viet Nam and Egypt among major beneficiary countries
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Rome - The United States will provide an additional $44.4 million in support of FAO's avian influenza control and prevention campaign, FAO announced today.
With the new funding from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), US support to the FAO avian influenza programme has reached a total of $112.8 million.
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30 Oct 2008
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Mass distribution of buffaloes begins in Nargis ravaged areas
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Yangon - Funded through a generous donation from PriceWaterhouseCoopers Charitable Foundation, 353 farm families received buffalos to restock animals lost when cyclone Nargis struck the delta last June. This donation will help hard hit families recover their livelihoods and resume household food production, an FAO statement said today.
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29 Oct 2008
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Five mobile veterinary units to fight bird flu in Thailand
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Five pick-up cars, equipped for bird flu investigations, were handed over today by FAO to the department of livestock development (DLD). The mobile veterinary units were provided through a generous contribution from the government of Japan. The cost of the five mobile veterinary units amounts to Baht 6.6 million.
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16 Oct 2008
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FAO honours model farmer from China
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Today, Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn presented FAO awards to four Asian farmers from Afghanistan, China, Viet Nam and Thailand.
Rong Wenxi from China was honoured as a model farmer for rural biogas development.
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16 Oct 2008
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FAO honours model farmer from Thailand
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Today, Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn presented FAO awards to four Asian farmers from Afghanistan, China, Viet Nam and Thailand.
Somjit Praisimuang from Thailand was honoured as model farmer for organic horticulture.
Somjit Praisimuang is a woman who was ahead of her time.
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16 Oct 2008
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FAO honours model farmer from Viet Nam
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Today, Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn presented FAO awards to four Asian farmers from Afghanistan, China, Viet Nam and Thailand.
Mrs Nguyen Thi Thu from Viet Nam was honoured as model farmer in the field of integrated agriculture.
People often look to government for answers.
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16 Oct 2008
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FAO honours model farmer from Afghanistan
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Today, Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn presented FAO awards to four Asian farmers from Afghanistan, China, Viet Nam and Thailand.
Haji Aminullah from Afghanistan was honoured as a model cooperative farmer.
From the time he was about eight years old, Haji Aminullah and his farming family in Afghanistan experienced...
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6 Oct 2008
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5th Asian Conference on Food and Nutrition Safety, Cebu, 5 to 7 Nov 2008
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The Asian Conference on Food and Nutrition Safety (ACFNS), held once every four years since 1991, is recognized as a regional scientific forum to review, discuss and address the science that ensures safety of food and water supply.
The 5th in the series, under the them "Science-based Solutions - Sustainable Actions", will be held from 5 to 7...
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22 Sep 2008
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Urgent support needed for Pacific farmers and food consumers
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Nadi, Fiji – The deepening global financial turmoil and soaring energy and commodity prices have serious adverse effects on poorer households, women and children. Rapid action is needed to avert increased child malnutrition and increase the availability of affordable food on local markets, said the Chairperson of FAO’s South West Pacific...
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9 Sep 2008
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Soaring food prices in the Pacific - FAO providing US$2.5 million emergency assistance
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Apia - Pacific island countries will benefit from US$2.5 million emergency assistance from FAO for increased agricultural and livestock production, targeting small farmers and poor consumers in 14 Pacific islands.
Under this short-term assistance – part of the Initiative on Soaring Food Prices (ISFP) launched by FAO late last year -...
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4 Sep 2008
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Sri Lanka – FAO support to enhance rice production in conflict and flood affected districts
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Colombo - In response to the Sri Lankan government’s request for assistance in the context of soaring food prices, FAO has approved the project "Input supply to vulnerable populations under Initiative on Soaring Food Prices" and allocated US$ 500 000 to finance it.
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28 Aug 2008
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Cambodia: Emergency seed and fertilizer distribution to counter soaring food prices
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Phnom Penh (Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries/Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nation) – MAFF and FAO announced today that they are launching an emergency project to help impoverished farmers boost agricultural production immediately.
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25 Aug 2008
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Integrate climate change adaptation into national development planning to help the poor in South Asia
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Geneva/Bangkok/Dhaka (WMO/FAO/UNESCAP) – "Large populations in South Asian countries depend on semi-subsistence agriculture for their livelihoods and future projections of climate change impacts indicate that substantial reductions in crop yields from rainfed agriculture could occur.
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14 Aug 2008
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Update on bird flu in Asia
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Bangkok - In Bangladesh, after several months with outbreaks reported all over the country, no outbreak was reported in the month of June 2008. As of 30 June 2008, a total of 287 outbreaks had been recorded in 47 out of 64 districts. These included outbreaks in 245 commercial farms and 42 outbreaks in backyard poultry production systems.
