Rodrigo Martínez Sarmiento
Alternate Representative in Colombia
Colombia has been part of FONTAGRO since its foundation in 1998 with a contribution of US$ 10 million. During the 22 years of membership, Colombian institutions have participated in 67 consortiums for a total amount of US$ 56.3 million, of which US$ 19.0 were contributed by FONTAGRO and other agencies. Colombian institutions have led 30 consortiums for an amount of US$ 21.1 million. Additionally, international organizations based or operating in the country (CIAT, CIMMYT, IFPRI and IICA) have led 12 consortiums. The projects have included research and technological development for livestock, corn, coffee, potatoes, plantains, fruit trees, oil palm, fodder, livestock, among others. Some important results:
- Inter-specific hybrids and elite papaya and tobacco genotypes were identified.
- A new variety of potato “Milenia-1” tolerant to diseases was released.
- 96,000 kg of seeds were produced from five advanced lines of beans (MAS 6 y 42, MAC 25, 27 y 55).
- The productivity of the native potato was increased between 20 and 24%, and 60 accessions were characterized.
- A company was created for production, transformation and commercialization of native potatoes in the Department of Boyacá, based on three producer organizations.
- Value-added products were developed for native potatoes such as: colored leaflets, dehydrated mashed potatoes, flour thickeners for soup, frozen pre-fried potatoes.
- The optimal guava harvesting conditions were determined at three altitudes, based on maturity indexes correlated with physico-chemical properties.
- Nine hybrids and maize varieties were selected with yields superior to traditional ones (up to 40%).
- A methodology for the spread of default by stake was developed.
- Inexpensive in vitro lulo propagation systems were established with producer organizations.
- Numerous professionals and producers were trained in the different projects.
STRENGTHENING
- The platforms increased the efficiency and effectiveness of research and innovation.
- Technical, organizational and institutional strengthening at national and international level.
- Access to partnerships with the International Center for the Improvement of Maize and Wheat (CIMMYT), the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT), Washington State University (USA), Purdue University (USA), the Department of Ecological Modeling (Germany) ), Institute National des Sciences Appliquées de Lyon (France), Neiker (Spain), University of Lleida (Spain), Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (New Zealand), INIFAP (Mexico), EMBRAPA (Brazil), INIA and the Catholic University of Chile (Chile). Through them, access
was gained to multiple international cooperation networks such as the Global Alliance for Research on Agriculture and Greenhouse Gases, where 41 countries and the CGIAR participate. - The FONTAGRO projects generate privileged and free access to technologies, contacts, publications, case studies and international networks.
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Infografías
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