Kamphaeng Phet:Professor Dr. Yotsanun Wongsawat, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, has launched initiatives in Kamphaeng Phet to promote profitable agricultural ventures, including "Kluai Khai bananas" and custom-made fertilizers.
According to Thai News Agency, during his visit to Kamphaeng Phet Rajabhat University, Professor Dr. Yoschanan emphasized the role of universities as think tanks to drive sustainable local development. He outlined plans to transform academic spaces into resources that contribute to economic growth, particularly by leveraging local cultural assets like GI-certified bananas.
Professor Dr. Yotsanun highlighted the importance of innovation in agriculture, noting that research from the Thailand Institute of Scientific and Technological Research has been instrumental in reducing costs and increasing productivity. One key innovation is custom-made fertilizer, which combines technology and organic matter to significantly cut down on chemical use, thereby reducing costs and enhancing yields.
In addition to fertilizers, the development of a "dwarf banana" variety aims to withstand adverse weather conditions, ensuring consistent quality and taste. Efforts are also underway to distribute disease-free cassava seeds within a year, promising to boost yields by over 80%.
To tackle poverty, Professor Dr. Yoschanan revealed plans to convert university land into communal farming areas, providing villagers with opportunities to cultivate crops and learn business skills. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to empower communities through skill-building and access to government resources.
Professor Dr. Yoschanan also stressed the importance of using local raw materials in community businesses to ensure economic benefits are retained within the community, ultimately strengthening local economies.
The Deputy Prime Minister's visit included a tour of research projects at the university, such as natural fabric dyes made from banana waste, and a signing ceremony of a Memorandum of Understanding with TISTR and the Liquor Organization to boost ethanol and local spirit production. Later, Professor Dr. Yotsanan and his team planned to inspect a canal project and engage with residents in the Samokhon Subdistrict.