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| Farmers are starting to adopt climate-smart practices like using biochar and organic composts instead of chemical fertilizers. Photo: ADB |
In a blog post, Pavit Ramachandran of the Asian Development Bank talks about the ambitious goal to transform the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) into a leading global supplier of safe and environment-friendly agriculture products.
In September 2017, GMS agriculture ministers endorsed a 5-year strategy and action plan to build a region-wide food safety system that will be based on mutually recognized, science-based standards, product tracing, and information sharing, especially on hazard lists for key commodities.
Ramachandran cited the positive trends and developments in the subregion that support this strategy.
- Farmers are starting to adopt climate-smart practices like using biochar and organic composts instead of chemical fertilizers.
- Agribusiness companies are expanding to regional and global markets, and are helping to connect small farmers to opportunities beyond borders.
- Agricultural trade, inluding food products, in the GMS is growing rapidly, thanks to contract growing arrangements between countries, improved infrastructure, and increased foreign direct investment in agribusinesses.
- GMS consumers are increasingly looking for food that is safe and healthy, and environmentally friendly.
- GMS countries are exporting more value-added products rather than just raw materials.
“The subregion is strategically located close to major markets like the PRC, India, and Southeast Asia, which are expanding 5- to-10 times faster than the US or the EU,” he adds. “Also, major transport corridors are linking the GMS to Central Asia, South Asia, and Europe.”
Read full article at Greater Mekong Subregion: https://www.greatermekong.org/strategy-promote-sustainable-food-mekong
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