Publications - This guide explores the climate-smart intensification of upland and lowland crop production systems in the dry-zone of Sri Lanka and provides technical guidance to achieve the productive objectives of selected strategic crops (as deemed relevant by the Government of Sri Lanka). The first edition focuses on maize and groundnut upland production systems and on rice lowland production. It provides a quick reference for information on crop production and soil management, including crop varieties, nutritional requirements and field equipment. As climate change will result in wider and more severe occurrences of plant pests, the guide relies on integrated pest management practices...

Publications - Agriculture in Eastern Europe and Central Asia is diverse, and has great potential to revitalize the economy of the countries in the region via improved productivity (efficiency) and higher total yield for food, fodder and fibre crops. Conservation agriculture can rise to the major challenge of making sustainable intensification of production systems a reality. In order for farmers to transition to appropriate sustainable production systems, the provision of an adequate enabling environment and access to knowledge and services, including extension, mechanization, inputs and market intelligence, are crucial. Farmer Field Schools are the best place for exchanging experience and knowledge about...

Publications - Сельское хозяйство в Восточной Европе и Центральной Азии разнообразно и обладает большим потенциалом для оживления экономики стран региона за счет повышения производительности (эффективности) и повышения общего урожая продовольственных, кормовых и волокнистых культур. Почвозащитное и ресурсосберегающее земледелие может решить главную задачу по превращению устойчивой интенсификации производственных систем в реальность. Для того чтобы фермеры могли перейти к соответствующим устойчивым производственным системам, решающее значение имеет обеспечение надлежащих благоприятных условий и доступа к знаниям и услугам, включая распространение, механизацию, вводимые ресурсы и анализ рынка. Фермерские полевые школы являются лучшим местом для обмена опытом и знаниями в области природоохранного сельского хозяйства, укрепления технического и научного...

Reports - Agriculture is one of the most important economic sectors of Sri Lanka and is key to the livelihood of its population. As it is one of the sectors most vulnerable to climate change, a thorough understanding of its impact is critical for formulating informed and effective adaptation strategies. Climate change challenges agriculture in many ways and affects – directly or indirectly – the economy, productivity, employment and food security. This report presents insights about future climate change impacts on six crops (rice, maize, green gram, big onion, chilli and potato), selected according to a wide range of criteria: contribution to gross...

Factsheets - Keeping the soil covered is a fundamental principle of CA. Crop residues are left on the soil surface, but cover crops may be neededif the gap is too long between harvesting one crop and establishing the next. Cover crops improve the stability of the CA system, not only on the improvement of soil properties but also for their capacity to promote an increased biodiversity in the agro-ecosystem. While commercial crops have a market value, cover crops are mainly grown for their effect on soil fertility or as livestock fodder.