Dr. Koji Tsuji is a genetic resources specialist with strong interests in the variation of agriculture systems and the utilization of crops. He is a member of numerous crop & food science societies in Japan, and is most recognized for his comprehensive research on Tartary buckwheat in China, Nepal and the Tibetan Himalayas. His two-year fellowship with Bioversity, sponsored by the Japan International Research Center for Agricultural Sciences (JIRCAS), focused on evaluating the genetic diversity of two neglected and underutilized species: Nipa Palm (Nypa fruticans) in Malaysia, and Tartary buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum Gaert.) in China.

In collaboration with the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI), Koji dedicated his first year to understanding the local context and diversity of the Nipa Palm in Malaysia. Despite being traditionally used for many purposes - including medicine and building material - the palm has become less popular since the introduction of alternative industrial goods. The aim of the study was not only to develop a conservation strategy for the Nipa Palm, but to use the information collected on plant resources and local knowledge, to develop more useful varieties for rural livelihoods. This aim was similarly adopted during his second year of research, where he worked on the molecular characterization of Tartary Buckwheat, with the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS) in Bejing and South-western China.

At present, Koji is in India working as an expert in the research project: “Maximization of soybean production in Madhya Pradesh”, with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).