On 25 August 2026, Khon Kaen University (KKU) hosted an official handover ceremony for technology and products developed under the project “Model Community for Adding Value to Cassava Stumps for Sustainable Development” at Ban Kho Sub-district Municipality, Mueang District, Khon Kaen Province. Mr. Jakkapong Petchsaen, Mayor of Ban Kho Sub-district Municipality, warmly welcomed the university delegation alongside executive administrators, staff, academic experts, local innovators, and network partners.
During the ceremony, Assistant Professor Surapol Nesusin, Assistant Director for Lifelong Learning and Sustainability at the Office of Academic Service, outlined the initiative. He emphasised that the project integrates KKU’s research expertise with local community wisdom to maximise the value of agricultural waste, particularly cassava stumps. This turns unutilised residues into viable economic assets for the local population.
Professor Thidarut Boonmars, D.V.M., Ph.D., Vice President for Enterprise and Societal Sustainability at Khon Kaen University, presented the pyrolysis technology to Mr. Jakkapong Petchsaen. The technology will enable the community to convert agricultural biomass into biochar through pyrolysis – a thermal decomposition process conducted under oxygen-limited conditions. This method converts low-value farm by-products into rich biochar suitable for agricultural application and commercialisation.
This milestone stems from a collaborative partnership among Khon Kaen University, Rajamangala University of Technology Isan, Ban Kho Sub-district Municipality, public sector agencies, and network partners. Together, they combined technical knowledge and local resources to produce concrete deliverables, including pyrolysis kilns, trained community innovators, agricultural biochar products, and unique branding under the name “Ban Kho Biochar.”
The project puts the Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) Economy Model into practice. It integrates the use of biological resources (Bio Economy), the recycling of waste back into the production cycle (Circular Economy), and environmentally responsible processing (Green Economy). By transforming cassava stumps into market-ready agricultural inputs, the project reduces resource loss and addresses specific local development needs.
Beyond technology transfer, the initiative builds local capacity under the principle of “Developing People alongside Innovation.” The project trained local innovators to operate the pyrolysis systems, enabling them to independently use local resources, manage production, and expand their technical knowledge. This human resource development lays a crucial foundation for lasting community self-reliance.
The handover represents not merely the delivery of equipment, but the transfer of technology, practical knowledge, and economic opportunity. It underscores Khon Kaen University’s commitment to connecting education, research, and academic service directly to community needs, creating tangible benefits for local residents while fulfilling its mission as a “University of Social Creativity and Development.”
Furthermore, the initiative aligns with multiple United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These include SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, by facilitating product development and local job creation; SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, by adapting pyrolysis technology for local use; SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, by recycling agricultural waste into value-added materials; and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, by building sustainable development networks across higher education institutions, local government bodies, and local communities.
