Dr. Yamanaka Shinsuke from the Japan International Research Center for Agricultural Sciences (JIRCAS) in Okinawa, Japan visited the TFNet office last 19th June 2025. He was welcomed by the TFNet Senior Technical Officer Yacob Ahmad.
As the Director of Plant Genetic Resources, Dr. Yamanaka also heads the Tropical Agriculture Research Front (TARF) in Ishigaki Island, Okinawa. Because of its location, Okinawa is the only prefecture in Japan able to naturally grow tropical fruits.
Some of TARF’s tropical fruit projects include:
- Evaluation of tropical fruit germplasm, particularly for mango, banana, and guava
- Integrated pest management (IPM) systems for major fruit crops
- Adaptation research for climate change to understand how changing weather patterns affect tropical fruit production
- Collaborative capacity-building programs with national research institutes, focusing on farmer field schools and local extension services
During the discussion, it was agreed that TFNet and JIRCAS would benefit from collaborating on human capacity development projects such as workshops, symposiums, and trainings on GAP, postharvest, and market development.
Both parties hope that this discussion will initiate talks for JIRCAS to join TFNet as a member.
