Monitoring rice crops is essential for food security, but translating satellite observations and agro-meteorological information into practical insights for agricultural statisticians remains a challenge. Addressing this requires accessible tools, technical expertise and collaboration across countries.
Launched in 2012, Asia-RiCE was established as a regional initiative within the Group on Earth Observations Global Agricultural Monitoring (GEOGLAM), building on the G20 agricultural monitoring agenda and cooperation through the ASEAN Food Security Information System (AFSIS). Its aim is to strengthen rice monitoring across Asia and contribute to global agricultural monitoring objectives.
To bridge the gap between satellite technology and practical agricultural applications, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) developed JASMIN to provide satellite-derived information in an accessible format. Working with AFSIS experts, JAXA also supported training for agricultural statisticians in interpreting and applying these data, strengthening regional capacity for rice monitoring.
Over time, Asia-RiCE’s work has expanded beyond crop monitoring to include rice cultivation area mapping and efforts to monitor and reduce methane emissions from rice paddies, linking agricultural monitoring with broader climate objectives.
As GEOGLAM marks its 15th anniversary, Asia-RiCE demonstrates the value of regional partnerships, practical tools and capacity development in advancing agricultural monitoring and supporting food security across Asia.