Tamarind monograph.pdf - Crops for the Future
Tamarind monograph.pdf - Crops for the Future
Tamarind monograph.pdf - Crops for the Future
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tamarinds. In Thailand and <strong>the</strong> Philippines, farmers are growing <strong>the</strong> sweet<br />
types on a limited plantation scale. Selections have been made from among<br />
<strong>the</strong> natural stands growing in those countries. In Thailand, more than 50<br />
sweet tamarind cultivars are grown, while in <strong>the</strong> Philippines, eight selected<br />
cultivars are popular among <strong>the</strong> farmers. These sweet types have created a<br />
resurgence of interest in many countries of <strong>the</strong> Sou<strong>the</strong>ast Asian region and<br />
encouraged researchers to undertake studies on tamarind.<br />
The impact of this has been less spectacular in <strong>the</strong> South Asian countries and<br />
India, <strong>the</strong> largest producers and exporters of tamarind, who continue to grow<br />
sour types. Some farmers in Tamil Nadu grow selected superior cultivars<br />
which are known to be heavy bearers but <strong>the</strong> availability of grafted plants is<br />
limited to only a few cultivars and in a few locations. Only three improved<br />
cultivars are available in India, all of which are <strong>the</strong> sour types, although a<br />
number of selected lines are under development.<br />
Continued attention to <strong>the</strong> genetic improvement of planting materials is<br />
essential <strong>for</strong> fur<strong>the</strong>r commercial exploitation. Recent research on Rhizobia,<br />
mycorrhizae and <strong>the</strong> early growth of trees can be applied to <strong>the</strong><br />
establishment of medium-scale plantations provided that suitable planting<br />
materials are produced through vegetative propagation and that such<br />
materials are readily available. A large number of constraints are apparent in<br />
achieving <strong>the</strong>se goals, but <strong>the</strong> technology exists to overcome <strong>the</strong>m as<br />
outlined in this <strong>monograph</strong>.<br />
Where no priority research agenda exists at <strong>the</strong> different national levels, <strong>the</strong><br />
value of international organisations becoming involved with ef<strong>for</strong>ts to<br />
improve tamarind and to develop sustainable cultivars and use is all <strong>the</strong> more<br />
apparent. International organisations can stimulate <strong>the</strong> exchange of<br />
germplasm, promote <strong>the</strong> development of planting supply systems and<br />
support research and development by making technologies widely available.<br />
The approach taken by ICRAF in Africa to collect, characterise and make<br />
available germplasm of tamarind, particularly <strong>for</strong> use in agro<strong>for</strong>estry<br />
systems, has made a positive impact in a very short time in a number of<br />
countries. ICUC continues to be a vehicle promoting better utilisation of<br />
neglected species such as tamarind and, as this <strong>monograph</strong> shows, is able to<br />
put researchers in one country in touch with o<strong>the</strong>rs with similar interests<br />
elsewhere.<br />
It will also be very clear from this <strong>monograph</strong> that much produce can be<br />
wasted due to <strong>the</strong> lack of organisation at <strong>the</strong> village level <strong>for</strong> harvesting,<br />
transporting produce and marketing. Very few data are available on<br />
marketing. None<strong>the</strong>less training in aspects of production and marketing<br />
pioneered by Kasetsart University in Thailand in relation to small orchard<br />
production of sweet tamarind led rapidly to smallholders becoming involved<br />
in business planning. Such ef<strong>for</strong>ts need to be replicated so that ultimately<br />
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