Beyond Borders: Connecting Asian Researchers on Root and Tuber Crops

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From 28 September to 2 October 2026, researchers from across South and Southeast Asia gathered in Da Lat and Hanoi, Vietnam, to launch the Regional Learning Platform on Roots and Tubers, led by the International Potato Center (CIP) and the CGIAR Capacity Sharing Accelerator.

The platform connects researchers from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Nepal, the Philippines, and Vietnam to share knowledge, resources, and practical solutions to common challenges in root and tuber production.
The five-day programme combined field visits, hands-on training, technical discussions, and collaborative planning. Participants explored innovations in clean seed production, apical rooted cuttings (ARC), potato breeding, low-emission rice–potato systems, cold storage, varietal selection, and postharvest management.

Learning from Vietnam

For Arif Hasan Khan Robin from Bangladesh, a major highlight was the visit to the Potato Vegetable Research Center (PVFC) in Da Lat. He was particularly impressed by PVFC’s low-cost tissue culture approach using apical root cuttings to multiply potato seedlings. The use of simple polybags makes the technology affordable and practical, with potential for wider application in other Asian countries, including Bangladesh.
“The practical demonstration of ARC was detailed and highly relevant. This knowledge can be replicated wherever appropriate.”

Collaboration can accelerate breeding

“Collaboration helps us build on what already exists, respond faster to emerging challenges, and bring improved varieties to farmers sooner.”

For Ramarie Rama of the Institute of Plant Breeding, University of the Philippines Los Baños, the programme reinforced the value of collaboration in developing improved varieties.
Rather than starting from scratch, breeders can share materials, expertise, and resources to respond more quickly to emerging challenges, reduce duplication, and overcome resource constraints. She also sees opportunities to collaborate on potato materials that could help expand production in the Philippines beyond high-elevation areas into low- and mid-elevation environments, potentially creating greater opportunities for mechanization.

Growing stronger together

The workshop highlighted that many countries face similar challenges—from access to quality planting material and germplasm to pest and disease management and limited breeding capacity.
The new platform provides a foundation for South-South Exchange and Cooperation, turning shared challenges into opportunities for learning, innovation, and joint action.
By connecting researchers across borders and sharing what works, the region can accelerate solutions and strengthen the pathway from research to impact for farmers.

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