3. Mr. M.K. Papademetriou, Senior Plant Production and Protection Officer, FAO, Bangkok, Thailand, pointed out that avocado is highly regarded today as an important fruit for food and nutrition. Remarkable development of this fruit has been recorded in every continent, with the exception of Asia. Unfortunately, this fruit has not yet been popularized in Asia, most likely due to unawareness of its merits/qualities. However, Popenoe (1935) considered the avocado as Gods greatest gift to humanity. Now, more than a generation later, Asians need to listen freshly to the wisdom of this truth. Much real starvation and malnutrition in a number of Asian countries, such as Bangladesh and India, could be averted by growing avocados, whose product has a relatively high food and nutrition value.
4. Avocados are rich in important human nutrients. There has been recently increasing recognition of our need for antioxidants for good health, and the avocado is rich in three of the most important ones i.e. vitamins E, C and A (beta-carotene). It may help to prevent strokes; it is high in potassium and low in sodium. Among fruits, it is noted for the quantity and quality of its protein. It provides exceptional quantities of both types of dietary fiber. It makes a superior weaning food for babies. The avocado fat consists predominantly of mono-unsaturated oleic acid, which has been found to reduce harmful (LDL) cholesterol while maintaining beneficial cholesterol (HDL), performing better than the usual low-fat diet. In addition, the avocado has various uses as a natural cosmetic, with advantages in rapid skin penetration, and as a superior natural sunscreen.
5. Malnutrition is a serious problem in the region, and it is attributed to an imbalanced diet. The opportunity to build up demand for nutritious food-stuffs seems to beckon. There is an opportunity and potential here for the development of a Regional Avocado Industry, along with its nutritious products. Apart from the local markets, there are opportunities for the export markets of the region. Japan, Korea and Hong Kong are already importing avocados from countries of other continents (Mexico, U.S.A. etc.). Some other countries in the region are also importing avocados, but in small quantities. Imported avocados in Bangkok are selling for US$2.00 per fruit. In addition, Western European markets still have considerable growth potential. The opinion of many people is that the demand for avocado will continue to grow throughout the world markets.
6. The opportunities for the development of a viable avocado industry appear to be very good. However, at the same time the problems to be addressed are serious. With the exemption of Australia, New Zealand and Sri Lanka, no other country in the region has improved varieties available for the farmers. There is, therefore, a need for each country to embark on a strong varietal improvement programme. The problem of propagation/multiplication needs also to be addressed. In addition, the farmers need to become familiar with the improved cultural practices to be followed. Post-harvest handling, processing and marketing issues also need to be given due attention. The region should be in a position to produce best quality fruit at low cost.
7. Inter-country cooperation could be very helpful in achieving the common goal. Strengthening cooperation among countries, institutions and individual scientists in production development is very important. A forum like this will allow us to learn from each other. We must explore the possibilities of sharing our experiences for mutual benefit. It is in this context, that this Consultation has been convened. He then outlined the objectives of the Expert Consultation.
8. Dr. Prem Nath, Assistant Director-General and FAO Regional Representative for Asia and the Pacific, welcomed the participants on behalf of the Director-General of FAO, the staff of the Regional Office and on his own behalf. He stated that he was very happy to see the positive response received from scientists working on avocados in the Asia-Pacific Region. Considering the important role which this crop can play in Food and Nutrition Security of the Asia-Pacific countries and the need for inter-country cooperation on problems of common interest, FAO decided to hold this Expert Consultation in order to elaborate on issues relating to the development of this crop in the Region.
9. Avocados have been known for many years, dating back at least to 1519 when Hernando Cortez, Spanish soldier of fortune, was the first white man to set foot in Mexico City. However, the first written account of the avocado, so far as is known, is contained in the report of Gonzalo Hernandez de Oviedo (1526), who saw the tree in Colombia, near the Isthmus of Panama.
10. Mexico, Central America and northern South America are considered to be the centres of origin of avocados. Archaeological and other evidence indicates that avocados were cultivated there in very early times, possibly some 6000 years ago. They were there as nature presented them, a heterogeneous mixture of seedling trees. They were not commercially exploited until the first years of the present century, when their potential for commercialization was developed by Californians. It was in this state that avocado growing became a recognizable industry. The crop has a wide adaptability, and avocados are now grown in most tropical and subtropical countries. Yields up to 35 tonnes/ha have been obtained in South Africa from high density planting of avocados.
11. Avocado is one of the finest salad fruits. It is a good source of vitamins (A, B, C, E, folacin, niacin etc.) and minerals (iron, magnesium, potassium etc.). Purseglove (1968) considered the avocado as the most nutritious of all fruits. Many horticulturists are accustomed to view the avocado as one of the greatest undeveloped sources of nutritious food which the tropics offer at present. However, while many people view the avocado as a possibility, to many others it is a realized possibility. Four or five tortillas (corn cakes), an avocado, and a cup of coffee, - this is a good meal, say the Indians of Guatemala.
12. There are many reasons to believe that eventually the avocado will be as familiar to Asian housewives as the banana is today. However, at present, the avocado is not popular in the Asia-Pacific region. The great majority of the population do not appreciate this fruit. This is because very few people in the region are aware of the merits of this unique fruit.
13. It is high time for the countries of the region to start giving consideration to commercial avocado culture. The avocado has to be regarded as a fruit of great commercial possibilities. Some scattered plantations in certain countries of Asia have demonstrated excellent growth and heavy bearing of the trees. There is room for much more production in the region, but only of the best varieties that can be grown. At the same time the people in the region must become aware of the avocado and its merits and there is, therefore, a need to encourage, develop and implement an awareness programme about avocado.
14. Development of the avocado industry in the region will require a concerted effort on the part of the governments and the growers. Collaboration between countries of the region is important and rewarding. In view of the commonality of problems and issues, sharing of information and experience on various aspects of avocado production could lead to quicker and more remunerative results.