AFSIS

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

Update by Webadmin 2025-02-03 03:11:40

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

The workshop was structured into three insightful sessions. The first session focused on “Building Resilient Rice Markets in Asia: Lessons Learned from Rice Market Crises” offering valuable perspectives on how past crises have shaped current market dynamics. The second session, the highlight of the workshop, was dedicated to the "ASEAN Integrated Food Security Framework: Findings from ADB’s Review," providing key insights from ADB’s comprehensive review. The final session addressed "Actions for Building Resilient Rice Markets," emphasizing actionable strategies to build robust rice markets in the future.

Dr. Sumanya Ngandee, AFSIS Manager, took the opportunity to brief attendees on the overview of AFSIS and the current status of AFSIS, the result of the Joint Understanding of the 22nd AFSIS Focal Point Meeting, which the 24TH AMAF Plus Three Meeting welcomed and endorsed the Joint Understanding from the 22nd AFSIS Focal Point Meeting to ensure the sustainability of AFSIS. This Joint Understanding is a non-legal document aimed at enhancing AFSIS’ role, function, and long-term viability.

The workshop concluded with a positive and productive outcome. Not only did it draw valuable lessons from past rice market crises, but it also served as a crucial platform for experts from diverse fields to discuss and propose strategies to enhance food security and develop resilient rice markets across Asia. These discussions were in alignment with the findings from ADB’s review of the ASEAN Integrated Food Security Framework.

This collaborative effort is seen as a significant step toward strengthening Asia's rice market resilience and ensuring sustainable food security in the region.

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.

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.

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.