On Friday, April 26, 2024, the “JIRCAS Tour” by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) was held for the first time, and 33 staff members observed the major research activities of JIRCAS.

There was attendance from various departments of MAFF including 14 members from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries Research Council of MAFF. The participants were highly engaged, listened intently to the explanations, and asked questions, showing their interest in and support for JIRCAS research activities. 

First, Director Tomohide Sugino (Planning and Collaboration Division) explained the mission of JIRCAS and the activities under the 5th Medium to Long-term Plan (FY2021-FY2025), followed by a question-and-answer session. Next, Senior Researcher Dr. Kotaro Maeno (Production Environment and Livestock Division) introduced his research on pest control technology based on desert locust ecology.

During the facility tour, the participants were divided into two groups and visited two locations, the exhibition corner, and the overseas experimental building of JIRCAS. Dr. Marcy Wilder, the Project Leader of the Fisheries Division, gave an overview of the Indoor Shrimp Production System (ISPS), which is a closed circulation system. Meanwhile, Dr. Jiang Fengting, the Senior Researcher of the Fisheries Division, described the inland shrimp aquaculture facility and talked about the closed circulation indoor shrimp production system.

After lunch at the Business-Academia Cooperation Support Center, Dr. Tadashi Yoshihashi, Project Leader of the BNI System, Dr. Masahiro Kishii (Biological Resources and Post-harvest Division) and Dr. GV Subbarao (Production Environment and Livestock Division) explained the potential of BNI-enabled wheat which can significantly reduce the amount of nitrogen fertilizer application. The participants could observe the BNI-enabled wheat growth status and ask questions to the researchers. 

The staff members of MAFF commented that they found the research of JIRCAS interesting and informative. And they also appreciate the opportunity to learn about the latest research findings and think about the connection between policy and research.