AFSIS

Inception Workshops, the 1st Seminars for Executive Officials, the 1st Hands-on Training Courses for Agricultural Statisticians

Update by Webadmin 2025-02-03 03:05:38

From 22 to 24 January 2025, the ASEAN Food Security Information System (AFSIS) Secretariat, in collaboration with Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF), Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), Remote Sensing Technology Center of Japan (RESTEC), and Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA), successfully conducted the Inception Workshops, the first Seminars for Executive Officials, and the first Hands-on Training Courses for Agricultural Statisticians and Technical Staff in Bangkok and Chonburi Province.

The event, which kicked off on January 22, 2025, at GISTDA Headquarters in Bangkok, featured a seminar titled “Improvement of Rice Paddy Area Statistics and Damage Assessment using Earth Observation Satellites for ASEAN.” Dr. Pakorn Apaphan, Director of GISTDA, Dr. Shinichi Sobue from JAXA, and Dr. Sumanya Ngandee, AFSIS Manager, delivered opening remarks. The seminar focused on exploring innovative methods to enhance the efficiency of rice cultivation statistics, specifically through the use of space technology for monitoring rice cultivation areas

Key discussions included an introduction to ALOS-2 satellite technology, the INAHOR (International Asian Harvest mOnitoring System for Rice), and the use of Earth observation satellites to improve agricultural management and decision-making. The system, developed under the JAXA project, offers powerful tools for estimating rice production and evaluating flood damage, which are vital for timely food security responses.

From January 23 to 24, the event moved to Sriracha in Chonburi Province, where hands-on training courses were held for agricultural statisticians and technical staff at the GISTDA Training Center. These sessions provided participants with practical skills in using the INAHOR system. Training included installing and setting up key software tools, such as Quantum Geographic Information System (QGIS), Google Earth Pro, and Google Earth Engine. Attendees also learned how to configure the INAHOR system and use its features to estimate rice cultivation areas.

This workshop is the first meeting under the Project for Strengthening the ASEAN Food Security Information System (AFSIS) Function for Emergency (SAFER) and the Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund (JAIF) project. The cooperation of ASEAN member countries made this meeting a success. The results of this workshop and the comments received from member countries were used to improve the operation of the INAHOR information technology system.

The 13th Meeting of APTERR Council

On 19-20 February 2025, the AFSIS Secretariat attended the 13th Meeting of the ASEAN Plus Three Emergency Rice Reserve (APTERR) Council held in Tokyo, Japan. The meeting brought together key stakeholders from the APTERR Council, ASEAN Plus Three countries, ASEAN Secretariat, ASEAN Food Security Reserve Board (AFSRB), the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the APTERR Secretariat, and the AFSIS Secretariat to discuss crucial topics related to food security and rice reserves.

The Invitational Workshop on the Project for Establishing Real-Time AFSIS and Development Human Resources in Seoul, Korea

From 10-14 February 2025, the AFSIS Secretariat, in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MAFRA) and the Korea Agency of Education, Promotion, and Information Service in Food, Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries (EPIS), successfully hosted the Invitational Workshop on the Project for Establishing a Real-Time ASEAN Food Security Information System and Development of Human Resources. The event took place in Seoul, the Republic of Korea, bringing together representatives from 5 target countries Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, the Philippines, and Vietnam.

APTERR-ADB Workshop on ‘Building Resilient Rice Market and Robust Policy Framework in Asia

On 24 January 2025, AFSIS Secretariat join the meeting in collaboration with The APTERR Secretariat and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in the successfully co-organised a hybrid workshop on “Building Resilient Rice Market and Robust Policy Framework in Asia” The event brought fostering meaningful discussions on strengthening food security and stabilizing rice markets through effective policy strategies.

Flooding in Malaysia and Southern Thailand

In late November and early December 2024, Malaysia and southern Thailand experienced severe flooding and heavy rainfall, which caused widespread damage, including landslides and agricultural devastation. In Malaysia, 25 districts across seven states were severely impacted, with households evacuated and extensive flooding reported. Similarly, southern Thailand experienced heavy rains and flash flooding, particularly in provinces affecting over 136,000 households. The floods severely damaged agricultural sectors, with significant losses in paddy rice and other crops, amounting to millions of dollars in damages in both countries. In response, both nations initiated emergency measures, including providing aid and conducting damage assessments. Malaysia focused on intensive assistance to affected households, while Thailand mobilized a range of relief efforts, including specialized equipment and emergency vehicles, to support flood-stricken regions. The agricultural losses in both countries highlight the critical need for improved disaster preparedness and more resilient agricultural systems.