D8 AGREES ON TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER ON AGRI PRODUCTION

By Mohamad Iswandi Kasan Anuar

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 26 (Bernama) -- Ministers from eight Islamic nations have agreed to exchange knowledge and technology to improve quality of agricultural production, Iran Deputy Agriculture Minister Dr J. Khalghani said Thursday.

He said the ministers agree that technology transfer was an important area
and there must be efforts to enhance cooperation particularly in the research
and development area.

"They emphasised that the technology available in D-8 countries can be
passed on to other D8 countries on the basis of investment by the private sector
which must be feasible for them," he told reporters after the D-8 ministerial
roundtable discussions.

The three-day D-8 Ministers' Meeting on food security beginning Wednesday is
crucial to kick start private sector-led initiatives to create seed banks,
supply quality fertilizers and animal feed.

At the meeting, Iran proposed setting up a joint research group on food
security among D-8 member states, Khalghani said.

"The grouping could further develop and explore new success areas in a
knowledge-based economy growth vision," he said.

He said member countries should consider using nuclear technology in
agriculture projects, including bio and nano technology, with the existence
of valuable scientists and experts among D-8 nations.

Khalghani also recommended the adoption of common trade standards for food
commodities and labelling for organic agriculture produce among D-8 countries.

"We also suggest supplementary consultation on the establishment of D-8
common market and formation of market information," he added.

-- BERNAMA