Activity

On 6 June 2023, the Phase II training program for the "Train-the-Trainer Program under Lancang-Mekong Cooperation to Enhance Production Capacity and People's Livelihood by Improving the Value Chain for Cassava Cultivation and Application: Clean Cassava Chips, Native Starch, Modified Starch, Ethanol and Biogas Production (TTC)" project was commenced with an opening ceremony organized at the National Agriculture and Forestry Research Institute (NAFRI). The event was inaugurated with insightful opening remarks by Dr. Chay Bounphanouxay, General Director of NAFRI, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chanda Vongsombath from the National University of Laos (NUOL). Dr. Warinthorn Songkasiri, the Principal Investigator of TTC, spearheads this event, which will be held from 6th to 9th June 2023. 

This comprehensive training program focuses on cassava cultivation and has attracted 23 participants from Lao PDR, including agricultural officials, professors, and researchers. The program aims to enhance the participants' knowledge and skills in the cassava industry, contributing to the improvement of the value chain and the overall livelihoods of individuals involved.

The second day participants gathered at the National Agriculture and Forestry Research Institute (NAFRI) in Lao PDR for an enlightening series of lectures by esteemed experts and professors from NAFRI and Kasetsart University (KU) Thailand. Here's a glimpse of the topics covered: 

1. Seed production systems for disease and insect-free by Mr. Saythong Outhachit - RCRC-NAFRI 
2. Practice on stake calculation and management by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Supachai Vuttipongchaukij – KU 
3. Land preparation, stem cutting, and planting technique by Mr. Laothao Youabee – CIAT 
4. Diagnosis of nutritional problem, principles and methods of fertilization for cassava production by Emeritus Prof. Dr. Piya Duangpatra – KU 
5. Discussion: How to maintain soil fertility and productivity, fertilization of chemical and organic manure 4Rs (NPK application), net return of fertilizer application by Emeritus Prof. Dr. Piya Duangpatra – KU 
6. Drip irrigation by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sudsaisin Kaewrueng – KU 
7. Practice on soil nutrient analysis by Asst. Prof. Dr. Pasajee Kongsil - KU

Day 3 of #TTCPhaseII in Laos: Empowering Cassava Professionals! Participants have reached the midway point of our training since June 6, coming together for another productive day at the National Agriculture and Forestry Research Institute (NAFRI). Esteemed experts and professors delivered enlightening lectures covering vital topics: 

-       Survey, monitoring and diagnosis of serious pests and diseases in Laos by Miss Pinkham Vongphachanh - PPC, DOA/CIAT 

-       Weed Management by Asst. Prof. Dr. Sarawut Rungmekarat - KU 

In the afternoon, trainees engaged in interactive group discussions, creating an open floor for questions, problem-solving, and knowledge exchange with the trainers, who are cassava cultivation experts. This activity aimed to foster a network among agricultural officials, researchers, and professors in Laos, while also equipping them to become trainers themselves, empowering them to train others in their country.

Final day of #TTCPhaseII in Laos Today marked the final day of the training under the TTC project, filled with enlightening experiences and valuable insights. Our participants had the privilege of visiting the Rice Research Centre (RRC) in the morning, immersing themselves in practical agricultural knowledge. 

Dr. Phetmanyseng Xangsayasane, the director of RRC, delivered a warm welcome address, and the morning session commenced with informative lectures by experts from RRC. Miss Soukphathai Symoueng/Latsamy shared valuable insights on cassava pathology and tissue culture, while Mr. Saythong Outhachit and Dr. Phanthasin Khanthavong shed light on rapid seed multiplication. 

Following the lectures, participants embarked on engaging site visits, exploring the plant pathology laboratory, witnessing the breeding of cassava plantlets in the greenhouse, observing demonstration plots showcasing varieties resistant to witches' broom, and gaining firsthand knowledge about different cassava varieties. 

In the afternoon, participants had the opportunity to put their learning into practice by conducting laboratory analyses on soil properties guided by Dr. Phanthasin Khanthavong, our esteemed lecturer. 

To evaluate their knowledge gained over the 4-day training period, participants completed a post-test, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the topics covered. As the training drew to a close, we were honored to have Dr. Phetmanyseng deliver a closing speech, marking the end of the training and presenting certificates to all participants. 

Dr. Kanchan Saengchan, the co-project investigator of the TTC project, expressed gratitude to the funder, Lancang-Mekong Cooperation Special Fund (LMCSF) Mekong Institute, the co-organizer, NAFRI, and all the lecturers and experts from Kasetsart University (Thai Cassava - มันสำปะหลังไทย) , NAFRI, RRC, and CIAT. Their collective efforts contributed to the success of this training.