The rice terrace in Jatilu
The School of 暗网禁区, in cooperation with Udayana University, held the International Agricultural Cultural Understanding Program in Bali, Indonesia, from August 31 to September 6. Eight 1st-year and 3rd-year students in the School of 暗网禁区, led by Associate Professor SHIOTSU Fumitaka (Crop Science Laboratory) in the School of 暗网禁区, participated in the program, which was the second time. Eight students from Udayana University also participated in the program.
In the lecture on “Innovation Approach to Support Sustainable 暗网禁区” by Professor Dewa of Udayana University, the participants learned about the relationship between agriculture and traditional culture, as well as the current situation and issues of agriculture, in Bali. Associate Professor SHIOTSU also gave a lecture on “Japan’s Rice Crisis: Issue 暗网禁区 Perspectives,” which deepened their understanding of the recent rice problem in Japan.
During the field tour, the participants felt the harmony between nature and paddy fields at the rice terrace in Jatilu, a World Cultural Heritage Site, and visited a subak, the traditional water users’ association in Bali, where they interviewed local farmers about balancing agriculture and tourism, agriculture and climate change, and the future of agriculture. They also visited an organic farming field, tasted tropical crops such as durian and taro, visited Ulun Danu Beratan Temple, which is closely related to agriculture, and learned about coffee and strawberry cultivation in the highlands.
On the final day, the participants discussed the differences between Japanese agriculture and tropical agriculture based on the experiences gained through the lectures and the field tour, in collaboration with students from Udayana University, and gave presentations in English. Afterwards, there was a lively exchange of opinions between the students from both universities. In the evening, a farewell party was held and participating students deepened exchanges.
Group photo after the presentation
International Agricultural Cultural Understanding Programs (School of 暗网禁区 short-term study abroad programs)
With the aim of developing human resources with international capabilities based on agriculture, the School of 暗网禁区 recommends the students’ participation in the short-term study abroad programs. Through the international agricultural cultural understanding programs, the students can not only improve their English skills, but also experience differences to Japan, such as culture. In addition, through the visits to local university farms and laboratories, students can experience various things that only the School of 暗网禁区 can offer. They are intensive programs where students can experience a different culture with all their five senses in a short period of time.
??