1. Biotechnology Research and Development in Yemen Country paper Prepared by: Dr. Abdul Wahed O. Mukred Vice Chairman Agricultural Research and Extension Authority Republic of Yemen December 2007

2. Brief History of Research in Yemen El-Kod Research Station was established in September 1955. Commercial Cotton cultivation in Abyan and Lahej Delta. After 1967 the research agenda was expanded to cover field and horticultural crops. In 1982 the Agricultural Research and Extension Department was established in the Ministry of Agriculture and Agrarian Reform.

3. Brief History of Research in Yemen In the Northern part of Yemen, research started in the early seventies in Tihama Region. In 1982 the Agricultural Research Authority was established in Taez Governorate. In 1990 Yemen was reunified and the two research systems were merged into one Research and Extension Authority (AREA).

4. Brief History of Research in Yemen Research agenda in Yemen is characterized by its applied nature. Solve farmers problems. Basic research in Yemen is confined to breeding programs in cotton and some field crops. Research in Yemen is classical in terms of tools and designs applied.

5. Brief History of Research in Yemen The parameters measured are classical and based on visual symptoms and measurements. Earliness, resistance to biotic and a biotic stresses and yield per unit area are assessed by traditional methods. Commodity research was dominant for several decades. Research concentrated on irrigated agriculture. Rainfed research was undermined until recently.

6. Brief History of Research in Yemen Identification of field and horticultural crops is still based on visual symptoms. Multiplication of fruit trees is still based on seeds and traditional grafting and budding techniques. The diversity of endogenous species of field and horticultural crops were categorized based on classical tools. There are still many gaps in the identification of derivatives.

7. Genetic Resources in Yemen: Yemen is characterized by large diversity of native species, varieties adopted to local environments. Yemen is a native land for secveral field and horticultural crops. Although Yemen hosts rich biodiversity and genetic resources, yet progress made in utilizing these resources is minimal.

8. Genetic Resources in Yemen Research in Yemen is based on testing of introduced varieties. Research in breeding cover some field crops such as: wheat, sorghum and onions. The assessment of endogenous species started only recently. Some genotypes of the endogenous species have excellent unique genetic characterizes, which are not yet utilized in the breedingprograms.

9. Genetic Resources in Yemen The establishment of genetic resources centers is an important step toward genetic resource conservation and assessment in Yemen. These centers have initiated processes to collect and preserve genetic resources for field and horticultural crops in order to study genetic behavior of the collected species and their potential utilization.

10. Current Status of Biotechnology and Biosafety in Yemen Biotechnology and Biosafety are relatively new issues in Yemen. There is no specific entity responsible for handling the safe use and transfer of biotechnology and GMOs. No legal instruments to regulate the introduction, testing, use and dissemination of GMOs.

11. Current Status of Biotechnology and Biosafety in Yemen There is no research work on GMOs at the national level and no such crops are produced locally. Biotechnology can play an important role in addressing agricultural research and contribute to agricultural development. there are basic facilities and capacities for biotechnology both at the academia and research centers. However, these facilities are outdated and require updating.

12. Current Status of Biotechnology and Biosafety in Yemen Technical capacities and institutional capabilities need to be further improved. Public awareness needs to be enhanced. Policies and regulations need to be developed and put in place to regulate biotechnology and Biosafety. There is a need to strengthen technical, institutional, international cooperation, research and social aspects in biotechnology and biosafety.

13. Constraints facing Agricultural Biotechnology Research & Development in Yemen: On the Legal Aspects On the Research Aspects On the Institutional Aspects On the Technical Level On the Social Aspects On International Cooperation On the Role of Private Sector

14. Recommendations for promoting agricultural biotechnology research & development in Yemen : Revise current legislations. Improve NARS capacities in biotechnology research. Improve coordination among institutions. Identify a champion for research to generate funds and lobby in decision making. Capitalize on the opportunities available in the International Centers (ICARDA, ICRISAT, CIMMYT) Promote the role of the private sevtor in biotechnology research.

15. Justification for establishing agricultural biotechnology network The network will enable scientists of member countries to get acquainted with experiences gained and progress achieved. The network will enable scientists to learn more about recent advances in technologies. Less developed countries will capitalize on more advance member countries in training. The network will make this capitalization possible.

16. Justification for establishing agricultural biotechnology network The network will allow less advanced countries get acquainted with these achievements and adopt them. The network will help less advanced countries learn more on how biotechnology research has been integrated in development. How decision makers came to support this type of research. Lessons learnt can be made available via the network in the annual meetings or through the periodical publications.

17. Justification for establishing agricultural biotechnology network The network will be a good forum for traveling workshops. Hiring consultants from member countries to solve practical problems encountered in biotechnology research. The network will create opportunities for personal contacts of scientists working in the same field. These contacts will last far after the duration of the project supporting the network.

18. Thank you for your attention