Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna (RMUTL), as a state educational institution, has organized access to its resources and facilities for local farmers and food producers to promote the development of sustainable agricultural practices. This initiative spans across six campuses: Chiang Mai, Tak, Chiang Rai, Lampang, Nan, and Phitsanulok. An overview of key resources and accessible facilities is summarized below.
Table 1: Sample Resources / Facilities and Access Procedures
| Resources/Facilities
Laboratories and Analytical Tools |
Modern Agricultural Technology |
| • Soil and water quality analysis laboratory
• Agricultural product quality inspection laboratory • Food processing laboratory • Residue analysis tools for agricultural products • etc. |
• Prototype smart greenhouse with IoT system
• Automatic irrigation and fertilization system • Modern agricultural machinery • Digital production monitoring and control system |
| Plant Stocks – Agricultural Materials – Cultivation Areas, and Others | |
Nursery greenhouse
|
|
| Access Process | |
| Resource Access System | Technical Support |
|
|
| Service Models | Special Support Measures (for service fees, if any) |
|
|
In the 2023 academic year, RMUTL made its modern laboratories and technologies available to farmers, entrepreneurs, and local communities through various faculties and departments. For instance, the Faculty of Science and Agricultural Technology opened an aquaculture laboratory at the Lampang campus and ran skill-development programs in safe agriculture at the Chiang Rai campus. RMUTL also collaborated with the Chiang Mai Institute of Skill Development 19 to enhance workforce skills in smart agriculture through a precision farming learning center. The Nan campus, in cooperation with the Nan Provincial Agricultural and Cooperative Office, established an Agritech and Innovation Center (AIC) to transfer modern agricultural technologies. Other campuses offered diverse services, such as soil analysis labs, tissue culture labs, and agricultural product quality testing centers capable of processing up to 150 samples per day.
In Figure 1, additional confirmation is provided by showcasing the curriculum that the university offers, along with its role as a support center for farmers and food producers. This reflects the university’s efforts to advance the agricultural sector through education, training, and a wide range of academic services. In addition to laboratory facilities, RMUTL has critical demonstration areas and experimental fields, such as the Sufficiency Economy Learning Center in Phitsanulok, the Highland Agricultural Research and Development Station in Nan, and the Ornamental Plant Research Center in Lampang. Collaborative projects with private sectors, like the Pre-Talent Mobility Project for goat farm management innovation with community enterprises, further highlight the university’s commitment to technology transfer and modern agricultural innovation through hands-on training, technology demonstrations, consultancy, and collaborative research. RMUTL supports over 1,500 beneficiaries annually, including small-scale farmers, community enterprises, entrepreneurs, government agencies, and educational institutions, aiming to promote sustainable agricultural development in the region.
Faculty of Science, RMUTL Lampang Opens Aquaculture Laboratory for Hands-on Experience for Agricultural and Technology College Students in Lamphun
On Monday, September 4, 2023, the Faculty of Science and Agricultural Technology, RMUTL Lampang, welcomed 24 first-year higher diploma students (VET Level 1) from Lamphun Agricultural and Technology College to visit its learning programs and participate in aquaculture practical studies within the integrated agricultural studies course. Facilitated by Mr. Somkiat Tanta, the program includes a tour of plant science, animal science, fisheries, and food technology activities to provide students with insights into further studies at RMUTL Lampang.
Mr. Somkiat Tanta, a lecturer in animal science and fisheries, mentioned that this session in the aquaculture laboratory is part of RMUTL Lampang’s mentorship program for vocational education integration with Lamphun Agricultural and Technology College’s specialized curriculum. The aquaculture lab aims to enhance student learning through practical, science- and technology-based experiences, aligning with project goals. The university also provides academic support by appointing specialized faculty, including Mr. Somkiat Tanta (Integrated Agricultural Systems Technology), Asst. Prof. Dr. Orathai Buntawang, Asst. Prof. Napaporn Deesnam, Dr. Prasanee Kongwong (Agricultural Product Processing Technology), and Asst. Prof. Kulwich Panichkul (Soilless Plant Cultivation).
The joint vocational education curriculum project between Lamphun Agricultural and Technology College and RMUTL aims to support the Science-based Technology College program of the Office of Vocational Education Commission. Under this agreement, RMUTL and Maejo University provide expert lecturers, curriculum management, and supplemental activities, allowing students to research, design, and apply practical skills in innovation, technology development, language proficiency, and professional skills to enhance employability and continued education.
