AFSIS

Satellite Applications for Societal Benefit Working Group (SAWG) in the APRSAF-30 meeting

Update by Webadmin 2024-11-28 04:42:35

On 26-27 November 2024, Dr. Sumanya Ngandee, the AFSIS Manager, participated in the 30th session of the Asia-Pacific Regional Space Agency Forum (APRSAF-30), held in Perth, Australia. This event was co-organized by the Australian Space Agency (ASA), the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) of Japan, and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). The forum's focus was to bring together stakeholders from various space agencies in the Asia-Pacific region to address pressing regional issues through space-based solutions.

One of the key sessions, Satellite Applications for Societal Benefit (SAWG), aimed to promote and facilitate the use of space-based systems, such as Earth observation and navigation satellites, in conjunction with ground-based information. This approach seeks to address a wide range of common social issues in the region while fostering sustainable cooperation between space agencies, stakeholders, development aid organizations, and end-users.

During the SAWG session, Dr. Sumanya Ngandee delivered a presentation focused on the Satellite Applications for Crop Area Estimation and Growing Conditions for the ASEAN Food Security Information System (AFSIS).
She outlined the role of the Rice Growing Outlook (RGO) activities and the use of the INAHOR system (International Asian Harvest mOnitoring system for Rice) for estimating rice planted areas, which is a critical tool for tracking agricultural trends in the region. Her presentation also highlighted collaborations with key organizations, including JAXA, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) of Japan, ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation), RESTEC (Remote Sensing Technology Center of Japan) and GISTDA (Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency)

Furthermore, she emphasized the critical role of remote sensing technologies in providing accurate agricultural information to support food security decision-making. She also underscored the importance of capacity building in ASEAN region, such as workshops on rice mapping using the INAHOR system, which are essential for empowering local stakeholders to make data-driven decisions.

Her presentation highlighted not only the technological advances in satellite applications but also the vital need for regional cooperation and knowledge exchange she also expressed deep gratitude to the organizations involved in the SAFE Agromet Project, which aims to integrate satellite data and advance the use of remote sensing technologies into agricultural decision-making processes, ultimately strengthening food security in the region to ensure sustainable food security in ASEAN nations. The ongoing collaborations reflect a shared commitment to addressing common agricultural challenges through space-based solutions and human resource development in the use of satellite-derived agricultural information.

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.

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

During 22 - 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 1st Seminars for Executive Officials, the 1st Hands-on Training Courses for Agricultural Statisticians and Technical Staff held in Bangkok and Chonburi Province.