Project Activity

While not the world's largest producer of cassava roots, this region leads global exports of cassava products, particularly native starch and chips. Despite this success, challenges in knowledge transfer and collaboration persist. Her team has addressed these through comprehensive capacity-building programs spanning cultivation, processing, waste management, and value-added development, supported by customized curricula and a bioethanol production pilot plant.

 

The talk will also highlight how sustainable cassava practices contribute to climate change mitigation and industry preparedness for the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) through improved efficiency and carbon footprint assessment. Dr. Kanchana will also discuss the ASEAN Cassava Centre, established with support from the Republic of Korea and China, which serves as a regional hub driving sustainable bioeconomy practices across Asia and beyond.

 

Dr. Kanchana Saengchan brings over 15 years of expertise in cassava industry optimization, focusing on starch production efficiency and near zero waste (NZW) concepts. As a founding member of the ASEAN Cassava Centre, she has led capacity building and Train-the-Trainer programs funded by the Republic of Korea and China through the Mekong Institute between 2020 and 2024. Her innovative hydrocyclone design for cassava starch separation earned a silver medal at The 49th International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva (2024).

 

To join our talk, please register here: https://fao.zoom.us/j/94603764001