SEARCA unveils 5-year plan to modernize agri in SE Asia

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December 16, 2025 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — The Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) has launched its latest five-year development plan, aiming to modernize farming across Southeast Asia and boost productivity through innovation and sustainable practices.

In a statement yesterday, the Philippine-based research center said the plan, called Sustainable Transformation of Agricultural Systems through Innovation in Southeast Asia or SUSTAIN Southeast Asia, will combine research, policy guidance and practical solutions to help farmers adopt technology-driven approaches and climate-resilient techniques.

“Together with our partners, SEARCA is helping to drive Southeast Asia’s transformation toward smart, sustainable, climate-resilient and innovation-driven agricultural systems,” said SEARCA director Mercedita Sombilla.

“By bringing together science, policy and practice, we are empowering communities, strengthening governance and shaping a future of resilience and prosperity for generations to come,” she added.

Programs under the plan include the National Taiwan University (NTU)-SEARCA Joint Scholarship, which funds postgraduate studies in global agriculture technology, genomic science, biodiversity and disaster risk reduction and resilience.

Another flagship initiative is the Rice Straw Biogas Hub in the Philippines, which turns rice straw into biochar and compost to support soil regeneration and clean energy production.

SEARCA is also set to expand training in digital agriculture and precision farming to equip farmers and researchers with practical skills.

Collaborative projects with international partners such as France’s CIRAD (French Agricultural Research Center for International Development) aim to promote sustainable aquaculture, strengthen biotechnology safety and integrate human, animal and environmental health practices across the region.

The center presented the plan at the 2025 X Agriculture Forum, a preparatory meeting for the 2026 Agriculture Summit.

The forum focused on smart agriculture, carbon neutrality, biotechnology and initiatives linking human, animal and environmental health and provided a platform for regional experts to discuss innovations and share best practices.

SEARCA said the new plan is designed to support resilient, inclusive and sustainable agricultural systems, while ensuring that communities benefit from scientific and technological advancements in the sector.