The 2022 edition of the annual photo contest launched by the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) is in search of striking images of agricultural innovations in Southeast Asia.
Themed “Emerging Agricultural Innovations for the Next Generation,” the SEARCA Photo Contest is open to Filipinos and nationals of Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam.
“We are looking for images that show technologies and innovation that are modernizing and transforming agriculture and rural development towards increased food supply and security,” said SEARCA Director Dr. Glenn B. Gregorio.
He explained that SEARCA is keen to receive photo entries that “showcase farmers and farming families, researchers, inventors, and students and the youth using technologies and innovations in the field as part of agricultural production and experimentation.”
“The photos of agricultural innovation can be anything across the broad spectrum of crop cultivation, livestock raising or animal husbandry, and fisheries,” Dr. Gregorio added. They can be images that show agricultural inventions or new, innovative ways of doing agriculture that increase productivity, yield or income for farmers and farming families in crop cultivation, livestock or fisheries settings.
“Agricultural innovations or technologies may also include products and services that bring positive impact or change to farmers and farming communities,” Dr. Gregorio explained. The agricultural innovations or technologies showcased in the photos can also be those developed by local communities or the youth using indigenous materials or tribal knowledge.
Moreover, Dr. Gregorio said the entries can also be photos that capture “climate-smart or environment-friendly innovations and technologies that make agriculture more sustainable and resilient against typhoons, floods, pests, and diseases.”
The photographs entered into the contest should be original, should not have previously won in any past photo competition, have not been published elsewhere (print or electronic), and have not been digitally altered or enhanced.
There are eight categories of winners in this year’s SEARCA Photo Contest. Aside from the first to third prize winners, there will also be prizes for the SEARCA Director’s Choice, Philippine Education Secretary’s Choice, People’s Choice Award, Best Agricultural Innovation or Technology, and Best Youth Photographer.
All entries must be submitted online via the SEARCA website by 30 November 2022.