SEARCA News

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia—The Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA)and the Center of Excellence on Sustainable Agricultural Intensification and Nutrition (CE SAIN) convened a Baseline Assessment Workshop on 20–21 May 2025, at CE SAIN Hall, Royal University of Agriculture, Cambodia. This event kicked off a comprehensive baseline study under the School-plus-Home Gardens cum Biodiversity Enhancement and Enterprise Program to evaluate existing school gardens and assess students' knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions (KAP) on vegetable production and consumption as well as household consumption patterns, food security status, and coping strategies. The primary objective of the workshop was… Read more

MALANG, Indonesia—Graduate students from across Southeast Asia convened at Universitas Brawijaya (UB) on 2–3 June 2025 for the 10th University Consortium (UC) Graduate Forum. Held under the theme "Innovative Agriculture and Green Technologies for a Resilient Future," the forum was co-organized by UB and the Southeast Asian University Consortium for Graduate Education in Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC) and coordinated by SEARCA as the UC Secretariat. The forum provided a platform to present and discuss cutting-edge research aligned with four key sub-themes: digitalization and AI for smart agroindustry, circular economy and sustainable resource management, climate-resilient agriculture and food security, and… Read more

An aquaculture system powered by artificial intelligence (AI) is helping small-scale fish farmers in Malaysia overcome pressing challenges in their operations. The installation of automated feeders in fish tanks in Negeri Sembilan has reduced time spent on manual feeding by 70% and cut feed waste by 20%. For farmers, this means saving at least six hours of labor each week and earning more from better feeding efficiency. Dr. Ahmad Fikri Abdullah from Universiti Putra Malaysia led the pilot deployment of smart fish feeders through the Grants for Research towards Agricultural Innovative Solutions (GRAINS) of the Southeast Asian Regional Center for… Read more

Officials of Timor-Leste's Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Forestry (MLFF), led by Secretary of State for Livestock Hon. José Vieira de Araujo, visited the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) on 29 May 2025 to explore areas of collaboration, particularly in strengthening Timor-Leste's carabao industry. Accompanying Secretary de Araujo were Mr. Carlos Antunes Amaral, General Director of Livestock and Veterinary; Mr. Agusto Barros, National Director of Livestock and a SEARCA Scholarship alumnus; Mrs. Elizabeth Purificação Luan Mali, Executive Secretary; and Mr. Julio Cesar Sequeira Amaral, Media Officer. Representatives of the Timor-Leste Embassy in… Read more

BOGOR, Indonesia — Two SEARCA scholars showcased their research results at the 2nd ASEAN University Symposium for Sustainable Food System held at IPB University in Bogor, Indonesia on 5-6 May 2025. The event brought together academic representatives from 12 universities in Southeast Asia to address pressing issues in food security and sustainability. Ms. Maria Cristina P. Pammit, who is pursuing MS agricultural economics at the University of the Philippines Los Baños, presented her study on crop diversification in Ilocos Norte, Philippines. Presented in the session on Market Systems, Economics, and Agribusiness, her research examined the profitability of garlic, onion, and… Read more

In a move to transform rural agriculture, a startup venture in Myanmar has launched the country's first crowd-farming platform, MyFarmer App. The initiative was funded by the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) Grants for Research towards Agricultural Innovative Solutions (GRAINS). The platform directly connects individual investors, known as digital farmers, with local smallholder farmers who need capital for the planting season. The aim is to improve agricultural productivity, strengthen rural economies, and promote support for sustainable farming practices. "This project aims to serve as a proof of concept for scaling up the initiative… Read more

TAIPEI, Taiwan – Mr. Moh Hari Rusli, a joint scholar of the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) and National Taiwan University (NTU), won the 3-minute thesis competition at the 11th Asian Crop Science Association Conference held in Sheraton Grand Taipei Hotel, Taipei City, Taiwan on 19-21 May 2025. The event brought together scientists, researchers, and students from across Asia under the theme "Toward Net-Zero Production, Food Security, and Sustainability," advancing crop science in the face of global challenges and spotlighting the cutting-edge research, particularly in low-carbon sustainability. The conference featured three thematic days… Read more