News

Walailak University (WU), led by the Center of Excellence for Ecoinformatics, School of Science, in collaboration with the Thailand International Cooperation Agency (TICA), has organized the Annual International Training Course (AITC) titled "Climate Smart Agriculture: Smart Farming Practices" at Walailak University from April 29 to May 17, 2024.

The training course aims to equip participants with a comprehensive understanding of climate-smart agriculture, thereby promoting food security, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and enhancing livelihoods and ecosystems.

AITC, launched in 1991 under the supervision of TICA, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, focuses on six themes: Sufficiency Economy Philosophy (SEP), Public Health, Climate Change and Environmental Issues, Agriculture and Food Security, Bio-Circular-Green Economy Model, and Sustainable Development Goals.

This year’s AITC at WU places emphasis on Climate Smart Agriculture, providing training covering important issues such as climate change, smart agriculture practice techniques, water management for climate change mitigation, drone mapping technology for monitoring crops and soil fertility, as well as culturally rich activities for the participants in Nakhon Si Thammarat city.

Associate Professor Dr. Surin Maisrikrod, Vice President of WU, said, "Walailak University is honored to be a part of this international effort in mitigating climate change, which has negative impacts on people’s lives, plants, and animals. We are proud to be part of TICA's efforts to reach out to the world and convey our shared mission. Climate Change is not only about any one particular country but it’s about the world."

Officially opening the training course, Walailak University received accolades from Lt. Sorawud Preededilok, Minister attached to TICA, to deliver the opening speech, emphasizing climate change impacts on living beings and as a primary cause of food shortages.

He said, "This training course will provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of climate-smart agriculture, especially highlighting the benefits of technology in agriculture, which can sustainably increase productivity, enhance livelihood and ecosystem resilience, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and promote national food security."

Also present in the opening ceremony were Associate Professor Dr. Mullica Jaroensutasinee, Dean of the School of Science, and Associate Professor Dr. Krisanadej Jaroensutasinee, Director of the Center of Excellence for Ecoinformatics, who serve as the main lecturers throughout the first week of training.

A total of 20 participants from 20 countries: Argentina, Azerbaijan, Bhutan, China, Fiji, Indonesia, Laos, Mongolia, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, Serbia, Uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia, Vietnam, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Panama, and Qatar, participated in the training.