The sago palm (Metroxylon sagu), a starch-producing plant found across Southeast Asia and Melanesia that thrives in challenging environments, is not only a food source but is also gaining attention as a raw material for allergen-free foods, biofuels, and other industrial applications. Recently, the demand for sago palm has been increasing, driven by the new societal norms emerging after the COVID-19 pandemic and by Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This growing demand for sago palm and sago starch is set against a backdrop of environmental degradation due to climate change, unexpected social issues, and an urgent need to bolster food security and the resilience of food systems. Another contributing factor is the increasing global desire to promote a healthy life. Metroxylon palms, including the sago palm and related species, grow in swamps, as well as on alluvial and peat soils, where few other major crops can thrive without drainage and soil improvement. These palms are essential biological resources for promoting sustainable agriculture and rural development in tropical wetlands. The potential habitat range for Metroxylon palms is likely to expand over the next 45 years as a result of climate change. Metroxylon palms, such as the sago palm, are considered underutilized, as they are mainly harvested from natural forests and semi-cultivated with minimal care. Given the social context of the past two decades, characterized by rising competition between biofuel and food production as well as diversifying food demands, there is increasing interest in the efficient utilization of carbohydrates from sago palm and related species, which could drive further land development and greater use of wetland areas. Against this background, the FAO Technical Cooperation Program, “Enhancing Food Security and Combating Climate Change through Scaling Up Sago Palm Production,” was conducted in Papua New Guinea from 2022 to 2024. This presentation will showcase recent activities and initiatives based on interdisciplinary thinking and multidisciplinary approaches aimed at advancing the SDGs through collaboration between sago palm producing countries and Japan, one of the world’s largest consumers of sago starch. Highlights include developments in tolerance to various environmental stresses, such as submergence, salt stress, and acidic soils; innovative approaches to using beneficial microorganisms for sustainable plant nutrition management; and emerging trends in utilizing sago starch to promote health and well-being. The goal is to inspire consideration of the further potential of sago palm and sago starch in shaping the future of the Asia-Pacific region.
Hiroshi Ehara (Mon,) studied this question.