Fruit tree crops improvement project

Final PES, consisting of a facesheet only, covers the period 6/83-3/85 and is based on an attached special evaluation (XD-AAR-398-A). The following are recommended for consideration and inclusion in a follow-on program currently being developed. (1) Because of the severe disease problem afflicting cashew trees, the production of cashew seedlings is to be halted and the current supply in the three nurseries is not to be distributed until disease-resistant seed and/or grafts are obtained for scion production. (2) Avocado production from seed should be halted and replaced by grafted material of proven cultivars. (3) The implementing organization, Societe Haitienne d"Etude et d"Execution des Projets Agricole (SHEEPA), is to concentrate only on a limited number of fruits of demonstrated technical, economical, and social potential. (4) The shade factor at the Maissade nursery is to be reduced, to avoid etiolation among seedlings in certain areas. (5) SHEEPA is to concentrate primarily on grafted and pruned fruit trees which can be more successfully integrated into long-term intercropping schemes. (6) SHEEPA is to upgrade the quality of technical input by incorporating competent international consultants into the program.