Khon Kaen, Thailand, September 22-27, 2025 — The Mekong Institute (MI) successfully concluded its week-long Regional Training Program on Smart Agriculture Technologies and Practices, convening 24 representatives from government agencies, academia, private sector, and farmer associations across Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand, and Viet Nam.
Funded by the Mekong–Republic of Korea Cooperation Fund (MKCF), the program tackled pressing agricultural challenges in the region—ranging from low productivity and fragmented supply chains to the mounting impacts of climate change. Its goal: to build regional expertise, foster cross-border collaboration, and equip participants with practical tools to drive agricultural modernization and resilience.
Building Skills for Climate-Smart and Modern Agriculture
Over five days, participants engaged in interactive modules, hands-on field visits, and peer-to-peer exchanges. The training was designed around four key focus areas:
Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA): Participants applied the “Triple Wins” approach—boosting productivity, strengthening climate resilience, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Practical solutions included solar-powered irrigation, drip irrigation systems, and zero/minimum tillage practices.
Automation and AI: Addressing the region’s labor shortages and environmental pressures, sessions showcased robotics, drones, and IoT applications that lower costs and improve efficiency.
Generative AI (GenAI): Innovative tools such as Virtual Agronomist & Farmer Assistant chatbots and Hyper-Realistic Scenario Modeling demonstrated how AI can deliver tailored farming advice and simulate climate risks.
Public-Private Partnerships (PPP): Discussions emphasized scaling innovation through PPP models, featuring a Product Traceability App aligned with EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) standards.
Participants also visited the Kubota Smart Farm to see real-world applications of advanced farming technologies.
From Training to Action: New Pilot Projects
The program concluded with participants presenting six-month national Action Plans in a dynamic “shark tank” session. These pilot projects will serve as testbeds for scaling smart agriculture solutions across the Mekong:
- Viet Nam: Scaling smart irrigation in Dak Lak to cut water use by 30% while reducing labor demands for smallholder coffee farmers.
- Thailand: Deploying drone-based precision spraying in durian orchards across Chanthaburi, Rayong, and Trat to lower production costs and increase efficiency.
- Lao PDR: Launching the Harvest 365 initiative with solar-powered irrigation and CSA techniques to triple crop cycles, boosting food security and incomes for 30 households.
- Myanmar: Introducing a Zero-Waste Smart Mushroom Farming model in Yangon that integrates IoT irrigation and circular agriculture to generate livelihoods for women, youth, and peri-urban farmers.
- Cambodia: Expanding SMART Agri-Greenhouse demonstrations in Kampong Chhnang and Pursat, with solar-powered water pumping and container irrigation to counter drought and flooding.
“These projects go beyond technology—they represent pathways to empower communities, create economic opportunities, and ensure farmers are equipped to adapt to a changing climate,” noted MI organizers.
Toward a Climate-Resilient Mekong
Over the next six months, MI will provide technical backstopping and peer learning opportunities as pilot projects take root. The initiative marks a significant step forward in modernizing agriculture and strengthening the Mekong region’s resilience to climate change—helping secure sustainable livelihoods for farming communities today and for generations to come.
