Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna (RMUTL) has shown a strong commitment to sustainable agriculture and food security through ongoing support for local farmers and food producers. In 2023, RMUTL implemented extensive community-based initiatives across four northern provinces and three critical border provinces in Thailand. These initiatives were in alignment with the university’s mission to act as a “University for Community Sustainability,” a role it has declared internationally as part of its educational philosophy. The approach emphasizes direct knowledge transfer, technology dissemination, and specialized skill training tailored to the needs of farmers and food producers, underscoring the university’s role in supporting the food supply chain.
RMUTL recognizes the unique roles of local farmers and food producers within the food supply chain. Farmers, as primary producers, are crucial for generating raw agricultural materials, while food producers operate in the intermediary stages, transforming raw materials into market-ready products. By engaging with both groups, RMUTL effectively supports the entire food supply system, from upstream agricultural production to downstream market distribution, ensuring the sustainable management of food resources. This holistic approach to agricultural education and technology dissemination contributes significantly to food security and sustainable agricultural practices in these regions.
Chiang Rai Province
Visits Agricultural Plots for the “Chiang Rai City Development Project towards a 3D City of Happiness”
Starting from early this year, between January and February 2023, RMUTL (Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna) sent a working team from the Faculty of Agricultural Science and Technology, led by Dr. Subin Jaita, a faculty member from the same department, to inspect safe agriculture plots for communities and local areas under the supervision of Chiang Rai Municipality. This initiative is integrated with the Health Promotion Fund Office and local government organizations (LGO) as part of the ongoing “Chiang Rai City Development Project towards a 3D City of Happiness.” The project aims to drive and achieve goals in safe food and sustainable food security from the upstream level.
In addition, this initiative has received strong support from eight partner organizations in the area, including: 1) Mae Korn Subdistrict Administrative Organization, 2) Mae Yao Subdistrict Administrative Organization, 3) Rob Wiang Subdistrict Administrative Organization, 4) Huai Chomphu Subdistrict Administrative Organization, 5) Pa O Don Chai Subdistrict Administrative Organization, 6) Doi Hang Subdistrict Administrative Organization, 7) Rim Kok Subdistrict Administrative Organization, and 8) Ban Du Subdistrict Administrative Organization. This effort aligns with the sustainability policy of Mr. Wanchai Chongsutthamanit, Mayor of Chiang Rai City, who aims to encourage and support local farmers in each administrative area to collaborate in practicing organic and safe farming, with the goal of supplying these products to food producers, such as the Chiang Rai City Community and Safe Agricultural Products Center.
“Organic rice fields” study, research and development for knowledge transfer to locals”
Before knowledge can become technical expertise that can be shared with others, there must first be a process of study, exploration, and research, as this is a key foundation of knowledge and various sciences. RMUTL (Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna) does not claim to know everything, but given its role in leading society, it is necessary and essential to present both existing knowledge and new insights, as well as advancements and improvements. However, for this knowledge to be effectively communicated to others or society, RMUTL must first develop a deep understanding, expertise, and clear comprehension. Only then can the transfer of knowledge to different sectors of society be successful, based on credibility and trustworthiness.
In the case of “organic rice farming,” it serves as a case study of the efforts to access the knowledge and farming techniques provided by RMUTL (Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna). Safe agriculture practices cannot be universally applied across all types of crops or livestock. To ensure comprehensive food safety, it is crucial to address each stage of the food chain, beginning with the initial steps before cultivation, through the cultivation process, and into the harvest phase, before leading to distribution, sales, or further processing in the midstream chain.
“Organic rice farming” thus exemplifies RMUTL’s commitment to consumer and environmental well-being, as this approach relies on natural methods. This not only helps reduce production costs for farmers but also supports ecosystem preservation and soil restoration. Consequently, the produce is chemical-free and safe for consumers, resulting in a higher market value than conventional rice, creating a stable source of income for farmers. However, understanding the methods and techniques through hands-on practice is essential.
Therefore, in 2023, RMUTL (Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna) initiated a study and experimental planting of “organic rice” on the Chiang Rai campus for the first time, and it proved successful, yielding a harvest that has become an organic rice product under the brand “Saijai.”
