The initiative aims to transform agricultural waste into high-value biochar products, fostering sustainable local development while supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
On 4 August 2026, the Office of Academic Service at Khon Kaen University (KKU) organised a hands-on workshop on identity development and branding for cassava rhizome biochar products. Held at the Katanyu Farm Learning Centre for Cassava Production Efficiency in Ban Kho Sub-district, Mueang District, Khon Kaen Province, the event centred on transferring technology and empowering local farmers to derive greater value from agricultural waste. It also established comprehensive branding strategies to drive commercial innovation.
Assistant Professor Surapol Nesusin, Ph.D., Deputy Director for Lifelong Learning and Sustainability of the Office of Academic Service, explained that the Office remains committed to knowledge transfer and technology deployment throughout the value chain. He highlighted that the workshop extended beyond biochar production for soil improvement and raw material processing, with a strong emphasis on value creation through brand identity, logo design, and packaging. This approach ensures community products meet market standards, satisfy modern consumer demand, and generate sustainable local revenue.
The workshop featured guest speaker Dr. Yongyuth Mungmai from the Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts at Khon Kaen University. The interactive session covered three key areas: developing compelling product narratives based on unique community characteristics, designing distinctive and standardised packaging and logos, and applying these concepts to the community’s primary output: cassava rhizome compressed charcoal briquettes and soil-enriching biochar.
Taken together, this initiative by the Office of Academic Service represents a concrete application of the Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) Economy Model. By repurposing agricultural waste such as cassava rhizomes into high-value products, the project enhances the grassroots economy while aligning with Khon Kaen University’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Specifically, it supports SDG 1 (No Poverty) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) by generating sustainable income, and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) by promoting zero-waste agricultural practices. It also advances SDG 13 (Climate Action) by mitigating agricultural burning, reducing PM2.5 emissions, and enhancing soil carbon sequestration, as well as SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by fostering collaboration between university faculties and local communities.
