JIRCAS Report 2023

Workshop Introduces Liquefaction Control Technology for Fermented Rice Noodles in Thailand

On September 19, 2023, a workshop was held in Thailand to introduce liquefaction control technology for fermented rice noodles (Thai name: khanomjeen). This technology was jointly developed by JIRCAS and the Institute of Food Research and Product Development of Kasetsart University, Thailand, and is included in the technology catalog published by JIRCAS in the project "Accelerating application of agricultural technologies that enhance production potentials and ensure sustainable food systems in the Asia-Monsoon region" of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF). Senior Researcher MARUI Junichiro participated in the workshop as a project collaborator.

Delegation from the International Coral Reef Research and Monitoring Center of the Ministry of Environment Visits TARF  

On September 6, 2023, a delegation from the Ishigaki Nature Conservation Office (International Coral Reef Research and Monitoring Center) of the Ministry of the Environment led by Mr. Yamamoto, Senior Nature Conservation Officer and Specialist for the Conservation of Remote Islands and Rare Species, visited the JIRCAS Tropical Agriculture Research Front (Ishigaki City, Okinawa Prefecture) to inspect the research project being conducted by TARF on the development and evaluation of environmental conservation technologies for tropical islands.
 

51st TARF Public Lecture Successfully Held on September 12

The 51st TARF Public Lecture entitled "Exploring the Diversity of Tropical Fruit Trees Around the World" was successfully held at the Ishigaki City Health and Welfare Center on Tuesday, September 12, 2023. The event was attended by 52 people.

JIRCAS Publishes Green Asia Report Series No. 1

The first issue of the Green Asia Report Series entitled “Driving sustainable food systems transformation in the Asia-Monsoon region with science, technology, and innovation: Background and key issues for "Green Asia" project” has been officially released.

JIRCAS Receives Four Academic Awards from the Japanese Society of Irrigation, Drainage and Rural Engineering

Research results published by 12 JIRCAS research staff and others have received four awards (Outstanding Paper Awards and International Contribution Award) from the Japanese Society of Irrigation, Drainage and Rural Engineering (JSIDRE).

JIRCAS' Outstanding Contribution Recognized at 2023 Science and Technology Fair in Thailand

The Thailand National Science and Technology Fair is the country’s largest annual exhibition showcasing science and technology to promote and foster public interest. This year, it was held for 10 days from August 11-20 at the Impact Exhibition and Convention Center in Nonthaburi Province. During the event, there were approximately 200,000 visitors, mostly local elementary, middle and high school students.

Fukuoka Prefectural Yahata High School Students Visit JIRCAS as Part of "Tsukuba Science Tour"

A group of 20 second-year students and two teachers from Fukuoka Prefectural Yahata High School visited JIRCAS on August 2, 2023 through the “Tsukuba Science Tour” program.

Summer Vacation Children's Tour Day Event Explores the Wonders of Superfood Quinoa

On August 2 (Wed) and 3 (Thu), 2023, the JIRCAS event entitled “Discovering the Wonders of Superfood Quinoa” was held at the Tsukuba Business-Academia Cooperation Support Center exhibition corner. 

Toyama Prefectural Senior High School Students Visit JIRCAS as Part of ‘Tokyo Area Field Trip’

A group of 27 second-year students and 1 teacher from the Science and Mathematics Department of Toyama Prefectural Senior High School visited JIRCAS on August 2, 2023 through the "Tsukuba Science Tour."

Gakuennomori Compulsory Education School 8th-Grade Students Visit JIRCAS for 'Workplace Experience Learning'

As part of the ‘Workplace Experience Learning’ program, four 8th-grade students (2nd-year junior high) from Tsukuba Gakuennomori Compulsory Education School visited JIRCAS on July 24 and 25.

“Discovering the Wonders of Superfood Quinoa” at Children's Tour Day on August 2-3

An event entitled “Discovering the Wonders of Superfood Quinoa” will be held at the Tsukuba Business-Academia Cooperation Support Center exhibition corner on August 2  (Wednesday) and August 3 (Thursday), 2023, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. This event is part of the “Children's Tour Day”, and will introduce the superfood quinoa and the research being conducted in Bolivia, South America, for elementary school students and older.

The 50th TARF Public Lecture Held on June 30

The 50th TARF Public Lecture entitled “Agricultural Research that Balances Productivity Improvement and Environmental Protection: How Research Contributes to the Sustainable Development of Agriculture on Ishigaki Island” was held on June 30, 2023 from 7:00 to 8:30 PM at the Ishigaki City Health and Welfare Center. 

Senior Researcher Kashiwa Receives “Young Scientist Award" at World Soybean Research Conference

Dr. KASHIWA Takeshi, Senior Researcher, Biological Resources and Post-harvest Division, received the "Young Scientist Award" at the World Soybean Research Conference 11 (WSRC11) held in Vienna, Austria onJune 18-23, 2023, for his presentation on "Genome analysis of the pathogen causing Cercospora leaf blight and purple seed stain of soybean”.

Agricultural Extension Officers from Asia and Africa Visit JIRCAS as Part of JICA Training Program

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has been conducting training on Smallholder Horticulture Empowerment and Promotion (SHEP) for extension workers in Asia and Africa based on Japan's technical cooperation program. As a part of this training program, 12 extension officers and 2 advisors from JICA Tsukuba visited JIRCAS on June 28, 2023.

Dissemination of JIRCAS Research Results at the UNFCCC Bonn Climate Change Conference

The Bonn Climate Change Conference of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) was held in Bonn, Germany on June 5-15, 2023. Dr. NOGUCHI Shouji (Director, Forestry Division) and Dr. YOSHIHASHI Tadashi (Project Leader, Biological Resources and Post-harvest Division) presented their research at the 15th Research Dialogue held on June 8th.