Mr. M.K. Papademetriou briefly presented the need and rationale for organizing the Consultation. He presented the objectives, the provisional agenda (Annex 2) and the details of the programme (Annex 3), which were duly adopted. The objectives of the consultation, in brief, were as follows:
a) To review the status of crop diversification in the Asia-Pacific Region, discuss the problems faced as well as strategies required for overcoming existing constraints.b) Elaborate on the potential and opportunities for crop diversification for food and nutrition security, poverty alleviation and ecological security.
c) Discuss ways and means of strengthening collaboration on crop diversification.
