KKU joins Department of Agricultural Extension to extend high-potential farming research

Khon Kaen University signed MOU with Department of Agricultural Extension for developing research and academic work for agricultural promotion 10 ก.ค. 2561    Raviporn Saisaenthong

          July 10, 2018 - Khon Kaen University held an MOU signing ceremony with Department of Agricultural Extension on development of research and academic work for agricultural promotion. The MOU was signed by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kittichai Triratanasirichai, President of Khon Kaen University and Mr. Prasong Praphaitrakoon, Deputy Director of Department of Agricultural Extension. Over 100 people attended the ceremony including Khon Kaen University administrators, administrators of Department of Agricultural Extension and personnel of both parties at Sarasin Room, Sirikunakorn Building, Khon Kaen University.

          The MOU on development of research and academic work for agricultural promotion between Khon Kaen University and Department of Agricultural Extension is aimed at developing research and agricultural promotion by extending agricultural research projects of high potential towards utilization in real areas in order to perform research and development on topics that will solve farming problems. The collaboration is also meant to develop personnel of both organizations for mutual benefits in research, students, equipment and tools for agricultural extension.  

           Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kittichai Triratanasirichai, President of Khon Kaen University said that Khon Kaen University and Department of Agricultural Extension have searched for collaboration in many aspects including technologies, development of agricultural extension officers to become professional agricultural extension experts. Under the MOU, production technology and management of specific farm products, and technology for management of implementation center will be carried out. A committee will be assigned to deploy the collaboration strategies, to set targets and directions along with what to collaborate until the following-up step and conclusion of work outcomes.

           Mr. Prasong Praphaitrakoon, Deputy Director of Department of Agricultural Extension said that the aim of research and academic development of the two institutions is to create ‘smart officers’ from agricultural extension officers and to develop farmers to become ‘smart farmers’. Cooperation will be sought for research and development of the northeastern agriculture in aspects including technology, production innovation, farm product management such as rice, field crops, fruits, flowers and decorating plants. Another aim is to reduce production costs, increase production per unit area and develop product qualities. Finally, farmers institution and community enterprises will be supported so that they are able to run farming businesses as entrepreneurs.

                    The MOU will be effective for 4 years from July 10, 2018.