Smart Farming: A Key to the Future – Public–Academic Collaboration Driving Thailand’s Sugar Industry

On February 27, 2026, Rajamangala University of Technology Isan (RUTI), led by its President, Associate Professor Kosit Sriphuthorn (Ph. D.), took part in a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signing ceremony between the Office of the Cane and Sugar Fund (OCSF) and all nine Rajamangala Universities of Technology. The agreement aims to strengthen collaboration in academic affairs, research, and the concrete development of Thailand’s cane and sugar industry. The ceremony was held at the Rama Gardens Hotel in Bangkok.

The partnership aims to support education, research, and the development of the cane and sugar industry in alignment with national policies on economic, social, and environmental sustainability. It focuses on enhancing the quality and sweetness of cane and sugar, applying agricultural innovations to add value to production, and promoting smart farming practices to strengthen the competitiveness of farmers and Thailand’s industrial sector.

The memorandum also seeks to establish an academic knowledge-sharing network, support joint activities in the dissemination of expertise, and expand cooperation into other areas. Key approaches include linking and sharing information on the cane and sugar sector, facilitating knowledge exchange among participating organizations, supporting activities within each party’s mandate, and organizing joint initiatives as appropriate.

The event also featured a panel discussion titled “The Future of Thailand’s Sugarcane Industry and Its Challenges.” Distinguished speakers included Amnuay Patise, former Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives; Ekkarin Thongnok, Deputy Director and Acting Director of the Office of the Cane and Sugar Fund; Associate Professor Dr. Wirat Wanichsriratana, President of the Sugarcane and Sugar Academic Association of Thailand; and representatives from all nine Rajamangala Universities of Technology. The panel exchanged views on the future direction and key challenges facing Thailand’s cane and sugar industry.

The university’s participation in the signing underscores Rajamangala University of Technology Isan’s role as a higher education institution in science, technology, and innovation, committed to translating knowledge into commercial applications and sustainable community development. It also highlights its support for advancing Thailand’s agricultural sector toward modern, efficient, and environmentally friendly production systems that align with the country’s long-term development goals.