Based on the Strategy for Sustainable Food Systems “MIDORI” formulated in May 2021, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries (MAFF) initiated the project "Accelerating application of agricultural technologies which enhance production potentials and ensure sustainable food systems in the Asia-Monsoon region" in FY2022. The goal was to accelerate the application of technologies that promote climate change mitigation and sustainable agriculture in the Asia-Monsoon region. JIRCAS oversees the project under the name of "Green Asia" (project acronym).

The first meeting of the International Scientific Advisory Board was held in Tokyo (hybrid) on October 25, 2007, followed by the second meeting held online on March 16, 2023. During the second meeting, Advisory Board members provided valuable insights into the project's progress.

The third meeting was held in Tokyo (hybrid) on September 21, 2023.

At this meeting, Dr. Ismahane Elouafi, FAO Chief Scientist, was invited as a guest speaker and provided an overview of the UN Food System Summit Stocktaking Meeting. Dr. Elouafi expressed also her expectations for the project's role in transforming the food system. Opening remarks were made by JIRCAS President Koyama and Research Councilor Uchida, representing MAFF. The Secretariat of the Advisory Board then reported on the progress of cooperation with international organizations and countries in the Asian monsoon region since the second meeting and explained the preparation of the Technology Catalog aimed at improving productivity and sustainability in the Asia-Monsoon region. The meeting included presentations on ongoing activities, including the dissemination of Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) technology, Biological Nitrification Inhibition (BNI)-enhanced wheat, and advances in rice blast disease control through the ‘International Differential System’.

The members of the International Scientific Advisory Board provided valuable advice and comments:
・    Appreciation was expressed for the steady progress of the project over the past six months, highlighting the fruitful cooperation with countries in the region and the extensive dissemination of the project in prestigious forums such as the G7 and G20 meetings. The importance of further strengthening these activities was emphasized.
・    The Technology Catalog was commended, with a call for its wider use.
・    In the area of applied research, it was recommended to explore the adoption of various incentives through policy and engagement with the private sector.

Following the Advisory Board's discussion of the Technology Catalog at the meeting, the catalog was jointly published by JIRCAS, the National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO), the Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute (FFPRI), and the Japan Fisheries and Education Agency (FRA). The Technology Catalog is also prominently featured on the United Nations Food Systems Coordination Hub website.