Monday December 27, 2021 at 16:00 p.m. – Faculty of Agriculture, Khon Kaen University held an opening ceremony for the 9th Windmill Flower Plantation at the Agronomy Unit of the Faculty. Assoc. Prof. Darunee Chotisayangkoon, Ph.D., Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture welcomed the guests and visitors. Mr. Panupong Wongthong, Chairman of the Farm-Learning Club, Agronomy Department, Agriculture Student Union, gave a reporting speech to Assoc. Prof. Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, M.D., President of Khon Kaen University, who presided over the opening ceremony with Dr. Uanjit Panthongviriyakul, his wife. A lot of guests, lecturers, Vice Presidents, Assistants to the President, mass media and students attended.
Assoc. Prof. Darunee Chotisayangkoon, Ph.D., Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture explained, “The Windmill Flower Plantation used to be a congratulations venue for the new graduates of Khon Kaen University and their relatives. However, with the spread of Covid-19 and the severity of the disease, the temporary congratulating venue could not function and had to be deterred. The importance is now placed on training the skills in growing and nurturing the flower plants. The project is one of the key projects of the Faculty of Agriculture. Now, the plantation is the new Land Mark of Khon Kaen University and Khon Kaen Province that is waiting to greet nature-lovers, photographers and beauty-lookers. On behalf of the Faculty of Agriculture, I hope that the flower plantation will welcome everyone warmly so that you will be impressed, have fun and enjoy the species of flowers here.”
Mr. Panupong Wongthong, Chairman of the Farm-Learning Club said, “The Windmill Flower Plantation began in 2013 by the 4th year students of the Department of Agronomy. The seniors led the juniors and freshmen to develop the vacant area of the Department, which measured 1 rai only. That time, we grew Kaen Tawan and sunflowers, but we were not successful, as there was not enough budget, planning, and experience. Public relation was another important point. Later, the problems had been solved and the area was expanded to 5 rais, with more suitable species grown. The project emphasized training students to become real entrepreneurs. The 7th Windmill Flower Plantation in 2019 was very successful, with budget allocated from the Faculty and the Alumni Association. The students also gained more experiences. During that year, cosmos was grown and a lot of people came to visit the plantation through good public relation work.”
“The 8th Windmill Flower Plantation in 2020 was the most successful one, because we received a lot of support and budget from the University, the Faculty of Agriculture, the Department of Agronomy, and the Agricultural Alumni Association, as well as the mass media who supported in terms of public relation. The students were able to use their experience in working as a team and worked with dedication and great intention. There were more than 40,000 visitors then. For this time, the 9th Plantation, even though we were not able to congratulate the graduates because of the pandemic, we were still able to carry out the training and developing of skills for the students of all classes, who also worked as a team. We have grown cosmos, sunflowers, and marigolds. We believe the plots will be a good place to welcome people to relax and admire the beauty of the flowers.”
Assoc. Prof. Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, M.D., President of Khon Kaen University said, “From the report of the head of the Farm Learning Club, I appreciate the cooperation and the creative ideas of the students, who see the importance and have made the beautiful landscape for Khon Kaen University for many years. This project enhances the good image of the Faculty of Agriculture and Khon Kaen University. Although there is the delay, I still feel the intention and dedication of the students, especially the students of the Club, who use their knowledge from classrooms to create beautiful flower plots for people to see. I really appreciate the team work and believe that when you graduate, this experience can lead you to success in the future.”
The “Windmill Flower Plantation” project has been carried out for the 9th year, with beautiful flower plots that are good for taking pictures. Students also sell farm products to visitors at the plantation. The 9th “Windmill Flower Plantation” is open from December 27, 2021. The entrance fee is only 20 baht per person, and free for those aged over 55 or younger than 15. The total income will be used for the activities of the students of the Department of Agronomy for the plantation next year.
News / Photos: Watchara Noichompoo
