At the recent meeting of the committee to drive the community development in Thung Kula Ronghai with the Bio-Circular-Green economy (BCG), NSTDA President Dr. Narong Sirilertworakul in his capacity as the committee chairman presented the plan to employ science, technology and innovation to uplift the livelihoods of people in Thung Kula Ronghai – a region in northeastern Thailand.

The plan aims to reduce the population living below the poverty line (THB 38,000/person/year) by 50%, upgrade 10% of modeled farmers in the area, increase income by 10% and make Thung Kula Ronghai a production site of high-quality agricultural products. The plan will employ the following strategies: premium agriculture, resource-use efficiency improvement, sustainable farming, zero-waste technology, value creation, market-led production, brand building, culture-based creative economy.

Quick win projects have been proposed for the implementation in 5 provinces, namely Sisaket, Roi Et, Maha Sarakham, Yasothon and Surin. The projects will focus on improving the productivity and quality, as well as value addition of local products such as rice, post-rice crops, beef cattle, aquatic animals, organic vegetables, herbal plants and local textile products. These quick win projects are expected to create more jobs and more entrepreneurs, reduce labor migration and build premium brands for export markets. The projects will be designed and implemented under the close collaboration between local administrative offices, universities in the respective areas, communities and local businesses, and relevant public and private organizations.