On December 20, 2024 (Friday), six students from the Department of International Agricultural Development at Tokyo University of Agriculture visited JIRCAS as part of their seminar activities with the Rural Development Cooperation Research Laboratory. The visit began with an introduction to the research activities of JIRCAS, followed by lectures from several researchers and a tour of the facilities.

Dr. UKE Ayaka (Researcher, Biological Resources and Post-harvest Division) gave a lecture titled "Development of High-Value-Added Technologies for Old Oil Palm Trees Aimed at Sustainable Land Use and Regeneration of Oil Palm Plantations." She discussed the challenges faced by oil palm plantations and the palm oil industry in Malaysia, the environmental issues caused by the felling of old oil palm trunks, and upcycling technologies for waste.

Dr. UEDA Yoshiaki (Researcher, Crop, Livestock and Environment Division) gave a lecture on "Improvement of Rice Using Genetic Diversity in Asia and Africa." The main topics covered included iron toxicity and phosphorus deficiency in rice production in Africa, research on stress-resistant genes using the broad genetic diversity of rice, and observations of seeds and cultivation trials in greenhouses.

Dr. MARUYAMA Kyonoshin (Project Leader, Crop, Livestock and Environment Division) explained the application of plant molecular physiology research to agriculture. He used many photographs to illustrate the differences in agriculture between Japan and low-income countries, the conditions of experimental facilities at partner research institutions, and ongoing projects in Laos, among other topics.

Dr. Bong Jung Kang (Senior Researcher, Fisheries Division) led the facility tour and explained methods to release the suppression of egg maturation in valuable shrimp species and gave details about the closed-circulation indoor shrimp production system (ISPS). She also provided insights into the key points of juvenile shrimp rearing.

Through this visit, the participating students deepened their understanding of JIRCAS's research activities and heightened their interest in the Asian region. A graduate student from the Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences at the University of Tokyo joined the visit, facilitating meaningful interactions with the undergraduate students.