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11 Aug 2008
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Rice production is forecast to rise by 1.5 percent in 2008
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Bangkok - Barring any major setback in the next few months, global rice production in 2008 is forecast to rise by 1.5 percent to 668 million tonnes.
Much of the expansion is expected in Asian countries, now forecast to gather some 605 million tonnes, 1.1 percent above the excellent 2007 production results.
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7 Aug 2008
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Cyclone Nargis-affected families receive buffaloes
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Yangon/Bangkok – The distribution in late-July of 600 buffaloes to farming households in Myanmar’s cyclone-affected delta has greatly assisted small-scale rice farmers to prepare their paddy fields in time for the planting season and will serve as an important asset for upcoming cultivations, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United...
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31 Jul 2008
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Extend the role of COPs and networks to advocacy and social mobilization beyond dissemination of innovation and sharing learning in agriculture suggests discussion at eIndia
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"The Role of COPs and Networks in e-Agriculture" a panel discussion at eIndia.
Over a two hour session a group of distinguished panelists discussed with the eIndia audience the role of communities of practice (COPs) and networks in e-Agriculture. The discussion was moderated by Shalini Kala, IDRC.
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30 Jul 2008
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Focus on multi-stakeholder partnerships and develop tangible new ICT projects says forum at eIndia 2008
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"Making e-Agriculture Work through Public Private Partnership in Asia" a panel discussion.
At eIndia today, partners in the global e-Agriculture initiative came together to continue the discussion about the role of public private partnerships (PPP) in supporting e-agriculture. (Building on the March 2008 online forum on www.e-agriculture.org.
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21 Jul 2008
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Food Price Index and Food Commodity Price Indices
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Please note that the FAO Food Price Index and Food Commodity Price Indices have now been updated and are available at:
World Food Situation-High Food Prices http://www.fao.org/worldfoodsituation/wfs-home/en/ or directly at
World Food Situation-High Food Prices-Food Price Indices http://www.fao.org/worldfoodsituation/FoodPricesIndex/en/
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17 Jul 2008
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Urgent appeal for cyclone-hit communities in Myanmar
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FAO seeks US$33.5 million to help small farmers and fishers restore livelihoods
Rome – With the clock ticking on Myanmar’s main planting season, agricultural support is urgently needed to restore food production in the country’s cyclone-hit rice bowl, FAO said today.
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2 Jun 2008
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Pacific feedback on Asia-Pacific Forestry Week
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The link below provides great coverage of Pacific islanders' participation at Asia-Pacific Forestry Week – held in Hanoi from 21 to 26 April 2008 – and some useful feedback of their impressions.
This portal was created by the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC), and FAO has been granted permission by SPC to link to their home page.
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30 May 2008
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Facts and information on rising food prices in Asia-Pacific
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Bangkok - This week a new e-newsletter was launched by FAO aimed at providing facts and information on soaring food prices in Asia and the Pacific.
Food markets in the region have been volatile for close to a year now, and stakeholders are closely monitoring the dynamic changes, in particular policy actions and price movements.
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26 May 2008
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Maps and atlases on agriculture in Myanmar
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New FAO website offers access to Digital Agricultural Atlas
Bangkok – FAO has launched a new website offering a wide range of data and information tools on agriculture in Myanmar.
The site contains downloadable digital and printed atlases, maps from the FAO-maintained GeoNetwork digital library, agroclimatic charts and crop calendars, and...
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23 May 2008
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Food insecurity on the rise in Myanmar
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Bangkok - The already severe food security situation in cyclone-hit Myanmar is further worsening due to food shortages and high food prices, FAO said today.
Out of 2.4 million affected people, hundreds of thousands in the remote areas of the Ayeyarwaddy Delta still do not have sufficient food to eat.
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15 May 2008
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Intact mangroves could have reduced Nargis damage
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Destruction of mangroves has exposed coastal communities to cyclone
Rome - Mangrove forests could have reduced damage resulting from the waves caused by cyclone Nargis in Myanmar, the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) said today.
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14 May 2008
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Myanmar – Impact of cyclone Nargis on agriculture and livestock: short and medium term provisional estimates
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In parallel to ongoing priority humanitarian aid assistance, we need to start looking at the longer term, in particular as time is running out to secure planting in June of rice seeds for the main 2008 rice harvest. If were are not able to do that in a timely fashion, then the food and nutrition problems in the medium term will not go away.
