The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) of the Government of Japan has collaborated with the International Cooperative Alliance, through its Asia-Pacific regional office, to implement the “Capacity Building Project for Agriculture Cooperative Sector in Asia and Africa (CBC Project in AA) – in Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 of Japan.”
The first training course on "Promotion of Sustainable Agriculture and Improvement of Farmer's Income through Development of Agricultural Cooperatives in FY-2024” was organised by ICA-AP, in Thailand and Japan between 31 July and 28 August 2024.
The objective of the training course was to review and study the roles of farmers’ organisations and find new roles to meet “sustainable agriculture.” The ICA-AP implemented the training program in collaboration with the Co-operative League of Thailand (CLT) in Bangkok and the Institute for the Development of Agricultural Cooperation in Asia (IDACA) in Tokyo (Japan).
The CLT module (Part-I) was inaugurated at the CLT Training Centre, Bangkok, on August 01, 2024. The opening ceremony was attended by Associate Professor Dr. Juthatip Patrawart, Advisor to CLT, Mr. Panthawich Mungsamaksrikul, Executive Director, Ms. Oranuch Kanpai, Dy. Executive Director and in charge of international Affairs, Mrs. Natcha Jansanit, Dy. Executive Director, in charge of Central Administration, Mr. Cha Nin Wat Todkeaw, Dy. Executive Director, in charge of Education and Corporate Community, Mr. Teerut Chuckling, Dy. Executive Director, in charge of Legal Assistance, and other staff members of CLT. Mr Hirofumi Kobayashi, Executive Director, IDACA joined online. From ICA-AP, Mr. A.K. Taneja, Project Coordinator and Mr. Ganesh Gopal, Lead-Entrepreneurship joined the ceremony.
Seven participants from seven countries (Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, Fiji, Indonesia, Philippines and Thailand) participated in the classroom sessions at CLT’s training center and study visits in and around Bangkok. After completing the CLT Module in Thailand, the participants moved to Tokyo on 15 August and studied the Japanese agriculture cooperatives (JAs).
Given the experience gained through classroom lectures, field study visits in Thailand and Japan, group discussions and based upon their work environment, the participants developed brief outlines of their Action Plans, which they would recommend to their organizations after their return to their respective home countries. Participants presented their draft action plans on the concluding day of the training course.
On 26 August, Mr. Toru Yamano, President of JA-Zench and IDACA paid a visit to the IDACA office and addressed the participants. On 27 August, the closing ceremony was held at IDACA. Mr. Shun SIATO and Ms. Yuzuki UCHIDA, Officer in charge of the ICA-JAPAN Project, MAFF, graced the occasion with their presence. Mr. Kobayashi delivered his closing remarks. Mr. Baba Toshihiko, Sr. Executive Director of JA-Zenchu and Mr. Yuichi Moronaga, Counselor of Emerging Region Division, MAFF sent messages of best wishes at the closing ceremony, which were read and played.
Mr. Taneja presented a brief report of the training course, held in Thailand and Japan. On behalf of the participants, Mr. Pema Wangchuk, a participant from Bhutan, presented a vote of thanks. Mr. Kobayashi distributed the certificates of participation to the participants.
