Trehalose-Based Agricultural Support Project Selected for JICA Biz Program (FY2025)

  • Business
  • Sustainability
  • R&D

Nagase Viita Co., Ltd. is pleased to announce that its proposed project has been selected for the 2025 SME & SDGs Business Support Program (Needs Confirmation Survey) administered by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

This program supports the overseas expansion of Japanese companies by leveraging their technologies and products to address challenges in developing countries. The Needs Confirmation Survey, under which Nagase Viita’s project was selected, supports early-stage investigations to verify the alignment between local development needs and the applicant company’s technologies as a first step toward future commercialization.

Under this initiative, Nagase Viita has proposed a project titled “SDGs Business Needs Confirmation Survey for Trehalose*1 as "direct" or "indirect" Biostimulant*2 for agriculture crops in Pakistan”. The project aims to explore the potential of trehalose—a functional saccharide—to contribute to stable crop production and improved quality in local agricultural settings. Specifically, trehalose will be examined for its role as:

  • a direct biostimulant material that enhances plants’ inherent resilience, promoting stable growth and yields, and

  • an indirect stabilizing agent for biological formulations, supporting their effectiveness under challenging environmental conditions.

Through this survey, Nagase Viita seeks to assess how trehalose can help ensure agricultural stability and quality improvement in the region, thereby paving the way for more sustainable agricultural practices. We will continue to advance its research and business development efforts to support sustainable agriculture worldwide.

JICA News Release : 2025 SME & SDGs Business Support Program (JICA Biz): Selection of 62 Projects （ Japanese only）

JICA English Website : Japan International Cooperation Agency

*1 What is Trehalose?
Trehalose is a naturally occurring disaccharide found widely in nature, including in plants, insects, and microorganisms. It has long been known to protect cells and tissues under dry conditions. Research has shown that trehalose’s physicochemical properties— such as its high water retention capacity and stable vitrification—contribute to its cell-protective effects. These properties have led to its use in fields such as food, pharmaceuticals, and personal care.

*2 What is a Biostimulant?
Biostimulants are materials that act on plants or soil to enhance plants’ natural immune responses and tolerance to environmental stresses such as drought, high temperatures, and low temperatures. They are gaining global attention as next-generation agricultural technologies that can help reduce reliance on chemical fertilizers and pesticides.

Back to list