On December 12, 2023, at 9:00 a.m., Associate Professor Wichet Thipprasert, Director of the Chiang Rai campus administration at RMUTL, along with Ms. Natcha Thipprasert, Director of Chiang Rai Education, and Ms. Somwan Thipchon, Director of Chiang Rai Resource Management, presented the “Saijai” organic rice as an offering to Phra Kru Piyawanpipat, the abbot of Wat Hua Fai and president of the Piyawanpipat Foundation for Social Welfare. This offering was intended for distribution to the elderly, the impoverished, and vulnerable groups as deemed appropriate.
Furthermore, once the team and personnel have gained thorough expertise and understanding, the knowledge gained will be compiled for transfer to farmers at the community level.
Project for Plant Variety Production at the Chakrapat Pensiri Plant Variety Development Center, Mae Sai District, Chiang Rai Province
On August 25, 2023, Associate Professor Vichit Tipprasert, Director of the Administration Office at Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna, Chiang Rai, along with his team, visited the Chakrapat Pensiri Plant Variety Development Center in Mae Sai District, Chiang Rai Province, to monitor the results of the plant variety production project, which has successfully produced the following seeds:
- Chakrapat Tomatoes 1, 2
- Leafy Chinese Kale
- Yellow Lanna Mustard
- Garden Chili Peppers
- Lanna Bitter Eggplant
- Lanna Long Green Bean
- Star Pumpkin
Additionally, fresh produce such as Chakrapat Tomatoes 1, 2, and both short and long cucumbers have been produced. The plant variety production project at the Chakrapat Pensiri Plant Variety Development Center has plans to distribute these seeds to people affected by flooding during the rainy season. Moreover, fresh produce is also supplied to the Jankap Vegetable Shop throughout the year.
Wang Pa Subdistrict Municipality, Lamphun Province, Visits for Knowledge Exchange on “Safe Food Production System”
On Wednesday, December 13, 2023, from 8:30 AM to 12:00 PM, at the Residual Chemical Detection Building for Vegetables and Fruits, Chiang Rai Municipality, an activity related to the “Chiang Rai Development Project Towards a 3D Happiness City” took place, marking the end of 2023. This event is the starting point for becoming a model province and project for expanding knowledge to create food security and sustainable agriculture in neighboring provinces like Lamphun.
In this regard, Assistant Professor Dr. Subin Chaita, a faculty member of the Faculty of Agricultural Science and Technology and a representative of Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna, was invited to join the Chiang Rai Municipality in welcoming a study group from the Community Health Network Management Center, Wang Pa Subdistrict Municipality, Wiang Nong Long District, Lamphun Province, consisting of 80 participants. They traveled to study and exchange knowledge about the “Integrated Safe Food Production System (Upstream, Midstream, and Downstream)” to provide access to knowledge that would lead to the development of capacity and management of learning in this system. This is part of a collaboration between Chiang Rai Municipality and Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna aimed at promoting the transfer of knowledge, skills, and technology to local food producers.
The representatives from Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna provided presentations, information, demonstrations, answered questions, and explained the basic technical knowledge in the “Chemical Residue Testing Process in Vegetables and Fruits” to promote safe and sustainable food production.
This activity is an event that reflects the success of the “Chiang Rai Development Project Towards a 3D Happiness City,” recognized as a model for a comprehensive safe food production system that has been integrated between Chiang Rai Municipality, Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna, and network partners since the beginning of 2023. It serves as a learning source for other local government organizations, marking a significant step toward developing regional cooperation networks and reinforcing the role of Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna as an educational institution committed to creating sustainable collaboration with communities through systematic knowledge and technology transfer for sustainable development in all areas of Thailand.
The Municipality of Wang Pa, Lamphun Province, visited to study and exchange knowledge on the “Safe Food Production System” on Wednesday, December 13, 2023, from 08:30 to 12:00 at the Residual Chemical Testing Building for Fruits and Vegetables in Chiang Rai Municipality. This activity is part of the project “Developing Chiang Rai into a 3D Happiness City,” concluding the year 2023 but marking the beginning of efforts to make it a model province and project for expanding knowledge related to food security and sustainable agriculture to neighboring provinces like Lamphun.
