Broadening digital and sustainable agriculture in Southeast Asia

The Promotion Explanation Meeting on Smart Agriculture Demonstration Support Consignment Project in Southeast Asia is a key event showcasing advanced agricultural technologies from Japan. It aims to support Southeast Asian countries in optimizing production, farm management, and productivity through the application of AI, IoT, remote sensing data, and automation solutions.

In his opening remarks at the workshop, Deputy Director, Bilateral Affairs Division, Export and International Affairs Bureau, Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, stated: 'This workshop is an important step in strengthening agricultural cooperation between the Philippines and Japan, laying the foundation for concrete collaborative outcomes.'

Japanese smart agricultural technologies have been recognized by the Philippine government and businesses, aiming for deeper collaboration with government agencies, local authorities, companies, and organizations in the Philippines to expand business opportunities in the future.

According to Mr. Sato Fumiaki, Japan and the Philippines share many similarities in climate and culinary culture. Both countries are blessed with rich natural environments, abundant food resources, and diverse cuisines that are deeply integrated into people's daily lives.

It is essential to encourage private sector investment to enhance innovation efforts in the industry, strengthen international cooperation, and introduce innovative and sustainable agricultural methods and technologies, such as digital applications, machinery, and disease control tools.

At the 43rd ASEAN Ministers on Agriculture and Forestry (AMAF 43) Meeting, the governments of Japan and Southeast Asian countries agreed to emphasize that 'Innovation in agriculture and related industries is key to sustainable agricultural production and food systems, especially for small and medium-sized farmers.'

Based on this idea, Japan and ASEAN drafted the 'MIDORI ASEAN-Japan Cooperation Plan' (adopted in October 2023), aiming to strongly promote decarbonization and digitalization in the agriculture, forestry, and fisheries sectors.

Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) will implement projects in ASEAN countries, including Vietnam, to achieve the goals set at the AMAF 43 conference. These efforts aim to strengthen cooperation and support the transfer of Japanese technology to ASEAN countries, contributing to the development of sustainable agriculture and food systems.

The Philippines, with its abundant agricultural resources and growth potential in the sector, is attracting global attention. Despite challenges such as the dominance of small-scale farms and an aging farming population, the adoption of new technologies is expected to help address these issues.

A representative from the Philippines’ Ministry of Agriculture stated that the government is making strong efforts to modernize agriculture and hopes that Japan can share its knowledge and technology with the Filipino people to build an advanced agricultural future.

According to Mr. Takahashi Akihiko, CEO of Sorimachi Company, the implemented projects focus on strengthening the capacity of cooperatives, applying 5PARM and WACA software for production and system management, and reducing carbon emissions in farming. These software solutions enable cooperatives to compare revenue, profits, and rankings with others. The joint co-creation project program is part of Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry’s initiative for the future of the Global South.

During the workshop, another notable project was the development of a farm management service using remote sensing technology for the Philippine banana industry, implemented by E-Supportlink Co., Ltd. Additionally, there was an initiative to promote the application of the AR-based agricultural support tool 'Agri-AR' in the Philippines.

Experts also emphasized the crucial role of technology and education in improving farm productivity and realizing sustainable agriculture.

The workshop was coordinated and organized by ONE-VALUE Vietnam Co., Ltd., with the participation of representatives from Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) and the Philippines’ Ministry of Agriculture.

The event also attracted the interest of over 200 agricultural businesses, attending both in person and online, from Vietnam, the Philippines, and Japan, as well as representatives from other Southeast Asian countries such as Thailand and Indonesia.