TAIPEI, Taiwan—Dr. Nur Azura Binti Adam, Deputy Director for Programs of the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA), underscored the Center's dedication to advancing sustainable agricultural development during the Taiwan-Asia Vegetable Initiative (TAsVI) Seed Homecoming Ceremony held in Taipei on 3 December 2024.
The event highlighted the collaborative efforts of national genebanks in Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, and Malaysia, alongside the Taiwan Agricultural Research Institute and the World Vegetable Center (WorldVeg), to protect and effectively manage Southeast Asia's vegetable biodiversity.
The TAsVI project aims to create a robust platform for the rescue, conservation, and sustainable use of Asian vegetable biodiversity. It also fosters knowledge sharing and capacity building among stakeholders, including researchers, seed companies, and farmers. Dr. Nur said that this initiative aligns closely with SEARCA's 11th Five-Year Plan, which emphasizes empowering agricultural professionals and institutions in Southeast Asia through innovative research, training, and strategic partnerships.
Dr. Nur noted that such efforts not only generate critical knowledge on conserving plant genetic resources but also provide opportunities for capacity building through education and research. She added that such efforts are needed to promote sustainable agricultural practices that support ecological balance, improve soil health, and enhance sustainable food systems in rural communities.
Dr. Nur also represented SEARCA at a symposium hosted by WorldVeg headquarters in Tainan on 4–5 December 2024. As a panelist in the session "Regional Perspectives on Rescue, Conservation, and Use of Southeast Asian Vegetable Biodiversity," she shared insights into regional strategies for preserving vegetable diversity. She also actively contributed to a working group outlining a 10-year roadmap for conserving and sustainably using Southeast Asia's vegetable biodiversity.