RMUTL Technology Clinic Hosts Aquaculture and Aquatic Feed Production Consulting Services
From July 12 to 14, 2023, RMUTL’s Technology Clinic, in collaboration with the Village Learning Center (SGL), hosted a consulting service on aquaculture and aquatic feed production. Lecturer Somkiat Tanta from the Faculty of Science and Agricultural Technology, RMUTL Lampang, shared knowledge on frog breeding techniques and aquatic feed production with local farmers, empowering them with skills for career development and income generation.
Minister of Labor Visits RMUTL for Smart Agriculture Workforce Training Program
On January 20, 2024, Asst. Prof. Thitiporn Phan Thachang, Deputy President of RMUTL, and other officials welcomed Labor Minister Pipat Ratchakitprakarn to RMUTL’s Smart Agriculture Learning Center. This visit aimed to review workforce training progress under a collaborative program with Chiang Mai’s Skill Development Institute. The program, held at RMUTL Doi Saket, includes short-term courses to upskill and reskill workers in smart agriculture through modular and lifelong learning pathways. In 2023, RMUTL hosted 305 visitors, offering courses on crop cultivation in greenhouses with IoT, irrigation systems, and engine maintenance for agriculture.
RMUTL Nan and Nan Provincial Agricultural Office Host Training for Advanced Agricultural Technology
On December 20, 2023, RMUTL Nan’s business management faculty, in collaboration with the Nan Provincial Agricultural Office, hosted training at the Agricultural Product Efficiency Improvement Center (APEIC) in Nan. The training aimed to promote advanced agricultural technology applications suited to local contexts and included community business planning for adapting to climate change.
The SPU Strategic Team visited the site to evaluate and monitor the 2023 Pre-Talent Mobility project on December 20, 2023. The project, led by Ms. Kanya Jinttanowarakul in collaboration with the Community Enterprise Goat Farmers Group in Chum Ta Bong District, Nakhon Sawan, focuses on improving farm odors using organic acids from local microorganisms and adding value to goat waste. Ms. Kanya, a lecturer in the Department of Animal Science and Fisheries at the Faculty of Science and Agricultural Technology, RMUTL Nan, is the project leader.
Mr. Kranchit Ngenkamkhong, an environmental technology researcher from the Faculty of Engineering, RMUTL Chiang Mai, served on the project evaluation committee, specializing in environmental management using algae or microorganisms and analyzing water quality.
During the meeting, Ms. Kanya and Mr. Jirasak Hiranyapras, President of the Community Goat Farmers Group, presented project progress, discussing potential developments to strengthen community enterprises.
Researchers have developed plans to enhance cooperation within the community, supporting product development, such as banana sprout enzyme water, to improve farm odors. User satisfaction surveys were conducted to identify suitable products for increased community income. Training was also provided on repurposing farm waste, with guidance on product development and using worm castings for agricultural benefits.
The community expressed enthusiasm, fostering unity. The site visit included a tour of the goat farm, introducing the farming practices and community products like goat milk soap and lotion. Plans for future project development and funding applications were also discussed.
The Faculty of Science and Agricultural Technology at Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna, Chiang Rai, organized the “Science, Technology, and Engineering Skills Development Program through Safe Agriculture Activities (3rd Batch)” for students on GSEE scholarships in the Pre-Engineering Curriculum, Vocational Certificate Year 3. The event was held on December 9-10 and December 16-17, 2023.
During this program, students learned to design and install agricultural electric and automated irrigation systems in a herb planting demonstration plot. They studied the working principles of sensors to monitor climate, soil, water, and moisture conditions, as well as temperature control systems for drying cabinets used in agricultural product processing. Students also explored scientific processing methods, such as extracting mulberry leaves in solvents, using a rotary evaporator for solvent evaporation in spray massage production, and making herbal balm with Tha En On formulas. Additionally, activities included testing for agricultural residues like pesticides and nitrate levels in vegetables.
Chiang Mai Skill Development Institute 19, in collaboration with Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna (RMUTL) and North-Chiang Mai University, is organizing a skill enhancement training course titled “IoT for Smart Greenhouse Agriculture.” This training, scheduled for December 12-15, 2023, aims to impart knowledge and skills in greenhouse cultivation integrated with Internet of Things (IoT) systems to 20 participants. These participants include professionals in the agricultural sector or those in related fields, as well as employees from various businesses interested in joining the program.
Mr. Chatchawan Singausa, a Senior Skilled Labor Development Officer from the Institute, will present the objectives of the training. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Worachak Muangjai, Director of the Technology Transfer to Community Institute at RMUTL, will open the training and serve as a lecturer, sharing insights on IoT and greenhouse technology. Additionally, expert speakers will participate, including Asst. Prof. Pichet Tanin, Acting Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Technology at North-Chiang Mai University, who will provide expertise on greenhouse management. The training will take place in Room 305, Building C3, 3rd Floor, at RMUTL (Doi Saket campus).
