Maejo University (MJU), in collaboration with the Southeast Asian University Consortium for Graduate Education in Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC), is organizing the 8th UC Graduate Forum with the theme, "Prospect of Agriculture Sustainability: Organic Intelligent Agriculture, on May 18 - 19, 2023.
Rationale
The world is currently facing significant challenges that threaten the sustainability of food and agriculture systems, as well as the livelihoods of countless family farmers. These challenges include natural resource depletion, the detrimental impacts of environmental degradation (such as desertification, drought, land degradation, water scarcity, and biodiversity loss), an ever-increasing global population, and the ongoing effects of climate change. These global concerns pose a serious threat to achieving the right to enough food and the fundamental right to be free from hunger. Despite ongoing efforts, hunger remains a persistent challenge for humanity, with an estimated 815 million people currently suffering from chronic malnutrition. To meet the projected demand from a population of nearly 10 billion people in 2050, agricultural production will need to increase by nearly 50% compared to that of 2012. However, most of this increase must come from family farmers who handle around 75% of global farmland and produce 80% of the world's food, yet often struggle with poverty and food insecurity themselves. Agriculture and food production is at the foundation of the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda, from reducing poverty and hunger to responding to climate change and conserving natural resources. In this framework, innovation will be the primary factor in transforming farming practices, lifting farmers and ranchers out of poverty, and assisting the globe in achieving food security, sustainable agriculture, and the SDGs.
A new strategy is a means by which individuals or organizations introduce new or existing products, processes, or organizational structures within a specific framework to improve performance, competitiveness, resilience, and sustainable development, ultimately contributing to food security and nutrition, economic growth, and sustainable management of natural resources. Agriculture innovations encompass all aspects of the production process, including agricultural, forestry, fisheries, and livestock production, as well as resource and system performance, organization, and market access. Some examples of innovation include developing new crop varieties, combining traditional techniques with modern scientific knowledge, implementing advanced pest control and post-harvest practices, and finding innovative ways to connect with consumers and increase profitability. Entrepreneurship is not just technology but also social, economic, institutional/organizational, and traditions essential to improving the livelihoods of family farmers. To foster innovation, it is vital for the government, in partnership with civil society organizations, farmer groups, and large corporations, to create an enabling environment that connects these diverse stakeholders, strengthens their capabilities, and provides opportunities. Research and extension are likewise critical components in creating this environment.
The 8th UC Graduate Forum's conceptual model centers on promoting economic success, improved living conditions, a better quality of life, and advancement of individuals from developing nations through the enhancement of agronomic systems that take into account the impacts of climate change and the integration of new sensor and IoT technology to manage farms. The forum also aims to provide opportunities for participants to explore ways to improve agricultural production in the face of climate change, by utilizing smart farming techniques. The forum aims to empower both children and adults with the necessary skills and knowledge, not only to manage day-to-day tasks but also to adapt to the changing environment, particularly in addressing environmental concerns.
Main Theme: Future of Agriculture Sustainability; Organic Intelligent Agriculture
Sub-theme I: Smart Agriculture Technologies: Precision Agriculture, Vertical Farming, and Innovative Agri-Products
Sub-theme II: Sustainable Agricultural Management: Biotechnology, Agroforestry, Agro-Tourism, Community Based Tourism
Sub-theme III: Organic Intelligent Agriculture: A Way towards Ancient Farming Practices
Sub-theme IV: Digital Agro-Economy: BCG Model, Digital Economics and Farm Management
|