HORTICULTURAL RESEARCH - A TOOL FOR NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Transformation from agricultural production for local consumption to export quality production can be achieved only if high levels of horticultural practices are maintained.

In order to improve horticultural performance at the growers' level, a chain of knowledge should be established. This should start with a central research center where high quality basic and applied research is carried out; it should proceed to regional research stations that deal with applied research only while at the same time acting as extension service centers; and it should terminate in every region with individual growers who should draw on this knowledge to achieve export quality products.

The research should include such aspects as breeding and genetic studies for specific local purposes; nutrition and water relationships; physiological studies of growth, development and ripening processes; post-harvest physiology and plant protection. The inclusion of all of these subjects in the system will make it possible to provide extension service personnel with the information needed for proper crop growing.

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