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13 May 2008
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Progress in hunger has not matched that in income poverty
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FAO/UNDP launches a year-long campaign against hunger in Asia Pacific
Bangkok – Hunger remains one of the biggest challenges facing Asia and the Pacific. Against the backdrop of soaring prices for food – in particular rice – a new hunger campaign aims to create a groundswell for policy and structural reforms together with action, FAO and UNDP...
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8 May 2008
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Myanmar: people hit worse by cyclone Nargis than during the 2004 tsunami
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Poor farming and fishing communities need urgent assistance. Bangkok - The UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is mounting this week the first damage and needs assessment mission into Myanmar's fishing sector, believed to be hit worse by cyclone Nargis than during the 2004 tsunami.
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8 May 2008
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Cyclone Nargis and fishery in Myanmar
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Cyclone Nargis has affected the same areas in the Ayeyarwady division which were hit by the 2004 tsunami claiming lives and resulting in the displacement of thousands of people. This time around, the impact is believed to be far more severe.
The population of the Ayeyarwady division (approximately 6.
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7 May 2008
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Myanmar - impact of the cyclone on livelihoods and food security, agriculture and fisheries
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The cyclone hit 5 states which are predominantly agricultural societies. Rural poor are the most hit.
Damage to annual crops is expected, in particular on rice, oil palm and rubber plantation.
The 5 states produce 65 percent of the countries rice, and have about 50 percent of all irrigated areas.
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7 May 2008
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FAO’s capacity building efforts brought to focus online
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Capacity building is at the heart of FAO's mandate. The newly published FAO Capacity Building Portal contributes to achieving FAO's vision to strengthen the national capacities of its member states to achieve their goals in food security and agricultural development.
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7 May 2008
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Myanmar’s rice economy - impact of Cyclone Nargis
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Based on the rice crop calendar, Cyclone Nargis which just hit Myanmar may have affected the 2007 secondary paddy crops, which are normally harvested between April and June. However, without a proper assessment of crop damage, it is difficult to gauge how the final 2007 paddy production will be impacted.
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6 May 2008
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Potato science for poor farmers in Asia
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Bangkok - Since 2005, developing countries have overtaken the developed world as the main potato growers, benefiting from major scientific discoveries over the last decades which have greatly simplified the introduction of improved varieties and dramatically expanded the area under potato cultivation, the International Potato Center (CIP) said...
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23 Apr 2008
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No forest conservation minus the people
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Hanoi - Forest conservation in Asia and the Pacific cannot succeed without the direct involvement of local people, a gathering of the region’s forest managers concluded today in Hanoi.
Throughout the region, there are millions of indigenous and rural people dependent on forests for their basic daily needs.
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21 Apr 2008
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Forestry needs urgent change
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Hanoi - Trees grow for hundreds of years, but the forestry sector needs to change immediately if it is to deal effectively with the rapid changes occurring in modern society. Climate change, skyrocketing costs of food and fuel, persistent poverty and escalating demands for forest products are bringing unprecedented challenges to the forestry...
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18 Apr 2008
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Where climate change leads, forestry follows
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Asia-Pacific Forestry Week: Forestry in a changing world
Hanoi - The world’s forests, and the strategies that are adopted to protect and manage them, are at a crossroads. Never before have the stakes been so high – we either collectively develop workable strategies – or suffer the consequences, FAO said today in underpinning the role of the...
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16 Apr 2008
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Media Advisory - Asia-Pacific Forestry Week: Forestry in a changing world
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Hanoi, 21-26 April 2008
Over 600 participants from more than 50 countries will take part in the first-ever Asia-Pacific Forestry Week in Hanoi from 21 to 26 April 2008. This first-of-its-kind gathering is the largest and most significant forestry-related event in the region in 2008.
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10 Apr 2008
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Indian Prime Minister awarded FAO Agricola Medal
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Singh lauded for boosting Indian agriculture
New Delhi - FAO Director-General Jacques Diouf today conferred the UN organization’s highest award, the Agricola Medal, on Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in recognition of his contribution to agricultural development and the reduction of hunger and poverty.
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10 Apr 2008
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Urgent measures required to reduce impact of high food prices on the poor
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UN agency chiefs highlight role of agro-industries
9 April 2008, New Delhi – Urgent measures are needed to ensure that short-term adverse effects of higher food prices do not impact even more alarmingly on the very poor, FAO Director-General Jacques Diouf said today.
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7 Apr 2008
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Five countries in South Asia will work closer together to control bird flu
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Meeting of senior veterinary officials – situation in Bangladesh remains critical
Senior policy makers and veterinary officials from Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar and Nepal have agreed to work closer together in controlling avian influenza in the region, FAO said today.