Assistant Professor Dr. Subin Chaita, a staff member from the Faculty of Agricultural Science and Technology and a representative of Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna (RMUTL), was invited to join Chiang Rai Municipality in welcoming a delegation of 80 people from the Wang Pa Subdistrict Municipality in Wiang Nong Long District, Lamphun Province. They traveled to learn and exchange knowledge about the “Integrated Safe Food Production System (upstream, midstream, and downstream)” to provide access to knowledge that would enhance capabilities and manage learning in the system. This is part of a collaboration among the Chiang Rai Municipality network aimed at promoting the transfer of knowledge, skills, and technology to local food producers.
Representatives from RMUTL provided lectures, information, demonstrations, answered questions, and offered explanations for the technical knowledge transfer concerning the “Process of Detecting Residual Chemicals in Fruits and Vegetables” to promote the production of safe and sustainable food.
This event reflects the success of the “Developing Chiang Rai into a 3D Happiness City” project, which has been recognized as a model for a comprehensive safe food system, integrating efforts among Chiang Rai Municipality, RMUTL, and partner networks since early 2023. It serves as a valuable learning source for other local administrative organizations, marking an important step toward developing a regional cooperation network and reinforcing RMUTL’s role as an educational institution committed to fostering sustainable collaboration within communities through systematic knowledge and technology transfer for sustainable development across all areas of Thailand.
Chiang Mai Province
Training on “Raising Giant River Prawns in Soil Ponds” Techniques to Reduce Costs and Increase Production Using Natural Methods
On February 6-7, 2023, Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna, led by Assistant Professor Phairoj Vorapojpornchai, the technology clinic manager, in collaboration with the Non-Formal and Informal Education Office of Wiang Prao Subdistrict and the Wiang Prao Municipality in Chiang Mai, organized a training and consulting project on “Raising Giant River Prawns in Soil Ponds” at Ban Chang Kham, Wiang Subdistrict, Phrao District, Chiang Mai. The aim was to develop technical methods for local farmers engaged in fishing to expand food security and safe agriculture while providing new knowledge for new farmers as an alternative livelihood. This initiative seeks to enhance income and strengthen the community’s economic status, aligning with market demands both domestically and internationally, as it is well-known that giant river prawns are significant and create substantial economic value for Thailand.
Luehistory.com reported information from several reliable sources, particularly: 1) a report on the situation of giant river prawn production and trade in 2020 and trends for 2021; 2) a report on estimated production and the value of aquatic animals from Thai fisheries from 2021 to 2023, prepared by the Fisheries Statistics Group under the Department of Fisheries Policy and Planning, stating that “… the average giant river prawn production is 201,000 tons, generating over 10 billion baht per year for farmers. The production accounts for one-fifth of the total aquaculture production and one-tenth of the average total aquatic animal production in Thailand …” Furthermore, the technique of raising giant river prawns in soil ponds can naturally increase feed for fish, requiring specific skills and processes that must be mastered by farmers to achieve good results in terms of both quantity and quality of production, as well as environmental friendliness. In this regard, the team from Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna traveled to the field to impart knowledge, specific technical skills, and relevant technologies to more than 30 farmers and interested citizens living in the Ban Chang Kham community.
Consulting Services on Production Technology and Launch of Funding for 4 Partnerships Supporting the Development of Safe Food Products for Thailand’s Global Market
Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna places great importance on collaborative work with communities, encompassing the transmission of knowledge and technology to local communities for sustainable development. One empirical evidence of this commitment is the establishment of the Technology Transfer Institute to Communities (TTIC), which has been operating for over 10 years. This large unit, supervised by Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna, is responsible for specific tasks with a modern management structure, high flexibility, and relative independence, differing from other agencies to address the challenging changes in every dimension of the world and the evolving needs of the community.
In the context of technology transfer related to food production, on March 15, 2024, at the front of the Buarawong Conference Room, Chalermphrakiat Building, Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna, led by Assistant Professor Dr. Warakchat Muangjai as the director of the Technology Transfer Institute and head of the project under the royal patronage, showcased the university’s technological capabilities to promote community development and opened consulting services to visitors. This included demonstrations of products stemming from research and academic services, knowledge transmission, and technology from Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna during the event “Open House NIAxRMUTLxDIProm – Uniting Forces to Enhance Entrepreneurial Capabilities through Innovation and Research.”
