A group of 17 students and 2 teachers from Joso Gakuin Junior High School visited JIRCAS on March 17, 2021 through the “inquiry-based field tour” of the the Tsukuba Science Tour. During the visit, proper measures to prevent infection such as wearing a mask were strictly observed.

The students were provided an overview of JIRCAS projects introducing food and environmental issues in developing regions and their contribution to the SDGs. The ensuing discussion provided the students an opportunity to think about the actual conditions of the world's agriculture, forestry and fisheries and problems related to environment and food.

In addition, Senior Researcher MARUI Junichiro (Biological Resources and Post-harvest Division) gave a presentation entitled “Research on delicious and useful fermented foods” focusing on Thai fermented rice noodles (khan jeen) and Lao fermented fish sauce (Padek). Dr. Marui has been working with overseas researchers and producers to study the good points of fermented foods in the country and to use the results locally. After the lecture, the students were shown a sample of actual padek and had the experience to evaluate its smell.

JIRCAS is promoting this kind of activity with the hope of providing young students a closer look at food and environmental issues in developing regions and an opportunity to think about their future career.