Final Report: Farming systems research for crop diversification in Cambodia and Australia

Abstract

This project (ASEM/2000/109 - Farming systems research for crop diversification in Cambodia and Australia) has been a collaborative effort of researchers at the Cambodian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI) and New South Wales Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI). The Cambodian priority was to increase focus on non-rice upland crops for the purpose of poverty reduction. Crop intensification and diversification were priorities for CARDI research. The Australian priority was to examine cultural and crop choice dimensions for crops other than wheat in northern NSW. The parallels in these priorities allowed a common theme of activities in each country which could be serviced by the project team. Specific objectives of the project were to: 1. Identify and overcome constraints to the adoption of non-rice upland crops in Cambodia and non-cereal crops in north-eastern Australia by analysis of on-farm data and experimentation 2. Develop simple diagnostic and analysis tools that farmers and advisers can use to monitor the performance of their crops and how they fit into the farming system 3. Produce appropriately packaged technical and financial information. In Cambodia, a total of 153 on-farm experiments and demonstrations were conducted between 2004 and 2006: variety evaluation (43); insect pest and disease (19); reduced tillage (22); agronomy & farming systems (69). This work has impacted significantly on the CARDI approach to research in the uplands. A significant response to inoculation of rhizobium on legumes was identified during the Project research, and rhizobium inoculation techniques have been demonstrated to advisers in Cambodia. A rapid soil nitrate test has also been demonstrated to advisers and tested on 100 on-farm sites in Cambodia. Field guides were produced for insect pest and weed identification in upland crops as well as Field Crop Manuals for soybean and maize in Cambodia. A 60 page book was also produced on gross margin analyses and general marketing information for the 6 focus crops in Cambodia is under preparation. This information could potentially impact on the economic improvement of on-farm profitability leading to poverty reduction.