INIBAP's Asia-Pacific Network (ASPNET)

Project ID:

CS2/1993/726

Collaborating Countries:

Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Vietnam

Commissioned Organisation:

International Network for the Improvement of Banana and Plantain, Philippines

Project Leader

Phone:
Fax:
Email:

Collaborating Institutions:

Project Budget:

$160,000

Project Duration:

01/01/1993 - 31/12/1993

ACIAR Research Program Manager

Dr Paul Ferrar

Project Background and Objectives

The purpose of INIBAP's Asia-Pacific Network (ASPNET) is to develop awareness of the importance of banana as a food and cash crop of small holder farmers in the region. This involves promoting cooperation among NARS and specialised banana research institutes/centers of ASPNET in the preparation and conduct of regional cooperative R & D programs, coordination of information and germplasm exchange among ASPNET members and provide training opportunities in special fields of R & D, and to encourage linkages with global and other regional banana R & D networks and activities thru INIBAP HQ.

Project Outcomes

ACIAR's funds were provided as a one off grant towards the cost of the Network and towards the expansion of the International Musa Testing Program (IMTP): FUSARIUM, Phase A, to include the outer islands of Indonesia and the states of Sabah and Sarawak of Malaysia, Pakistan and Vietnam. The IMTP is a global collaborative project primarily funded by UNDP for the coordinated evaluation of natural and newly generated germplasm (hybrids) in order to offer to small-scale farmers in developing countries alternatives to the traditional, non-disease resistant, local consumption bananas and plantains.