SDG Impact Detail

Provide access on food security and sustainable agriculture and aquaculture knowledge, skills or technology to local farmers and food producers. 

Prince of Songkla University (PSU) provides local farmers, aquaculture producers, food processors, community enterprises, and other food producers with access to knowledge, practical skills, technologies, and expert support that strengthen food security and promote sustainable agriculture and aquaculture.

In 2025, PSU delivered a range of training, field-based learning, technology-transfer, advisory, and capacity-building activities through the Faculty of Natural Resources and the Faculty of Agro-Industry. These initiatives covered sustainable crop production, smart aquaculture, food processing, product development, value addition, and market readiness.

Sustainable Agriculture Knowledge and Skills

The Faculty of Natural Resources organised a Re-skill and Up-skill training programme for oil palm farmers in Pak Ro Subdistrict, Singhanakhon District, Songkhla Province, on 29–30 May 2025. The programme trained 57 participants in:

• biological control agent multiplication;

• management of oil palm diseases and insect pests;

• soil and leaf sampling;

• diagnosis of abnormal symptoms in oil palm; and

• nutrient analysis for improved farm management.

Participants were encouraged to apply the knowledge directly in their plantations. Reported outcomes included reduced chemical use, lower production costs, and improved production efficiency. The programme also included continued follow-up and consultation to support adoption in the field.

Sustainable Durian Production

From 9–11 June 2025, the Faculty of Natural Resources conducted a field-based programme with durian farmers in Chumphon Province.

A total of 50 farmers participated and received practical knowledge and technologies for orchard management, problem diagnosis, and production improvement.

Farmers applied the knowledge in their own orchards, with early outcomes including improved problem-solving in the field, better orchard management, and reductions in production costs. The research team continued to monitor implementation and support the development of model farmers for wider knowledge transfer within the province.

Smart and Sustainable Aquaculture

PSU also provides access to knowledge and technology for sustainable aquaculture.

On 16 June 2025, the Faculty of Natural Resources organised a non-degree learning programme on smart aquaculture using the biofloc system in Pak Phayun District, Phatthalung Province. The programme involved 30 participants and focused on:

• management of snakehead fish culture using biofloc technology;

• operational challenges in aquaculture systems;

• renewable-energy use;

• preparation for modern fishery entrepreneurship; and

• strengthening producer groups.

Participants gained both theoretical and practical experience, and the programme resulted in the development of 30 aquaculture innovators. The course is continuing into a second cohort in 2026.

Technology Transfer for Food Producers

The Faculty of Agro-Industry supports farmers, entrepreneurs, and local food producers through the Agricultural Development and Commercialization Export Technology Center (ADCET). ADCET provides:

• training and technology transfer;

• consultation on food production and packaging;

• process and product development;

• technology-clinic services;

• product quality testing and analysis; and

• support for food standards and commercialization.

These services help local producers improve product quality, increase value, strengthen production efficiency, and develop more sustainable food businesses.

Support for Young Smart Farmers

In 2025, PSU experts also worked directly with Young Smart Farmers (YSF) in Songkhla, Satun, and Trang Provinces. Field-based activities included:

• assessment of farmer and product potential;

• advice on production improvement;

• value-added product development;

• processing and marketing guidance; and

• business-model coaching.

In Songkhla and Satun, PSU supported 10 and 8 young farmers, respectively, through on-site assessment and advisory activities. In Trang, 10 farmers received guidance on food-product development, value addition, and market opportunities, while further coaching activities supported business planning and commercialization.

Food Processing and Product Innovation

PSU also transferred knowledge and technologies to food producers through a series of specialised activities in 2025, including:

• food processing and packaging technology;

• sensory evaluation;

• drying technology;

• food-process control;

• halal management;

• export readiness; and

• product development for high-value supply chains.

These activities provided local producers and entrepreneurs with practical knowledge to improve product quality, extend shelf life, comply with relevant standards, and access new markets.

2025 Knowledge and Technology Transfer at a Glance

Strengthening Local Food Systems

Through these programmes, PSU enables local farmers and food producers to access university expertise, practical technologies, training, and continuing support. The 2025 initiatives contributed to:

• reduced chemical use;

• lower production costs;

• improved farm and orchard management;

• adoption of sustainable aquaculture technologies;

• enhanced food-processing capability;

• improved product quality and value addition;

• stronger market readiness; and

• continued knowledge exchange between PSU and local producer communities.

These activities support more resilient, productive, and sustainable food systems in Southern Thailand.