Chitwan, Nepal (ESCAP news) – Experts at a regional meeting in Chitwan, Nepal unveiled new analysis on the links between agricultural mechanization and the market with implications on reducing rural poverty in the Asia-Pacific region.

The research was discussed at the 5th Member Meeting of the Regional Council of Agricultural Machinery Associations in Asia and the Pacific (ReCAMA) co-organized by the Centre for Sustainable Agricultural Mechanization (CSAM) of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) with the Nepal Agricultural Machinery Entrepreneurs’ Association (NAMEA).

The preliminary findings included a research paper titled Mechanization of Agriculture: Market Dynamics of Selected Member Countries of ReCAMA commissioned in 2019. The study leverages expertise on both sustainable agriculture and commerce to analyse market dynamics and forecast needs for agricultural machinery, in order to optimize agricultural production and innovation in the region.

The meeting also brought together policymakers, academics, researchers and private sector and industry association representatives to make concrete decisions on the Council’s direction promoting the availability, adoption and sustainable use of agricultural machinery in the region through a demand-driven model.

Commenting on the event, Ms. Li Yutong, Head of CSAM, said “Sustainable and balanced development of agricultural mechanization requires programmes, incentives and assistance from both national associations and the private sector. Of vital importance is an enabling policy landscape as well as a network and close-knit community where information is shared, partnerships are developed, and valuable cooperation is catalysed, which can optimize the engagement and contribution of all entities towards advancement of sustainable agricultural mechanization.”

The continuing work of ReCAMA through regional cooperation and agricultural development has emerged as an important channel for CSAM to contribute towards Sustainable Development Goal 2 (Zero Hunger), Goal 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and Goal 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

ReCAMA was established in 2014 as the outcome of the first Regional Forum on Sustainable Agricultural Mechanization in Asia and the Pacific held in 2013. ReCAMA aims to enhance the exchange of knowledge and information, strengthen the capability of agricultural machinery associations at both regional level and national level, and conduct capacity building programmes to promote the idea of sustainable agricultural mechanization. To date, ReCAMA has 20 member associations from 14 countries.