JIRCAS Senior Researcher, Dr. TSUJIMOTO Yasuhiro (Crop, Livestock and Environment Division) received the 16th Young Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Researcher Award from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) for his achievement in the development of efficient rice production technology in a nutrient-deficient environment in Africa. This award is a commendation of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Technology Council Chairman to young researchers with outstanding research achievements in agriculture, forestry, fisheries and related industries, and are highly expected to make further contributions in the future. It is aimed at increasing the motivation among young researchers engaged in research and development. 

Dr. Tsujimoto has been pursuing research to improve crop productivity in Africa through continuous observations and experiments at production sites. Some of his research achievements included the application of sulfur to unused land of the river floodplains to increase yield in areas without irrigation facilities and the phosphorus dipping treatment of rice seedlings that lead to increased yield and avoidance of environmental stress. These achievements were highly evaluated as contributing to the realization of sustainable agriculture and the solution of food problems in Africa, where the investment of resources such as fertilizer and irrigation water is limited.

The awardees were announced at the Agribusiness Creation Fair, which was held online from November 11-13, 2020.

Press release (in Japanese) at https://www.affrc.maff.go.jp/docs/press/201112_21.html