Afghanistan

Achievements

Key indicators and performance for 2009-2010

Indicator: New maize varieties arising from ACIAR‑managed research made available to Afghani farmers

Performance: Two tonnes of basic seed of an open-pollinated maize line, Rampur 9433, were distributed to Afghani farmers before the 2010 cropping season.

Achievements from the 2009-10 Annual Report

The project to boost sustainable wheat and maize production in Afghanistan is progressing steadily. In the wheat component three new wheat varieties resistant to the highly destructive rust strain Ug99 were released in 2009, and seed is being multiplied. In addition, promising bread wheat, durum and barley lines are in the pipeline for release. Lines of 11 stem-rust-resistant wheats were identified and sown in the autumn of 2009 for multiplication in 2010. The maize component has released three high-performing varieties originating from CIMMYT and they are being multiplied for wide distribution.

Progress has been made on establishment of networking and the strengthening of relationships with relevant partners via exchange of ideas, knowledge, information and germplasm. On-the-job training of partners continues. Further efforts are underway to overcome technical problems to developing technologies and on-farm testing and verification.