Research Net Set To Improve Vegetable Production in Brazil
July 27, 2007| |
The production of Curcubitaceae, a family that comprises pumpkins, melons, cucumbers, generates a yearly income of about R$300 million (US$158 million) in Brazil. In order to improve the sustainable production of these crops for resource poor farmers, EMBRAPA, the Brazilian Corporation for Agricultural Research, has established in partnership with universities, farmers’ unions and cooperatives, the Participative Network for Research and Development of the Genetic Resources of the Curcubitaceae.
Maria Aldete Ferreira, researcher at EMBRAPA Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, explains that families have traditionally grown these crops for their own consumption, and sold the excess for cash. The seeds they use are local, and have been conserved through generations. “The aim of the initiative is to stimulate production for sale, and teach farmers to produce crops of enhanced quality” says Aldete Ferreira.
To this objective, EMBRAPA has already conducted three training workshops for farmers in states of Ceará, Minas Gerais and the Federal District. Farmers are shown best practices for cultivation of these crops, and learn how to differentiate between different varieties of Curcubitaceae.
More information at
http://www.agenciabrasil.gov.br/noticias/2007/07/17/materia.2007-07-17.2692410494/view
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