July 8, 2021 – Assoc. Prof. Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, M.D., President of Khon Kaen University presided over the opening ceremony of the Conference: “Agriculture builds the nation, innovation builds occupations: Upgrading farmers with technologies and innovations.” The conference was organized by the Strategic Research and Coordination Institution for Northeast Development led by Assoc. Prof. Rangsan Niamsanit, Director of the Institute. The conference was organized via ZOOM and online platform, participated by academics, young smart farmers, leaders and representatives from governmental organizations, businessmen from the private sector, development workers, farmers and lecturers. At the conference, participants brainstormed ideas and knowledge in the use of technologies in farming. The event was also broadcast via Facebook page. There were 40 participants on site, and over 300 students, the public and representatives from organizations all over Isan participated via Zoom.
Assoc. Prof. Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, M.D., President of Khon Kaen University said, “Khon Kaen University is pleased to have all of you joining the Conference today on, “Agriculture builds the nation, innovation builds occupations: Upgrading farmers with technologies and innovations.” Thanks the Strategic Research and Coordination Institution for Northeast Development of Khon Kaen University for organizing this conference, which is interested by many participants who join through Zoom and Online Platform. It is known that Khon Kaen University is determined in the missions and social responsibilities towards the Northeast. KKU will bring the knowledge and expertise to the community to upgrade the quality of life and the living of the people in the Northeast. The gap that happens here results from long-term imbalanced development. In order to solve the problem, we need the knowledge in technologies and modern innovations that have been proved from studies and research and thus can be applied appropriately with the context of each area.”
“During the past year, the Strategic Research and Coordination Institution for Northeast Development of Khon Kaen University has carried out projects that assisted farmers and enabled them to build incomes. The projects were based on technologies and innovations. The impact that resulted was at both the area and regional levels. The conference today is a conclusion of bodies of knowledge, research and implementation in the areas, which is presented to the public. Khon Kaen University is grateful to the Office of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Policy Council, the National Administration and Management of Funds for Increasing Competitive Competence, for the research support. Thanks are also extended to other relevant organizations that joined the activities and made the impact arising at a broad circle. Khon Kaen University is always pleased to support the missions like this and invite academics, the governmental sector, the business sector, the private sector and farmers to cooperate in such projects.”
Assoc. Prof. Rangsan Niamsanit, Director of the Institute said, “This conference is the outcome of the research work that was supported by the National Administration and Management of Funds for Increasing Competitive Competence, which is under the Office of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Policy Council. The support helped strengthening competitive competence. The conference is the continuation of the former project, KKU solving poverty problem, which was carried out during the fiscal years 2014-2019. After the project, more budget has been allocated to solve the poverty problem again and to upgrade the lives of the rural people through the use of technologies and innovations. There are many causes of gap, but agriculture has been principally selected. That was the beginning of the safe vegetable project. Since vegetables can be grown in all seasons, there is money circulated around the year. We selected 10 areas of poverty in 5 provinces: Khon Kaen, Kalasin, Roi-et, Buriram, and Nongbua Lamphu. The joining farmers applied KKU model to upgrade themselves. First, they had to join in groups. Then we taught them the use of safe farming including the place, plantation, making fertilizers, use of bio matters to kill pests. Technologies from research studies of lecturers of the Faculty of Agriculture were transferred to farmers. The Faculty of Engineering assisted in terms of system, which has been online. We have carried out the activities for almost one year. Finally, we produced crispy vegetables and vegetable juice, under the Covid-19 pandemic. In the next 2-3 months, the project will be closed. Then we will present the results, problems, weaknesses, and obstacles including suggestions in terms of policies for governmental and private sectors, the University and the Ministry.”
“The outcomes of the project are the pride of all members of Khon Kaen University. I’m grateful to the President and all of the Vice Presidents who assisted and promoted the activities. We have raised confidence among people in the areas of the 5 provinces. This also answers the policy of Khon Kaen University to bring values to the society. What we have done was real implementation that can be accomplished and bring good results,” Assoc. Prof. Rangsan ended.
News / Photos: Watchara Noichompoo
