Invitation from Tajikistan for Sakura Science Program
- Oct., 25, 2024
- Notice
From October 5 to 12, the Arid Land Research Center accepted eight researchers and students from the National Academy of Sciences of Tajikistan. Six young researchers and two graduate students from the Institute of Botany, Plant Physiology and Genetics under the Academy learned about efforts by the people in Tottori in research, development and social implementation, especially focusing on sweet potatoes.
After visiting Shirowara Beach and the Tottori Sand Dunes, the participants learned about research efforts from faculty members of the Arid Land Research Center as well as the Faculty of Agriculture in Tottori University. They also visited a dried sweet potato manufacturing company in Ashiyama and the Tottori Prefectural Horticultural Experiment Station in Sakaiminato, where they learned about sweet potato processing efforts and pest control in sweet potato cultivation. Furthermore, they paid attention to the intestinal flora and learned about symbiosis farming methods that may help improve the intestinal function. In this way, the Tajik researchers were able to have a valuable exchange of experiences for the introduction of sweet potatoes in their own country.
In Tajikistan, cultivated land is decreasing due to drought caused by recent climate change. Therefore, environmentally regenerative agriculture, which aims to restore the natural environment while restoring and improving the soil, through introducing and extending sweet potatoes, which can grow even in poor soils, has become important. Sweet potatoes are rich in nutrients and are expected to contribute to the health of the people of Tajikistan.
The Tajik researchers and students were impressed by the hospitality of the people in Tottori, the virtues of the Japanese people, such as punctuality, and returned home with hopes of coming back to Tottori for study or research.
The Arid Land Research Center plans to continue to host researchers and students from Central Asia to help improve the lives of the people there and the local economy.
Presentation by a Tajik student: presenting their research topics
Visit to a sweet potato processing company in Ashiyama: Learning about the 6th industrialization of sweet potatoes
At Tottori Prefectural Horticultural Experiment Station: Learn about sweet potato cultivation, pest control and preservation methods.
At a social welfare organization's field in Yonago City: symbiosis farming methods that coexist with nature, focusing on microorganisms in the soil.
Presenting certificates: the participants received certificates of completion from Prof. Tsunekawa, Director of the Arid Land Research Center
