On Friday, 9 January 2026, at 10:30 hrs, the Faculty of Agriculture, Khon Kaen University (KKU), held a press conference for the annual “Isan Agricultural Fair 2026” (Wankaset Pak Isan).
The opening ceremony was chaired by Associate Professor Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, M.D., KKU President. Also participating in the press conference were Associate Professor Darunee Jothityangkoon, Ph.D., Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture and Chairperson of the Organising Committee, alongside Ms. Niyom Khaimuk (Representative from the Department of Agriculture), Mr. Kamon Sophat (Representative from the Department of Agricultural Extension), Dr. Sukanya Thawikij (Representative from the Land Development Department), and Ms. Sudkhanueng Phumchai (Representative from the Department of Rice). They presented details regarding the exhibitions under their respective responsibilities. The event took place at the Agro Outlet, Agricultural Technology Park, Faculty of Agriculture, Khon Kaen University, with numerous representatives from participating public and private organisations, as well as the media, in attendance.
The Isan Agricultural Fair 2026 will be held from Friday, 23 January, to Sunday, 1 February 2026, at the Agricultural Technology Park, Khon Kaen University. The fair is organised under the concept: “Market-Driven, Innovation-Enhanced, Income-Increased, Environmentally-Conscious.” This event is recognised as a crucial platform for driving agricultural development, aiming to elevate the potential of farmers in the northeastern region towards sustainable progress.
Associate Professor Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, M.D., KKU President, stated that Khon Kaen University adopts the royal pronouncements of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great, delivered during his opening ceremony of the University in 1967, as a guiding principle for its operations. The Isan Agricultural Fair exemplifies KKU’s success in promoting agriculture across all dimensions. Over the years, the University has built extensive collaborative networks with various sectors, particularly agencies under the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Khon Kaen Province, and other public and private entities.
Consequently, the Isan Agricultural Fair has expanded in scale annually, attracting a vast number of visitors and generating circulating funds estimated at approximately 600 million baht per year. The 34th iteration of the fair will focus on integrating knowledge, technology, innovation, and local wisdom, aligned with key national policies. The objective is to enhance the capabilities of the agricultural sector, increase farmer income, and ensure sustainable food security.
“Khon Kaen University is highly confident that the Isan Agricultural Fair will continue to serve as a vital platform for advancing agricultural development in the Northeast, acting as a collective force for all sectors to elevate Thai agriculture towards stability, prosperity, and sustainability,” the President remarked.
Associate Professor Darunee Jothityangkoon, Ph.D., Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture and Chairperson of the Organising Committee, explained that the fair aims to be a venue for transferring agricultural innovations into practical use. It serves as an open house for attendees from all provinces to observe and track the progress of agricultural technology introduced by the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives and related agencies.
The Faculty of Agriculture, Khon Kaen University, will showcase research findings ranging from crop genetics to modern technology-integrated agriculture designed to improve yield and efficiency. The programme also includes academic conferences discussing vital topics concerning Thai rice and the agricultural sector’s role amidst global warming. Furthermore, there will be food processing and handicraft activities to commemorate and fulfil the royal aspirations of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother. The event is also scheduled to feature the opening of the winter flower garden, cultivated by students of the Agricultural Innovation programme, for tourists to visit. Associate Professor Darunee expressed confidence that the increased parking space and improved amenities this year will allow the fair to accommodate a greater number of attendees than in previous years.
For the Isan Agricultural Fair 2026, the Department of Agriculture has divided its exhibition area into five zones: the plant material and safe food production technology zone; the crop production and environmental conservation zone; the GAP, organic farming, and GI product standard enhancement zone; the market and export zone; and the academic discussion zone.
Concurrently, the Department of Agricultural Extension will highlight the development of quality plant varieties, high-value agricultural careers, and the Young Smart Farmer programme, covering production, processing, technology demonstrations, and market creation for Isan farmers.
The Land Development Department is prepared to share knowledge on sustainable soil management and restoration, encompassing soil testing via e-Service, soil and water conservation, and the use of soil amendments to reduce costs and boost productivity.
Finally, the Department of Rice will showcase new and recommended rice varieties, along with modern rice production technologies, such as low-carbon rice cultivation, and the application of drone/ecological engineering to sustainably enhance the efficiency and value of Thai rice.
The atmosphere at today’s press conference was welcoming, featuring booths from numerous public and private organisations. A special highlight was the exhibition of “Midget Buffalo” (Dwarf Buffalo) from the Department of Livestock Development, allowing attendees to view and interact with this rare native breed. This activity generated excitement, encouraging everyone to attend the Midget Buffalo competition scheduled for the main event.
It is anticipated that the Isan Agricultural Fair 2026 will again serve as a crucial platform for promoting and developing the agricultural sector in the Northeast. By integrating collaboration between government agencies, the private sector, academic institutions, and farmers, the fair aims to drive the sustainable growth of Thai agriculture, ensure stable income for farmers, and strengthen the nation’s long-term food security.
Interested parties may attend the fair from Friday, 23 January, to Sunday, 1 February 2026, at the Agricultural Technology Park, Khon Kaen University. Further details can be found at: Isan Agricultural Fair.
