Organized by GFAR, the Global Conference on Agricultural Research for Development (GCARD) is more than just a Conference – it’s a multi-year process of learning and continuous updating of the global agricultural research for development (AR4D) system. Each GCARD is organized every 2 years starting in 2009. Our aim is to create new ways of working together to enhance the development value of research. GCARD will be an open and inclusive process for consultation and change, which will aim to reshape agricultural research and innovation, improve resources for research, and increase its development impact. 

 The GCARD 2010 will result in an action plan and framework to improve agricultural research and innovation globally.

 A series of electronic and face-to-face consultations are being conducted at regional and global levels will preceed the GCARD Conferences in order to capture the contributions and perspectives of all stakeholders in the agricultural research, education and development systems. This will reshape the global agricultural research for development (AR4D) agenda and centre it on the needs of the poor in developing countries.

The electronic consultations are open to all those who are interested in agricultural research for development and innovation and have a specific interest in the region. The consultations are based on electronic dialogues with the possibility to consult and participate via a public website.

To find out more about the process and to sign up for the regional consultations please go to: www.egfar.org/egfar/website/gcard/aboutGCARD/process

The “famine food” of trees can keep drought-hit communities alive when all other food crops fail, says Miranda Spitteler. In this week’s Green Room, she argues that policy makers need to recognise the important role trees play in providing emergency food aid.

Read more: news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/8181510.stm

JACKFRUIT is an easy crop to grow. It requires no artificial fertilizers, pesticides or even irrigation. All parts of the fruit, except the stalk, can be converted into food.

It is nutritious as well. One hundred grams of jackfruit has 303 mg of potassium, an ingredient which helps lower blood pressure. It is low in saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium and high in Vitamin C and manganese. It is an ideal food for weight loss.

Jackfruit contains phytonutrients which reduce the risk from cancer. It has anti-ageing, antioxidant and anti-ulcer properties. The seeds too are edible and nutritious. They contain 38 per cent carbohydrates, 6.6 per cent protein and 0.4 per cent fat.

Here is a recipe for you to try.

Jackseed vada

Ingredients

Jack seed powder: 3 cups
Flour: Rice/Wheat//Besan/Maida: 4 cups,
Chillies: 4, Onions: 2
Curry leaves: A few
Ginger: Half inch chopped
Salt to taste

Steam cook the jackfruit seeds. Peel the outer cover. Retain the inner brownish skin, it’s nutritious. Powder the seeds after drying. Let the powder be a little coarse. Mix all the ingredients. Press into flat round vadas and deep fry in oil.

For more receipes visit: www.civilsocietyonline.com/aug09/aug093.asp

Scientists help small farmers boost demand, triple profits

The long-neglected and lowly jackfruit is finally finding its rightful place in the market – and on dining tables. Until recently, yield far outstripped demand. Growers of the fruit would watch it rot for want of takers, but not anymore.

Read more …  www.civilsocietyonline.com

Artemisia annua is a small shrub native to China from which artemisinin and its derivatives are produced. These are currently the most effective drugs used in the treatment of malaria, a disease which kills millions of people each year. However, there is recent evidence of signs of resistance to artemisinin. In a BBC Radio 4 interview, Chris Whitty, DFID’s Head of Research, discusses artemisinin resistance and Colin Hill from a Defra-funded consortium looks at the potential for artemisinin production in the UK.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00lszhg#synopsis