In observance of the International Year of Pulses (IYP) 2016

Co-sponsor: Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR)

In collaboration with the FAO Special Ambassador of the International Year of Pulses 2016, The University of Western Australia (UWA), International Centre for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), Bioversity International, the M S Swaminathan Research Foundation - Leveraging Agriculture for Nutrition in South Asia (MSSRF-LANSA), Mahidol University, the Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences - Tropical Crops Genetic Resources Institute (CATAS-TCGRI), the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), Crops for the Future (CFF), the International Tropical Fruits Network (TFNet), and The Akshaya Patra Foundation, India

Hunger, food insecurity and malnutrition are major problems in Asia and the Pacific region. To address these challenges, it is indispensable to coordinate and integrate agriculture and nutrition actions that maximize impact. There is a need for better linkages between production, consumption and nutrition to tackle malnutrition and its causes. In this regard, dietary diversification is a cost-effective, affordable and sustainable means of strengthening local food systems and reducing hunger and malnutrition. Neglected and Underutilized Species (NUS) are rich in Asia. They represent a promising abundance of food resources and have many benefits: As an essential source of vitamins, micronutrients and protein, their nutritional value is high and may thus contribute to attain food security in the region. They also feature considerable commercial potential and boost household income generation and livelihood improvements. NUS crops contribute to climate-resilient and more sustainable food systems as they are frequently adapted to marginal conditions. A wider use of today’s minor NUS crops may make a great contribution to address malnutrition. However, it is yet to scope the availability of crop-related NUS, prioritize and identify NUS with high potential, and map the selected NUS for further development.

Objectives

• Validate country preliminary scoping reports on Neglected and Underutilized Species (NUS) in selected countries
• Rank and prioritize high-potential NUS based on established priority criteria 
• Identify 5-6 NUS per country
• Strategize to enhance production and utilisation of the selected crops in local diets

Concept note

Agenda

Presentations

• Opening session
• Welcoming remarks, Dr Kundhavi Kadiresan, ADG/RR, FAO RAP
• Brief on the proceedings, objectives and expected outcome of the Consultation, Dr Xuan Li, Senior Policy Officer and Delivery Manager of Regional Initiative on Zero Hunger Challenge, FAO RAP
• Conceptualization on tapping potentials of NUS to address hunger and malnutrition: linking production diversity, dietary diversity and malnutrition, Dr Xuan Li, Senior Policy Officer and Delivery Manager of Regional Initiative on Zero Hunger Challenge, FAO RAP
• Importance, challenges and potential of neglected and underutilized crops, Dr Mahmoud Solh, Former ICARDA Director General 
• Pulses contribution to production and dietary diversity to eradicate hunger and malnutrition, Prof Kadambot Siddique, FAO Special Ambassador IYP 2016, Hackett Professor of Agriculture Chair and Director of the Institute of Agriculture, UWA 

• Session 1
• Neglected and Underutilized Crop Species: Challenges in relation to production, consumption, marketing, Prof Visith Chavasit,  Ex-Director & Professor, Institute of Nutrition, Mahidol University 
• Contributions of NUS to addressing hunger and malnutrition in mountainous areas, Dr Abid Hussain, Food Security Economist, Livelihoods, ICIMOD
• NUS development: what polices/incentives are required along the value chain?, Dr Mohd Desa Haji Hassim, Chief Executive Officer, TFNet 
• Neglected and Underutilized Fruit Species – An insurance against global mal- and undernutrition, Dr Shankar Bashettepa Dandin, Liaison Officer, Bioversity International Project Office Bengaluru, India
• The Mid-day Meal Scheme – A flagship Intervention of the Government of India, Mr Shridhar Venkat, Chief Executive Officer, The Akshaya Patra Foundation, India
• Promoting nutrition-sensitive agriculture incorporating Neglected and Underutilized Crops: Lessons from LANSA Research, Dr Prakash Shetty, Chief Executive Officer, LANSA Research Programme Consortium, MSSRF 

• Session 2
• Neglected and Underutilized Crops/Species (NUSs): Challenges and opportunities, Dr Suhas P Wani, Research Programme Director, Asia & Director of ICRISAT Development Centre
• Nutrition-Overview, Dr Anadi Nitithamyong, Assistant Professor, Institute of Nutrition, Mahidol University

• Session 4
• A geographic perspective on mapping neglected and underutilised crop species: examples from Cambodia and Fiji, Dr Brian Boruff, Assistant Professor & Course Coordinator, Masters of GIScience School of Earth and Environment, UWA
• Potentials of Geoinformatics application in mapping food and nutritional security, Dr Chandrashekhar Biradar, Head of Geoinformatics Unit, ICARDA

Recommendations

List of participants 

Final report