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2 Apr 2008
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FAO expects rice production to rise by 1.8 percent in 2008 - Market situation remains difficult in the short-term – lower rice trade
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Rome – World rice production is expected to increase in 2008 by 12 million tonnes or 1.8 percent, assuming normal weather conditions, FAO said today. Production increases would ease the current very tight supply situation in key rice producing countries, according to the first FAO forecast for this year.
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27 Mar 2008
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The role of coastal forests in the mitigation of tsunami impacts
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An FAO publication on "The role of coastal forests in the mitigation of tsunami impacts"' is now available on the FAO tsunami website.
The publication, produced by the Government of Finland funded FAO "Forestry programme for early rehabilitation in Asian tsunami-affected countries", addresses the physical aspects of coastal protection against...
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18 Mar 2008
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Bird flu situation in Indonesia critical
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High load of circulating virus could lead to mutation and a human influenza pandemic
Rome - The prevalence of avian influenza in Indonesia remains serious despite containment efforts undertaken by national authorities and the international community, FAO warned today. Indonesia is the country worst hit by avian influenza.
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10 Mar 2008
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Invitation to the Global Agro-industries e-forum
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A Global Agro-Industries Forum - Improving competitiveness and development impact - will be held in New Delhi, India from 8 to 11 April 2008, organized by FAO in partnership with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the Government of India (GOI).
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6 Mar 2008
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Managing critical tropical delta systems – Report of Delta 2007 Conference
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Tropical coastal deltas represent one of the most diverse and rapidly changing biophysical regions in the developing world. These deltas are home to large population centers such as Bangkok, Dhaka and Yangon, and are significant centers of agricultural production and industrial development.
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6 Mar 2008
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Making e-Agriculture work through public-private partnership in Asia
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Making e-Agriculture Work through Public Private Partnership (PPP) in Asia FORUM 10-28 March 2008
You are invited to join a special online forum starting 10 March 2008. Participants from all over Asia representing government, private sector, NGOs, community outreach groups and others will be involved.
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5 Mar 2008
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Sheep - the latest addition to Samoan cultural practises
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Since 2004, Samoa has embarked on an ambitious plan to introduce sheep farming with the import of 40 ewes and four rams from Fiji. Three years later, supported by a carefully chosen breeding programme and the birth of many twins and triplets, the stock of sheep has increased six-fold and now totals 248 lambs.
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29 Feb 2008
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Extreme cold hits farmers in Afghanistan
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Livestock devastated - high fuel, cereal prices reduce poor’s access to food
Rome – Extreme cold has devastated the Afghan livestock sector, killing over 300 000 animals since late December and seriously affecting livelihoods. High prices for fuel, vegetable oil and cereals are compounding the vulnerability of poor households, reducing their...
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26 Feb 2008
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Asia gearing up to produce and process more milk locally
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Chiang Mai/Bangkok – Skyrocketing milk powder prices prompt dairy industries in Asia to rethink linkages with smallholder dairy producers as they move to substitute imported milk powder by locally produced milk, an FAO statement said today.
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20 Feb 2008
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Fighting hunger in the Philippines
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In 2003, 24 percent of Filipino families had incomes below the annual per capita poverty threshold of P12 475, or around 4 million poor families. Of these, close to 1.7 million families had a monthly income less than the food threshold and are referred to as “food-poor”.
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19 Feb 2008
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Beastly bugs or edible delicacies - Workshop considers contribution of forest insects to the human diet
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Chiang Mai- With over 1 400 insect species eaten by humans worldwide, the insect world offers promising possibilities both commercially and nutritionally, FAO said today. A workshop organized by FAO this week will consider the contribution of forest insects to the human diet, and discuss the potential for further sustainable development in the...
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12 Feb 2008
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Overhauling agriculture to meet future challenges in Laos
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The Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO) is providing technical assistance to the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) for better formulation and management of policies, strategies and projects in support of agricultural development in the country.
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9 Feb 2008
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FAO and partners to organize the first Asia-Pacific Forestry Week
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FAO is organizing the first-ever Asia-Pacific Forestry Week in coordination with various other regional and international partners. Forestry Week will be held in Hanoi, Viet Nam, from 21 to 26 April 2008.
The event will bring together as many as 500 forestry and natural resources officials and specialists from governments, non-governmental...
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19 Jan 2008
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King Bhumibol – sowing a future for farmers
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Bangkok – Today Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn was presented the FAO publication King Bhumibol – sowing a future for farmers during an audience at the Srapathum Palace in Bangkok.
Representing His Majesty the King of Thailand, HRH Maha Chakri Sirindhorn graciously accepted the FAO latest publication King Bhumibol – sowing...
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