Mozambique: Platform for agricultural research launched

22 April 2010, Agencia de Informacao de Mocambique
URL: http://allafrica.com/stories/201004200975.html

Maputo:  Mozambique's Deputy Agriculture Minister, Antonio Limbau, launched in Maputo on Monday a platform to improve research for the development of agriculture in the country.

The Agriculture Research and Technological Innovation Platform (PIAIT) is an instrument to support the management of agricultural research programmes and projects, and to improve coordination between the various research institutions in the country.

"With this platform, we intend to make better use of the resources available for research to benefit the producers", said Limbau, explaining to reporters the purpose of this instrument, launched at the premises of the Mozambique Agricultural Research Institute (IIAM).  "We want research that is operational, and more present in the field, offering solutions to the farmers' problems', he said.

Limbau explained that with this platform, all agricultural research activities in Mozambique will be coordinated by IIAM.  The platform's managing unit will count on the technical assistance of the Brazilian Agricultural and Livestock Research Company (EMBRAPA). The management unit will also include a representative of the international research centres, which receive funding through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

There are currently 15 research institutions in the country, but up until now they have been working separately, and without the involvement of IIAM.  "This platform may, to some extent, facilitate the transfer of technologies", said IIAM director Calisto Bias, adding that it will also standardize the research methods used by different institutions.

Once the platform is launched, the next step is to work out its plan of activities, but the implementation of this plan must be in line with the IIAM's strategic plan. Bias said that this strategic plan is now being drafted, and should be completed by June.

Besides the IIAM, other beneficiaries of this platform include the National Agriculture Extension Directorate and the National Agricultural Services Directorate. Seed producing companies, distributors of agriculture inputs, such as pesticides and fertilizers, and food processing companies are among other institutions that will benefit from this initiative.