The Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) has picked four projects for the 2024–2025 Grants for Research towards Agricultural Innovative Solutions (GRAINS). The grants, ranging from USD 10,000 to USD 15,000 each, will support projects aimed at transforming food production in Laos, Timor Leste, the Philippines, and Vietnam.
The GRAINS project proponents plan to introduce new processes and technologies in farming communities. In Laos, Dr. Viengvilaiphone Botthoulath, a microbiology expert, will teach farmers to extract probiotic microorganisms from agricultural waste to provide affordable nutrients for their hydroponic farms. In Timor Leste, Mr. Agustinho da Costa Ximenes, an agronomist and manager of Ze Ximenes Farm, will engage youth in fruit tree grafting and creating livestock feed through waste conversion by black soldier fly (BSF). Mr. Ximenes aims to provide young farmers opportunities for organic waste recycling business and sustainable agriculture.
In the Philippines, Dr. Emma Sabado, an entomologist and research consultant at Mindanao State University, will craft and market new protein-rich food products out of superworms. In Vietnam, Ms. Yin Yin Phyu, co-founder of Greenovator, will enhance farmer livelihoods in Cao Bang province with the Mekong Farm App for better income, agroecological practices, and market linkages.
"Seeking alternative sources of food, nutrition, and livelihood is an ongoing challenge in Southeast Asia. SEARCA GRAINS provides opportunities for researchers, startups, and entrepreneurs to bring solutions to real-world challenges in agriculture," said Atty. Eric Reynoso, program head of SEARCA's Emerging Innovation for Growth Department.
