A Regional Seminar on Rice Production and Mechanization was held on 12-13 December in Sanya, China. The seminar, organized by UNAPCAEM, was joined by researchers and experts from 10 countries in Asia and the Pacific, including Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, Fiji, Indonesia, Lao DPR, Nepal, the Philippines, Sri Lanka and Vietnam, as well as representatives from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and the International Rice Research Institute.

This particular seminar wrapped up a three-year project launched by UNAPCAEM in collaboration with participating countries to increase rice production through transfer of agricultural technologies. Over the last two years, 12 countries participated in the programme, and around 200 agricultural technicians, extension workers and researchers were trained on breeding, cultivation technology, and seed production of hybrid rice. Workshops on public-private partnership and tailored training courses were organized at the demand of participating countries.

The seminar provided an opportunity for participating countries to share experiences on adoption of high yielding rice varieties and discuss significant technological challenges facing practical wider technology application as well as emerging issues related to agricultural technology transfer confronted by the developing countries in the Asia-Pacific region.