First Prize
THONG NGUYEN
Vietnam
Caption by photographer: Rice farmers in Mu Cang Chai, Yen Bai province of Vietnam still produce traditional rice according to nature from cultivation to harvest. This traditional production method is environmentally friendly because it hardly uses machineries, helping to reduce CO2 emissions and protect the environment. They use water troughs to bring water to the fields, pull weeds by hand, use human strength to thresh rice, and use wind power to clean rice.
Second Prize
PHAM QUOC HUNG
Vietnam
Caption by photographer: Field burning of rice straw is a major problem in intensive rice farming systems leading to environmental pollution, unsustainable farming and increased greenhouse gas emissions.
According to the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), Vietnam currently burns and wastes over 20 million tons of straw each year, accounting for about 60%. This is not only wasteful but also causes environmental pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and traffic obstructions... Currently, farmers harvest straw scientifically, store it for use in agriculture very effectively, creating more jobs and income for farmers from utilizing and thoroughly processing straw.
Third Prize
SAIYADETH SITTHILATH
Lao PDR
Caption by photographer: Grandmother teaches grandchild about techniques for growing non-toxic plants
SEARCA Director's Choice
THE DUY TU
Vietnam
Caption by photographer: Scene of farmers planting Cu kieu (spring onions). They actively use umbrellas to avoid sunburn while covering the beds with dry grass to keep the seedlings moist. A small initiative that helps a lot in minimizing harm to the environment.
Philippine Department of Education Secretary's Choice
CHRISTOPHER ANDRES
The Philippines
Caption by photographer: Harnessing the power of the wind to cultivate a greener future. In the fields of innovation, agriculture meets renewable energy as wind turbines spin tales of sustainable electricity, nurturing growth with every turn.
People's Choice
AUNG CHAN THAR
Myanmar
Caption by photographer: Vietnam's tea plantations play a vital role in combating global warming. These verdant landscapes serve as powerful carbon sinks, absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen, thus helping mitigate the effects of our warming planet. By nurturing and preserving these agri-ecosystems, we take significant steps towards addressing the pressing issue of global warming and fostering a more sustainable future for our planet.
Best Youth Photographer
RAVYDO ANGGARA JUFRI
Indonesia
Caption by photographer: Frost is a new phenomenon occurring in Indonesia due to climate change. This phenomenon is interesting for tourists who can see the beauty of snow that has never happened in Indonesia but is detrimental to farmers because this frost covers crops and damages affected agricultural crops. An early warning system against frost disaster is not only an important milestone, but also a key pillar in supporting the resilience of the agricultural sector in Indonesia. Amidst the increasing threat of frost caused by climate change, this system acts as a frontline in protecting crops and minimizing its negative impact. Through the application of advanced technology, the system is not just a warning tool, but a strong partner for farmers. The system's main advantage lies in its ability to provide early information to farmers, enabling them to take effective preventive action. As a concrete example, when the risk of frost increases, farmers can take certain measures such as providing additional protection or adjusting cropping patterns. This not only reduces potential economic losses due to extreme weather, but also provides a firmer foundation for increased agricultural productivity. The importance of these systems is not only limited to the local scale, but also has a larger impact on national food security. In an era of continued environmental uncertainty and climate change, innovations such as early warning systems are key to achieving sustainable food security. Continued investment and support in the development of such technologies will be a critical aspect in ensuring the welfare of farmers and the sustainability of the agricultural sector in the future.
BISA JUNISA MUNTHE
Caption by photographer: One of the environmentalists is cultivating perennial plants in the containers they made. Once the plants are old enough in the nursery, they will then be planted into the forest with the aim of carrying out forest reforestation in their area.
LIEMUEL E. PANTUHAN
Caption by photographer: These indigenous farmers embrace ancient wisdom, cultivating not just crops but a sustainable legacy. Their methods echo a profound respect for nature—rooted in minimal waste, and a gentle carbon footprint. Through their practices, they champion water conservation, enrich soil, and diminish postharvest losses. Their story is a testament to the harmonious dance between tradition and sustainable innovation, illuminating a path towards a greener, more balanced world.
HUYNH VAN TRUYEN
Caption by photographer: People renovate white sand for agricultural production. Image of a woman fertilizing plants on white sand beach after being renovated.
MYAT ZAW HEIN
Caption by photographer: Installating water system in Honeydew farm - Three agronomists are installing an irrigation system for a honeydew farm. They used this system under the plastic film by making small holes at soft plastic pipe. This irrigation system can control amounts of water to land to help grow crops. This irrigation system make water saving and give good water supply to plants. They also used Mulching or covering the ground with plastic film, helps maintain humidity as evaporation is reduced. It also improves thermal conditions for the plant's roots, avoids contact between the plant and the ground and prevents weed from growing and competing for water and nutrients.
