Mid-term evaluation report : plant genetic resources (PGR) project, project 386-0513

Mid-term evaluation covers the period 8/88-6/93. Implementation, delayed by technical and bureaucratic problems until 1991, has proceeded apace since the signing of a PASA with the U.S. Department of Agriculture for the participant training component and a contract with Winrock International to manage the construction and equipment procurement components. The project's goal will, at least in principle, be achieved through the activities of NBPGR and its affiliated regional centers and base stations under the direction of its dynamic leader. A basic functional system in already in place. A great deal has been achieved since 1991. Construction of the Gene Bank began in 9/92 and should be completed by 12/94; however, more must be done to ensure that the building will be adequately furnished. A contract to construct greenhouse, screenhouse, and quarantine facilities at New Delhi, Hyderabad, and Bhowali has been approved, although the Government of India (GOI) is having second thoughts about the proposed fourth site, in the Andaman Islands. The evaluation team feels that a quarantine facility in this offshore location is critical and should be pursued, possibly in a scaled-down version; it presents a one-time opportunity for the GOI to build good research facilities for the Indian Council for Agricultural Research at Andaman. Also, if at all possible A.I.D. should agree to the construction of greenhouse-screenhouse facilities in Kanpur. Equipment for new and existing NBPGR facilities has still not been procured, however. Also, more equipment is needed than has been budgeted for. After overcoming initial problems in obtaining clearances for Indian scientists, the U.S. training program is proceeding successfully and should reach completion as planned; however, more training may be needed after termination of the PASA. In addition, in-country workshops have been conducted on such topics as germplasm collection, evaluation, and maintenance and computer-based information management, and participants from 10 countries participated in a 1991 regional training program. Training of both Indian and regional personnel will be a significant component of the NBPGR program after facilities are fully functional. The NBPGR's operational program of collection, evaluation, documentation, and storage is difficult and complex. The team found a high level of ambition, enthusiasm, and progress on the part of staff. Collections of several crops have been rejuvenated, samples sent to long-term storage, and catalogs prepared. The creation of Crop Advisory Committees to develop protocols and procedures for crop collection, evaluation, and documentation is urged. The NBPGR germplasm system has a good potential for sustainability and, being a center of national importance, should perhaps be elevated to the status of the National Research Institutes. Also, serious consideration should be given to a successor to the current Director, whose tenure runs out in a few years. It is also recommended that A.I.D. extend the project for several years, since, due to the initial delays, A.I.D. support is scheduled to terminate at the very beginning of the operational phase.