GANJA, AZERBAIJAN, October 23^rd- The 5th International Conference on Research of Agricultural and Food Technologies (I-CRAFT 2025) was successfully held from 20 to 23 October 2025 at the Heydar Aliyev Center and Azerbaijan State Agricultural University (ASAU) in Ganja, Azerbaijan. The event was jointly organized by Çukurova University, Türkiye, and ASAU, drawing participation from global researchers, academics, and industry experts to explore the latest advancements in agricultural and food technologies.

Themed around sustainability, climate resilience, and technological integration in agro-industrial systems, the conference served as a dynamic platform for knowledge exchange and international collaboration. Associate Professor Dr. Mohd Rafein Zakaria from the Institute of Plantation Studies, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), participated as a member of the Organizing Committee. Representing UPM, he contributed to the academic coordination of the event and played a key role in facilitating scholarly engagement throughout the conference.

On 21^st October 2025, Dr. Mohd Rafein delivered an invited presentation at ASAU titled “Integrating Methane Recovery and Composting for Sustainable Biomass Conversion in Palm Oil Waste Management.” His talk highlighted innovative approaches to palm oil waste utilization through circular bioeconomy strategies, emphasizing the dual benefits of sustainable waste management and renewable energy recovery. The session attracted strong interest from attendees, particularly those focused on sustainable agricultural practices and environmental technologies.

In addition to the academic sessions, the organizing committee, including Dr. Mohd Rafein, was invited to a courtesy meeting with representatives from the Türkiye Consulate in Ganja, further strengthening diplomatic and academic ties between participating nations.

I-CRAFT 2025 concluded with a renewed commitment to fostering global partnerships in agricultural research. The conference also opened new avenues for collaborative projects between UPM, Çukurova University, and ASAU, reinforcing the importance of cross-border cooperation in addressing global food and environmental challenges.

Prepared by: Associate Prof. Dr. Mohd Rafein Zakaria
Institute of Plantation Studies, Universiti Putra Malaysia

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohd Rafein with other delegates at 5th International Conference on Research of Agricultural and Food Technologies (I-CRAFT’2025), Heydar Aliyev Center, Ganja, Azerbaijan		Presentaion on “Integrating Methane Recovery and Composting for Sustainable Biomass Conversion in Palm Oil Waste Management” by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohd Rafein
I-CRAFT2025 organizing committee and invited speakers at Azerbaijan State Agricultural University, Ganja, Azerbaijan
Organizing committee was invited to meet with Turkiye Consulate in Ganja, Azerbaijan

Date of Input: 11/11/2025 | Updated: 11/11/2025 | ainzubaidah