Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thidarat Boonmas, Vice President for Innovation and Enterprise

The Division of Sustainable Enterprise and Society, Khon Kaen University, in collaboration with the Khon Kaen Provincial Agricultural Office, visited Ban Phai and Chonbot Districts to listen to the needs and find ways to develop the potential of farmers in the area, strengthen the community economy, add value to the supply chain, and elevate Thai agriculture to a sustainable economy on February 27, 2025. The visit was led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thidarat Boonmas, Vice President for Sustainable Enterprise and Society, Asst. Prof. Araya Chaowaruangrit, Dean of the Faculty of Technology, Asst. Prof. Sukanya Cheunkhwan, Faculty of Agriculture, and Ms. Waraporn Phiwaphanngam, Deputy Director of the Technology and Innovation Management Center, Khon Kaen Provincial Agricultural Office, led by Ms. Sunantha Muenkaewnapa, Head of the Strategy and Information Group. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thidarat Boonmas revealed that in this collaboration, KKU uses academic knowledge to benefit society and the community by integrating knowledge with the upgrading of the grassroots economy, increasing the capabilities of farmers and entrepreneurs, and further developing local products to increase their value. For the sample farmer groups in Ban Phai District and rural districts who participated in presenting the operations of the enterprise groups, they were divided into 3 groups consisting of the Ban Chikko Safe Vegetable Growing Community Enterprise Group, Mueang Phia Subdistrict, Ban Phai District, led by Mr. Bunluea Sihaban, group chairman, along with 25 group members. This group has a need to develop cultivation to meet standards and expand marketing opportunities, Ban Non Kha Community Pest Management Center.