Agricultural scientists’ visit benefits WA and Asia

A group of scientists from South East Asia will be learning more about Western Australian agriculture this week in an effort to improve the industry in their own countries.

The Department of Agriculture and Food will host four professionals from Laos, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea and the Philippines, as part of the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research’s John Dillon Memorial Fellowship initiative.

This is the twelfth year of the initiative, which provides opportunities for agricultural scientists to develop their skills and knowledge in agricultural research management, agricultural policy and extension.

Department Irrigated Agriculture and Diversification Executive Director Terry Hill said it was a great opportunity for agricultural scientists to share knowledge and experiences to the betterment of international agricultural advancement.

“While our guests will no doubt get an insight the latest Australian agricultural developments, it also provides our scientists with a unique opportunity to learn about advancements and issues being addressed in Asia,” Mr Hill said.

“It will also help to form new relationships and networks that could result in other projects or collaborations in the future.”

During their five day visit to WA, the group will visit DAFWA’s South Perth animal and plant health laboratories, discuss issues with the department’s pig research group, as well as tour its facilities at Manjimup.

The group will also meet with representatives from Fisheries WA, the University of WA and industry representatives from a range farming enterprises, before travelling to Canberra to complete their fellowship program.

The group is comprised of:

Dr Malavanh Chittavong, Vice Head of Faculty of Agriculture, National University of Laos, Vientiane, LAO PDR

Dr Hassan Warriach, Project Manager, University of Veterinary & Animal Sciences, Lahore, PAKISTAN

Mr Gideon Pama, Manager – Freshwater Aquaculture, National Fisheries Authority, Port Moresby, PAPUA NEW GUINEA

Ms Maria Lilia Vega, Research Project Coordinator, Visayas State University, Baybay City, Leyte, PHILIPPINES

Photo caption: Gideon Pama (left), National Fisheries Authority, Papua New Guinea, Maria Lilia Vega, Visayas State University, Philippines, Dr Hassan Warriach, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Pakistan, DAFWA Animal Health laboratory's Gerard Smith, Dr Malavanh Chittavong, National University of Laos.

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