Japanese scientist Akihika Kamoshita has said efficient utilisation of bioresources, reasonable and feasible land use, and low input production technology are the keys to sustainable agriculture.
Speaking to academia and students of Kerala Agricultural University (KAU) at Vellanikkara here on Monday, Akihika Kamoshita said social changes influence agricultural production, and conflicts were found to stagnate agricultural growth. He quoted the situations in Pakistan and Afghanistan, Cambodia and Thailand as examples.
He explained the research agenda of the Asian Natural Environmental Science Centre (ANESC) under the University of Tokyo, which he represents.
Similarities
“The centre is meant for research collaboration with overseas universities, especially those in Asia. Japan and India have many similarities as far as natural and regional resources are concerned and rice is common food for both countries. Rice ecology in Asia is facing a few challenges, like environmental issues, salinity intrusion, climatic fluctuations, and submergence. These issues are common to Asian countries. We have undertaken rice research in different countries with the focus on hierarchy of biological resources, rice root system and adaptation, seed system and agro-ecology of rice. Crop production research on efficient water use is another vital topic,” Prof. Akihika said.
Collaborative research
KAU Vice Chancellor R. Chandra Babu, in his introductory address, said that the KAU students and faculty would get an opportunity for collaborative research in the University of Tokyo.
“Research opportunities are available for scientists and PhD scholars in the field of efficient resource use in rice production, Root biology for plant adaptation, Arbuscular mycorrihza symbiosis in rice and crops, rice seed system, agro-ecology study on rice , rice business models, etc. The exploratory approach of scientists like Akihika, who is often exploring research opportunities in countries like Combodia and Thailand, should also be imbibed,” he said.
One-to-one discussion
Prof. Akihika had a one-to-one discussion with students, research scholars, and researchers in rice and allied sectors of research.
The programme was coordinated by Director of Research P. Indira Devi. Selected researchers will go to the ANESC in November 2019.
