The Asian Journal of Agriculture and Development (AJAD) commemorated its 20th anniversary with a grand ceremony on February 3, 2025, at the SEARCA Umali Auditorium, SEARCA Headquarters, Los Baños, Laguna. The event gathered distinguished policymakers, academicians, industry leaders, researchers, and representatives from agricultural organizations, celebrating two decades of significant contributions to agricultural research and development in Asia.
Since its inception in 2004, AJAD has served as a key platform for disseminating research, policy discussions, and sustainable agricultural innovations. It has significantly contributed to scientific knowledge in areas such as food security, rural development, climate change, agribusiness, and technological advancements in agriculture.
The 20th Anniversary Ceremony featured a series of key discussions and presentations that reflected AJAD's impact over the years and explored the future of agricultural research. It commenced with a warm welcome from Dr. Glenn B. Gregorio, SEARCA Center Director, who underscored AJAD's crucial role in bridging research and policy to drive progress in the agricultural sector.
Setting the tone for the celebration, Dr. Arsenio M. Balisacan, Secretary of the National Economic and Development Authority and former SEARCA Director (2003–2009), delivered the keynote message. He reflected on the journal's legacy and its significant contributions to shaping agricultural policies across the region. A key highlight of the event was the presentation of the AJAD 20th Anniversary Issue, led by Dr. Cielito F. Habito, AJAD Editor and former Secretary of Socioeconomic Planning at NEDA. This was followed by the formal launching of the anniversary issue, where Dr. Gregorio, Dr. Balisacan, and Dr. Habito handed out special copies to distinguished authors and guests.
Adding a cultural touch to the event, the Philippine High School for the Arts delivered a captivating intermission performance, showcasing the depth of Filipino talent and artistry.
The program continued with an insightful paper presentation by Dr. C. Peter Timmer, Thomas D. Cabot Professor of Development Studies, Emeritus, Harvard University, titled "How I Learned to Stabilize Rice Prices and Why." His discussion provided valuable perspectives on agricultural economics and food security. Following this, a discussion and Q&A session featured Dr. V. Bruce J. Tolentino, former Monetary Board Member of Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas and SEARCA Senior Fellow, and Dr. David Dawe, independent economist, formerly with Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the UnitedNations who was the one who took Dr. Mohanty's place. The exchange of insights and experiences fostered a deeper understanding of current challenges and strategies in agricultural trade and policy.
Another compelling paper presentation followed, titled "An Impact-Based Flood Forecasting System for Citizen Empowerment" by Dr. Alfredo Mahar Francisco Lagmay, Executive Director of the University of the Philippines Resilience Institute. His discussion emphasized the importance of science-driven solutions in mitigating disaster risks for agricultural communities.
As the ceremony drew to a close, Dr. Nur Azura Binti Adam, SEARCA Deputy Director for Programs, delivered the closing remarks, highlighting AJAD's enduring impact and its future directions.
As AJAD moves forward, the journal reaffirms its commitment to fostering knowledge-sharing, supporting policy-driven research, and addressing pressing agricultural challenges in Asia. The event emphasized AJAD's vital role in promoting sustainable agriculture and ensuring its relevance in shaping the future of food security and rural development. The celebration was a testament to AJAD's legacy of excellence, innovation, and dedication to agricultural research, inspiring continued collaboration among scholars, policymakers, and industry stakeholders.