Mitr Phol Upgrades Research to Promote Thai Cane and Sugar Industries towards Bio-Based Economy
Mitr Phol Group is currently mobilizing new research on sugarcane for sustainable improvement local cane and sugar industries and capacity-building of competitiveness towards biobased economy in accordance with three perspectives of the new BCG Economy, in short for biobased, circular and green economies, for the utmost benefit of local farmers, economy and socio-enviroment of the country.
Following the National Science, Technology and Innovation Policy Office (STI), in 2018, Thailand invested 1% more in research and development of its GDP and the investment is expected to increase to 1.5% in 2021 with a proportion of private investment of 80% and public one of 20%. This reflects concerns of both sectors in an attempt to mobilize competitiveness of Thailand with other countries in terms of research and development, which is more stable than raw material prices and labor costs.
Realizing how crucial is the research for new knowledge paradigm for national development and concrete application, particularly knowledge on sugarcane, Mitr Phol has recently established an innovation and research center at Phu Khiew sub-district in Chaiyaphum. The center is responsible for conducting new research and innovation as well as producing other high-value biobased products. Lately, the RDI Open House has been launched to showcase reasearch works and innovations done for the past 22 years to public, private and business allies.
Mr. Isara Vongkusulkit, President of Mitr Phol Group, said that, at present, sustainable development became an important agenda for people worldwide. Thailand used it to formulate policy on national development with reseach and innovation as a key factor under the concept, ‘Building Value, Building Sustainable Future’. Determined to support public sectors to create and apply innovations to upgrade products and add more value of sugarcane, the company is ready to work towards biobased business in accordance with the above-mentioned BCG Economy which the country is promoting now.
The innovation and research center of Mitr Phol has 70 researchers and is supported by over 450 million Baht budget per year. It can carry out development of innovation and research in 4 areas, such as capacity-building of modern sugarcane farm management, enhancement of sugar product quality, development of biochemical products as well as a world-class research information center. Eeven so, Mitr Phol Group will keep mobilizing research and development to upgrade quality of cane and sugar industries and transforming Thailand into a sustainable biobased industrial country following a sustainable development goal of the world society.
