Agricultural Development & Economic Insights: A Distinguished Lecture by Emeritus Professor Kazuo Ogata | JICA Chair Programme 2024/25 Lecture VI

The University of Colombo hosted the sixth lecture of the JICA Chair Programme 2024/25 series on December 2, 2024, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Senate Hall, College House. The event featured a distinguished lecture by Emeritus Professor Kazuo Ogata of Kyushu University, moderated by Professor Ranjana U K Piyadasa, Dean of the Faculty of Technology. The programme commenced with a welcome address by Senior Professor (Chair) H D Karunaratne, Vice Chancellor of the University, who provided a brief introduction to the JICA Chair Programme, reflected on the Japanese economic miracle, and expressed gratitude to JICA for this initiative. Mr Noguchi Takuma, Senior Representative of JICA Sri Lanka, then addressed the gathering, emphasizing the programme’s relevance during Sri Lanka’s ongoing transformation, which he described as an opportune moment for reformation and policy implementation. He also expressed appreciation for the students’ participation and introduced Emeritus Professor Ogata.

Emeritus Professor Kazuo Ogata’s lecture, titled “Agricultural Development in Japan,” offered a comprehensive exploration of Japan’s agricultural evolution, its technological modernization, and the challenges it faces today. He discussed agriculture’s pivotal role in economic development through food production, industrialization, and environmental sustainability. Delving into Japan’s agricultural history, Professor Ogata highlighted the transformative impact of the Meiji Restoration and subsequent advancements, including AgriTech and FoodTech innovations. He also addressed modern issues such as an ageing farming population, global competition, and the integration of sustainability with productivity, providing valuable insights for potential applications in Sri Lanka.

The lecture concluded with a Q&A session, allowing participants to share ideas and deepen their understanding. The event ended with a vote of thanks delivered by Dr Iroja Caldera, Director of the International Office. This prestigious programme underscored the University of Colombo’s commitment to fostering international collaboration and academic excellence while strengthening Sri Lanka-Japan educational ties.