Additionally, information on funding for the “Innovation Business in Agriculture and Food” sector under the “Mandatory Innovation” platform for the fiscal year 2024 was publicized, as part of a collaborative effort among four organizations: Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna, the National Innovation Agency (public organization), Kasetsart University, and the First Industrial Promotion Center. This partnership aims to create a distinctive impact on promoting the development of quality agricultural and safe food products at an international level, which is crucial for strengthening Thailand’s agricultural and food industry competitiveness, generating economic value for the country, and leading to structural changes towards a “Value-Based Economy” in line with the government’s Thailand 4.0 policy and Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna’s strategic plan for 2023-2027.
Nan Province
Organizing a Practical Training on “Safe and High-Value Agriculture” in Collaboration with the Nan Provincial Industry Office
Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna, together with the Nan Provincial Industry Office, organized the project “Safe and High-Value Agriculture” on Monday, April 3, 2023, at the Namthong Hotel in Nan Province. This initiative aims to foster understanding along the entire value chain in the context of agriculture and food processing. The project included activities such as “Processing Agricultural Products with Knowledge, Technology, and Innovation to Create Added Value” and “Development of New Innovative Products” following the practical training format.
The project emphasized maintaining safety standards throughout the production process, selecting raw materials certified for safe agriculture, and using appropriate processing technologies to preserve nutritional value and product safety. The target group comprised community enterprises and business operators, with 20 establishments participating. The training aimed to develop processes for producing and processing new products using science, technology, and innovative creativity.
If successful, this will not only enhance the value of agricultural raw materials but also maintain safety standards according to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) throughout the processing to ensure consumers that the resulting products are both valuable and safe. This will lead to expanded marketing opportunities for processed agricultural products from Nan Province and nearby regions sustainably.
Youth Volunteers Collaborate to Monitor the “Smart Farm Development Project”
On Thursday, November 23, 2023, Project Leader Pakorn Sunthornmeth led a group of volunteer students to the field to monitor the progress of the project “Developing Smart Farms for Agriculture to Prepare the Population for Quality Aging” in the community enterprise of Pa Laew Pak Dee in Santisuk District, Nan Province. The team checked and tested the operation of semi-automatic irrigation systems in the vegetable plots. They also exchanged knowledge and collected data on various aspects to compile the project’s implementation results, such as issues, obstacles, and community feedback from the planning process for seasonal vegetable planting, cultivation methods, maintenance, harvesting, processing, group accounting, cost analysis, and revenue from vegetable sales.
Additionally, youth volunteers aimed to transmit technology, innovations, and knowledge from the university to farmers and community participants. They collected produce from the vegetable plots for processing into local food to sell in the community market, supplying fresh vegetables to local buyers, including shops, restaurants, and Nan Hospital as per demand.
Tak Province
“Avocado”: Knowledge from Research to Safe Food for Health and Community-Level Transmission
Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna, led by the Faculty of Agricultural Science and Technology, organized the project “Transmitting Knowledge to Develop Health Food Products from Indigenous Avocado Varieties of Tak Province” for 10 avocado farmers in the Phob Phra District area on September 23-24, 2023, at the Thep Phithak Garden, Chonkhab Subdistrict, Phob Phra District, Tak Province. This is part of a subsidiary project funded under the Fundamental Fund for the 2023 fiscal year.
This initiative involved field visits to meet and access local avocado farmers directly by faculty members and students from the Food Business Program to impart knowledge about skills in developing and processing avocado products into various healthy meals. Examples include: 1) utilizing avocado as a fat substitute in health-focused chocolate custard filling; 2) developing healthy avocado pudding products; and 3) creating health-oriented stroopwafels filled with avocado cream.
Avocado has become a new local economic crop gaining popularity in Thailand due to being a good fat fruit rich in health benefits and high nutritional value, which is also satisfying and easy to digest. This field visit was led by Associate Professor Dr. Atchara Donwitthakoon, Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Agricultural Science and Technology, along with Dr. Donporn Wongwaew and student volunteers, showcasing the value and benefits of the university’s research projects, which can be practically applied and sustainably developed for food businesses in the community. This project received support and funding from the Science, Research, and Innovation Promotion Fund (SRIP) to genuinely promote local development and food security.