RAHMAD HIMAWAN
Caption by photographer: Farmers transport rice seeds to be planted manually without using machines, by working together and in groups to speed up the planting process, apart from reducing the use of machines which can cause pollution, they also reduce the impact of environmental damage, this agricultural system is maintained and implemented in the Kemumu agricultural area of North Bengkulu Indonesia, where everything is still done traditionally.
MARK LINEL PADECIO
Caption by photographer: Jesus Seno Cortes, a tricycle driver who diverted into containerized gardening after he lost financially during the height of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Planting a different variety of crops and vegetables in the middle of a highly urbanized city in Mandaue City, Cebu in the Philippines.
The initiative made of using these recycled plastic containers makes a great contribution to the mitigation of the causes of climate change. Making use of these plastic containers rather than augmenting the plastic waste that can potentially harm the environment.
THE DUY TU
Caption by photographer: Using solar energy for coffee growing hills
NGUYEN QUOC HUY
Caption by photographer: The sedge plant, scientifically named Lepironia Articulata, belonging to the genus Lepironia, family Cyperaceae (Sedge), is found abundantly in the Mekong Delta region. The sedge can be woven into various household items and interior decorations such as pen holders, fruit baskets, thermal bottle carriers, trash baskets, gift trays, decorative lamps... It's also used in producing natural straws as a replacement for plastic straws - one of the current environmental pollutants.
THIHANAING
Caption by photographer: In the Inaly region, they collect teak floats and make floating farms.
IRWANDI M GADE
Caption by photographer: Teaching children to garden is not only beneficial for your little one's body, but also has an effect on the child's brain and soul.
Research shows that connecting with nature has a profound effect on psychological well-being by increasing positive emotions and reducing stress.
ARTURO DE VERA JR.
Caption by photographer: In efforts for a regenerated agri system and to provide for the community, this church in Caloocan implemented these innovative ways to plant in a small space. The main priest here forwards this goal by utilizing donations to create these aquaponics and hanging pots to provide vegetables to communities in need surrounding the parish.
The 17th SEARCA Photo Contest (2023), with the theme Regenerating agri-ecosystems, lowering "global boiling", sought images from Southeast Asia, which focus on agricultural technologies and practices that help abate climate change and promote less pressure to natural resources, recycle, or re-use by-products to lessen wastage, and with low carbon footprint.
Photo submissions should ideally showcase farmers and farming families, researchers, inventors, and even students and the youth using technologies and practices in the field. The images could be part of agricultural production or experimentation across the broad spectrum of crop cultivation, livestock and animal husbandry, or fisheries.
- That increase productivity, yield or income for farmers and farming families in crop cultivation, livestock, or fishery while reducing wastes;
- That make crops or livestock more sustainable and resilient against unfavorable environments such as drought, flood, and salinity as well as resistant to pests and diseases among other stresses;
- That are developed by local communities or the youth using indigenous materials or tribal knowledge that aims to conserve resources or reduce, re-use, or recyle farm wastes;
- And images that foster partnerships resulting in breakthrough agricultural technologies and innovations or sustainable knowledge and technology transfer to farmers and farming communities.
When we talk about regenerative farming, practices such as, permaculture, agroforestry, organic farming, and peri-urban farming, among other practices, comes to mind. Below are specific examples of technologies related to the theme.
- To save water, examples are alternate wet and drying technique, drip irrigation, sprinklers, mulching, etc.
- For soil health, examples are composting, vermiculture, zero-till, fallow, and cover crops.
- To reduce postharvest losses, examples include use of use of hermeneutic bag, silos, and moisture meter, among others.
- To re-use and recycle farm wastes or by-products, examples are use of rice straw as bio-char or as substrate for mushroom farming; farm wastes could also be used as feed, energy, or material for contruction or cottage industries.
- Use of renewable energy in farming, for food processing, and agroindustrial processing such as solar, hydropower, wind, etc.
- To reduce and recycle food wastes, examples include biotechnologies in food production and preservation, leather processing, production of bio-based polymers, and construction materials of fibers.
- Rethinking the food system so that the food are locally produced to lessen use of transportation (meaning decreased CO2 emission); examples are urban farming and vertical farming, among other technologies and practices.
- Lastly, include images that depict partnerships, entrepreneurship, and skill and technology transfer such on these technologies, among other similar practices.