Farmer participatory approach in increasing genetic diversity in farmers field with exotic taro plant genetic resources

The National Agricultural Research Institution (NARI) of Papua New Guinea (PNG), together with international partners, implemented a Participatory Plant Breeding project from 2011-2015 with the aim to increase the diversity of taro, which is the fourth most important crop in PNG. It also aims to address adaptation to climate change, pest and disease outbreaks and new market needs. In a survey conducted in 2013 and other previous documentation by NARI, it was found that the genetic diversity of taro in farmers’ field is very narrow; however, enhancing the diversity of this crop, which is mostly vegetatively propagated, requires specific technical know-how. The project thus brought together scientist working directly with local farmers in 18 village communities in three districts; around 300 farmers participated. The project included activities such as participatory evaluation of genetic resources, including from international collections, selection of breeding parents, crossing and seed harvesting and evaluation of progenies. Promising new progenies are the key outcome and were distributed to the village communities for on-farm evaluation, including for local adaptation and eating quality, based on farmers’ own criteria. Women played a key role in the process since they do most of the farming activities, such as planting, weeding and harvesting.