Monday February 28, 2020 at 16:00 p.m. – Khon Kaen University held an opening ceremony of the “KKU Smart Flower Farm 2022”. Assoc. Prof. Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, M.D., President of Khon Kaen University presided over the ceremony, which was joined by Dr. Uanjit Panthongviriyakul, his wife; Assoc. Prof. Darunee Chotissayangkoon, Ph.D., Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture; Vice Presidents, Assistants to the Presidents, heads of different departments, lecturers, news reporters, and a lot of distinguished guests. The farm is located at the tourism agricultural plots, south of the Agricultural Technology Park of KKU.
The “KKU Smart Flower Farm 2022” project this year is a showcase of flower plots of the Innovative Agriculture Club, Department of Innovative Agriculture, Faculty of Agriculture, Khon Kaen University. The project is aimed at building good attitudes towards entrepreneurship, building real experiences from practice, integrating instruction with practice, as well as building good image and reputation for the Faculty of Agriculture and Khon Kaen University.
The ceremony began when Mr. Chanapon Wiriyajit, a 1st year student majoring in innovative agriculture gave a reporting speech. “KKU Smart Flower Farm 2022” project this year occupies an area of over 13 rais. We use nearly all of the space for the project. That means it needs good management, administration, and procedures, which include time setting for growing the shrubs so that the flowers will bloom at the expected time, managing of the watering system, the lighting and electrical system, labor management, and assignment of jobs for different teams.”
“The work has been delayed, and we faced some difficulties from many factors, namely, Covid-19 pandemic, uncertainty of the weather that delayed our plot preparation, the soil was dry and hard making it difficult for the growing, and dogs entering the plots. We solved the latter problem by building fence at the first start. Then there was a storm that destroyed our cosmos plots. Some shrubs fell, the petals also wilted. We solved this problem by tying ropes around the place. Besides these problems, we had to plan how and when to plant the flower shrubs. We thought about this and planned well so that the flowers in each plot and in the supporting plots would enhance the beauty and the lovely pictures. If the planning was not good, flowers in one plot may obstruct the view of another plot.”
“The flowers we chose to grow bear good meanings. Cutters enhance other flowers and so they are compared as a person’s hidden but stable love. It is like.. it doesn’t matter if you don’t care; whatever happens, I’m always at your side.”
“Sunflowers convey the meaning of confidence, firmness, and one-heartedness. Cosmos has the meaning of peace, determination, and a girl’s sincerity. In addition to good meanings of the flowers, the items we put to decorate the place have been planned cautiously. For example, the cutter shrubs are tall. We therefore placed a raised floor to ease visitors’ shooting. Under the trees in the area, we tied some ribbons and dream nets. At the cosmos plot, there is a triangle arch. We believe that visitors who see our decorations and flowers will be happy and impressed.”
Assoc. Prof. Darunee Chotissayangkoon, Ph.D., Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture said that “KKU Smart Flower Farm 2022” is one important project of the Faculty. It is a new land mark in KKU and also in Khon Kaen, waiting for nature-loving people to come and take pictures of the beauty of colorful flowers.
“This year, the management is rather troublesome. Some flowers already wilted. We have never before planted a lot of flower shrubs like this year. We didn’t believe that beautiful flowers would grow in Isan. However, we started last year and we expand the area this year. It makes the students realize the benefits of the introduction of different technologies, which are: laying the watering system, control from mobile phones, lighting for controlling the blooming. Therefore, the project is the practice place for the students. Thanks KKU President for allocation of a lot of budget for land preparation around the park. There is the walkway, bicycle track, jogging track. The area is truly another place for relaxation of KKU people.”
Through the past years, students’ activities could not be seen clearly. The activities here this year are visible to passers-by. It is pleasing to see that students realize that agricultural occupation can be numerous and can build happiness to people. Besides, KKU President wants to see outdoors classes or teaching and learning where students learn from real practices and students can acquire Global & Frontier Research skills. This area is the place they can learn and practice their skills in various aspects. The Faculty is grateful to President and administrators for supporting the project every year. The Faculty hopes that all guests and visitors will be happy taking photos with beautiful flowers.
Assoc. Prof. Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, M.D., President of Khon Kaen University said, “From the report by the student, chairman of the Innovative Agriculture Club, I appreciate the cooperation and creativity of students, who also see the importance of agricultural tourism and have turned the vacant area of the Faculty into a new landmark of KKU”.
“Just now the student talked about the problem and obstacles in their work. Usually we do not hear people talk genuinely about problems at an opening ceremony. It is interesting. I think obstacles are something we should learn from. If things are easy, then learning will not take place. I must thank the students and I wish KKU Smart Flower Farm 2022 Project of the Faculty of Agriculture a great success as expected.”
Miss Bussabawan Butrthai, a 6th grader of Khon Kaen University Demonstration School said that she came to KKU flower plots every year. This year, the weather is nice and so it is pleasant to walk around.
“I came last year and before that. It was very hot. This year, the weather is nice. I like the white flower plot, for it’s my type. The flowers are lovely. I come with 4 friends. We took a lot of pictures. I’d like others to come. The flowers are beautiful. We should take pictures together.”
“KKU Smart Flower Farm” Project of the Faculty of Agriculture, Khon Kaen University began in 2021. Then, 3rd year students tested planting flowers in a plot of 100 square wa for cutting and selling. Later, the plot became popular for photographing, so the area was expanded to one rai. It was well accepted by KKU people, students and the public. The success of the first year led to continuation in 2022. For visitors who are interested, the Flower Farm this year is open every day from 7.00 a.m. to 18:30 p.m. at the southern part of Agricultural Technology Park, Khon Kaen University. The entrance fee is 30 baht each.
News / Photos: Communications Division, Khon Kaen University
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