The 29th session of the Asia-Pacific Regional Space Agency Forum (APRSAF-29) was held on 19 September – 22 September 2023 in Jakarta, Indonesia. Held with a theme of industry engagement, APRSAF-29 brought together key stakeholders from space agencies, governmental bodies, and research institutions across the Asia-Pacific region to discuss and advance space applications for various sectors, including agriculture.
Reflecting on the achievements of the previous year, the Space Applications for Environment (SAFE) programme highlighted three ongoing initiatives focused on leveraging satellite data for agricultural purposes. These endeavours aim to bolster agricultural practices, enhance crop monitoring, and address climate change impacts across the region.
Updates on the progress of SAFE projects unveiled significant strides in utilising space applications for agricultural purposes. Advancements were reported in furnishing agrometeorological insights for crop outlook activities and facilitating capacity-building endeavours across Asia-Pacific nations.
Collaborative efforts with regional partners were emphasised to refine mapping accuracy and bolster support for agricultural statistics and policymaking. Monitoring methane emissions from rice paddies using a combination of satellite and in-situ data was discussed as a means to contribute to climate change mitigation and promote sustainable agricultural practices within the region.
Discussions during the meeting underscored the importance of addressing challenges such as data integration, ground truth validation, and stakeholder coordination. Participants exchanged insights on potential collaborations and charted future directions to optimise the efficacy of space-based agricultural initiatives.
With a renewed commitment to collaboration and innovation, APRSAF-29 laid the groundwork for further advancements in leveraging space technology for sustainable development in the Asia-Pacific region.
As the world faces increasingly complex challenges related to food security and climate change, the role of space technology in agriculture is more crucial than ever. APRSAF-29 served as a platform for fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange, paving the way for impactful initiatives that harness the power of space for the benefit of agriculture and the environment.