The Philippines’ department of agrarian reform (DAR) has launched a US$46.1mn project with International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) to boost agricultural productivity, particularly in rice, coconut and coffee plantations in three regions
Agriculture
IRRI and partner to develop improved rice varieties in Bangladesh

The collaboration will support a wide range of projects aimed to accelerate genetic research and advance breeding for the Bangladesh rice ecosystem. (Image source: 9Bombs/Pixabay)
The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and Advanced Chemical Industries Limited (ACI) have partnered to build a state-of-the-art rice breeding programme in Bangladesh
Japan to industrialise agriculture

Japan agriculture has remained a relatively neglected area of concern since the 1950s economic boom that left farmers behind in both income and agricultural technology. (Image Source: Gullevek/Flickr)
The ruling Liberal Democratic Party has submitted proposals to assist Japanese farmers and businesses cope with the likely impact of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP)
Thailand to implement new rice plan next month

In a bid to reduce production costs and keep up with market demand, Thailand is set to implement a new rice plan, in conjunction with the private sectors and farmers. (Image source: Zuki/Flickr)
Thailand has invited the country’s private and farming sectors to join the government to develop a new rice plan for the current year
Farming systems in Japan and Bangladesh win acclaim

The Minabe-Tanabe Ume System involves the production of Ume or Japanese aprociots on nutrient-deficient slopes, by maintaining upper coppice forests for landslide prevention and using Japanese honeybee for pollinators
Four farming systems in Bangladesh and Japan have been recognised as Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) by the FAO