Technical Meeting on Sterilization of Carrier by Irradiation on 2005 FNCA Biofertilizer Project took place as follows,

　Opening remarks were delivered by Dr. Sueo Machi, the FNCA Coordinator of Japan, Dr. Tadashi Yokoyama, Project Leader of Japan and Dr. Tadao Seguchi, Director, Asia Cooperation Center (ACC), JAIF

　In Session 1 and 4, a total five lectures were presented, four from Japan and one from Thailand.

　In Session 2, a total four presentations were made by Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam. Representatives of participating countries made presentations on current status of the application of biofertilizer in their countries. Summary of these presentations is attached as attachment 3.

　In Session3, “Implementation Plan of Radiation Sterilization of Carrier” was discussed. Dr. Machi, the FNCA Coordinator of Japan presented lead-off speech summarized as attachment 4. Discussion was conducted about Dr. Machi's speech and in principle agreed upon.
　The points discussed and agreed upon were as follows:

　Implementation Plan of Radiation Sterilization of Carrier:

　Every FNCA participating countries were encouraged to use their existing irradiation facilities mostly Cobalt 60 to sterilize carrier for biofertilizer. Some countries have done irradiation using recommended doses. If have enough time, determination of the sterilizing dose of the specific carrier used (soil and charcoal for Philippines, filter mud for Indonesia, peat for Thailand and Vietnam) will be carried out in each country. It was emphasized that irradiation sterilization is better, more economical and more practical than heat autoclave sterilization especially in case of larger production. Comparison of gamma irradiation with heat autoclave for sterilization of carrier was recommended at the laboratory level in terms of obtaining a better quality of biofertilizer. Irradiated carrier will be used in the field demonstration to promote the use of biofertilizer for farmers. For some countries that have difficulty to use irradiation facility, a letter will be sent by Dr. Machi, the FNCA coordinator of Japan, to the individual country coordinator to facilitate such matter.

　In Session5, “ Plan of Field Trial to Demonstrate the Effect of Carrier Sterilized by Radiation ” and “ Strategy for Promoting Biofertilizer Use by Farmers ” were discussed. Dr. Machi summarized the major problems and solutions for achieving extension of biofertilizer as attachment 4. All representatives agreed with these views and to take countermeasures when needed.
　Dr Machi also proposed an extension strategy of biofertilizer as attachment 5. All representatives discussed the proposal and add following points:

Plan of Field Trial to Demonstrate the Effect of Carrier Sterilized by Radiation :
At the meeting plan for field trial and field demonstration were discussed. It was follows ：

　Strategy for Promoting Biofertilizer Use by Farmers :

　The points discussed and agreed upon were the best ways to show and educate the farmers about the importance of biofertilizer. Some country, for example Thailand, the farmers knew very well about the usefulness of biofertilizer but their accessibility to the supplier of biofertilizer is insufficient. Another problem is the products cannot be stored for long period of time. Another problem is low quality assurance of biofertilizer. To address these problems, sterilization by gamma irradiation will be considered to be used.

　Promotional activities for biofertilizer application are as follows:

　On the second day, participants made technical visit to Takasaki Radiation Chemistry Research Establishment, Japan Atomic Energy Research Institute (JAERI). The participants looked around Co-60 Irradiation Facility, Electron Accelerator and Ion Accelerator. The participants appreciated the efforts and guidance of the staff of JAERI.

　The Minutes were discussed and agreed upon by all participants in the Meeting. This will be reported at the 2005 FNCA Biofertilizer Workshop to be held on the second half of January 2006 in the Philippines.

Attachments:

	1.	Program of the Technical Meeting on Sterilization of Carrier by Irradiation
	2.	Participants List of the Technical Meeting on Sterilization of Carrier by Irradiation
	3.	Summary of presentations of each country 　44KB
	4.	Implementation Plan of Radiation Sterilization of Carries and Extension Strategy of Biofertilizer 　343KB
	5.	Problems for Further Extension of Bio-fertilizer 　21KB