In a groundbreaking effort to transform agriculture in Thailand’s Northeastern region, Khon Kaen University has launched an ambitious project to boost soil fertility and support sustainable farming practices through the cultivation of the Mor Kor 60 soybean variety. Spearheaded by Prof. Dr. Thidarat Boonmars, Vice President for Enterprise and Sustainable Society at KKU, the initiative aligns with the university’s commitment to advancing grassroots economic and social development under the BCG (Bio-Circular-Green) Model.
The project took center stage during a recent field visit to Rai Bua Pak Kwien, a research site operated by Mitr Phol Sugarcane and Sugar Research and Development Co., Ltd., on August 17, 2024. The visit aimed to assess the progress of the soybean seed production trial, which is expected to play a key role in revitalizing soil quality in sugarcane-growing areas.
This initiative represents a strategic collaboration between KKU’s research network and Mitr Phol Sugarcane and Sugar Research and Development Co., Ltd. It focuses on integrating soybeans into sugarcane fields to enhance soil fertility, particularly in Phu Khieo District, Chaiyaphum Province. By producing Mor Kor 60 soybean seeds during the rainy season, the project seeks to expand soybean cultivation after rice farming, creating a sustainable farming cycle that benefits both crops and the environment.
Assist. Prof. Dr. Sompong Chankaew, Head of the Agronomy Program at KKU and the lead researcher on the project, highlighted the significant potential of the Mor Kor 60 soybean variety. “The Mor Kor 60 variety, developed by our university, offers high yield potential and is well-suited to the region. If we can ensure year-round seed production, we can promote widespread soybean cultivation without facing shortages or suitability issues, thereby supporting sustainable agricultural practices across the Northeast,” he explained.
Prof. Dr. Thidarat emphasized that the project is closely aligned with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 15 (Life on Land). “Our goal is to develop high-yield crop varieties that not only increase farmers’ productivity but also improve soil health, thereby enhancing food security in the region,” she said. The project also supports SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) by generating new knowledge and technologies for sustainable farming practices.
KKU and Mitr Phol remain steadfast in their commitment to sustainability, using research and innovation to drive positive change in local communities and the environment. The Mor Kor 60 soybean project is just one example of how academia and industry can work together to achieve lasting impact.
With this project, KKU is not only revitalizing the soil of Thailand’s Northeast but also laying the groundwork for a more sustainable and prosperous future for the region’s farmers.
