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APRP Technical Committee Meeting was held on 17 December 2005 in Muscat, Sultanate of Oman. The meeting was attended by 37-participants, representing the NARS of the seven AP countries of the Arabian Peninsula. On special invitation, Dr. Ir. J. G. (Hans) van der Beek, Agricultural Counselor, The Royal Netherlands Embassy, Abu Dhabi and Dr. Laurie Kitch, the FAO representative in Qatar participated along with the following Omani growers, Mr. Abdullah Al-Farsi; Mr. Ali Al Bulushi and Mr. Said Al-Said Al-Saidi. The meetings were held in the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries building in Muscat.
 

Participants of APRP-RTCM opening session

The opening ceremony was held under the patronage of H.E. Khalfan Bin Salih Al Naeibi, Under Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries. Mr. Khatim Al Mimari, DG of Agriculture delivered the Ministry opening address where he praised the role of ICARDA in the region through its regional program for the Arabian Peninsula (APRP) that contributed to the enhancement of research and technology transfer in the themes of protected agriculture, on farm water management, irrigated forages, rangeland rehabilitation and IPPM. Dr. Ahmed Moustafa emphasized the importance of the current meeting, which marks the end of the current APRP and lays the ground for a new project which will focus on transfer of technology packages which were developed during previous phases of APRP to growers in the region. He added that in every project/program of work there are points of strengths and weakness and while we are observing the strength, we should pay attention to the weaknesses in order to move a head. He praised the successes which were achieved by the scientists and researchers of the AP countries and the valuable financial support of donors (AFESD, IFAD and OPEC fund).
 

H.E. Khalfan Al Naeibi (right) and Prof. Magdy Madkour (left) addressing APRP Steering Committee Members

Summary of APRP collaborative research and development activities in the seven AP countries during last phase (2000-2005) were presented to the meeting by country technical coordinators. The speakers highlighted the main activities and achievements over the past five years. This was followed by general discussions
 

APRP RTCM 17-18 Dec, 2005

The new project proposal for APRP was presented and discussed among the participants. The new proposal consists of six technology packages to be transferred to growers in addition to another three components on Information Dissemination and Networking; Capacity Building and Institutional Strengthening and Adaptive/ Problem Solving Research and Impact Assessment Studies.

During the meeting, the country representatives indicated their choices of the technology packages as summarized in the table 1.

The APRP Regional Steering Committee Meeting (RSCM) was followed on 19Dec. Prof. Dr. Magdy Madkour; Assistant Director General for International Cooperation, ICARDA (ADG-IC) chaired the meeting which was attended by the National and Technical Coordinators of the seven AP countries and APRP’s Regional Coordinator and scientists. Prof. Madkour welcomed the participants and gave the floor to the Head of Delegates of each country.    All country representatives expressed gratitude for the Sultanate of Oman for hosting the meeting and for the excellent arrangements.

APRP Steering Committee Members, 19 Dec 2005

They also praised ICARDA-APRP for creating a successful network of scientist from the National Agricultural Research Systems in the Arabian Peninsula. The technical achievements of APRP were also mentioned and praised by the participants.

Mr. Abdulla Al Farisi, Omani grower presented his experience with the adoption of soilless production techniques. He indicated that his net profit per month exceeded OR 900 (US$2337) out of three GHs (2160 m2) with large savings in water. He thanked ICARDA and the Ministry for the help and technical support in adopting the system. The Steering Committee Members visited Mr Al Farisi farm.

The new project proposal for APRP was presented and discussed by the SC members. Dr. Madkour assured the meeting that ICARDA will provide all necessary support for the new project. Dr Moustafa then expressed thanks to all 7 countries, ICARDA management and scientists who contributed in the past and present to the establishment, progress and successes of APRP. Prof Madkour concluded the meeting by thanking H.E. the Minister and H.E. the Under Secretary for hosting the meeting and Dr Ahmed Al Bakry and his colleagues for their invaluable help with the arrangements of the RTCM and RSCM.

Participants during visit to Mr. Abdullah Farsi, pilot grower; Farm

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