Did you know?
With about five weeks of effective flowering & another three weeks to complete fibre elongation, a total of eight weeks without stress is required to have uninterrupted fibre length in all bolls.
The successful Extension and Technology Transfer sessions with eleven invited speakers and two posters were attended by some 30 people. Extension and technology transfer challenges, methodologies used and experiences around the world were highlighted with examples of successful programs in both developed and developing countries. Bruce Roberts (USA), and Geoff McIntyre, DPI&F, will lead the maintenance of communications and coordinate greater participation at future Conferences.
Outcomes:
- Contributions from Australian delegates demonstrated world best practice and leadership by DPI&F, NSW DPI and Cotton CRC/CRDC of cotton industry extension.
- This successful establishment of Extension and Technology Transfer discipline in WCRC4 has created a platform for a strong involvement of extension officers in future conferences.
- Enhancement of the established world network of cotton industry extension officers.
Plenary session highlights from my perspective were:
- A global review of extension and technology transfer in developing countries by Dr Kalim Qamar which demonstrated the impacts of structural and cultural realities and the enormous challenges and opportunities. These are very different systems compared with those of the developed countries with advanced communication systems and highly skilled producers, consultants, agribusiness and industry organisations.
- A review of global cotton markets and the impacts of competition with grain cropping associated with the development of biofuels in the USA and Brazil.
- The competition for cotton from man-made fibres and the position of cotton in major market segments.
The Extension and Technology Transfer break out session coordinated by James Supak was a special highlight with an opportunity for discussion of extension and technology transfer issues from a number of countries. The session encompassed innovative approaches in extension, education and technology adoption within the international community, whether by extension personnel, consultants, industry or government.
