Our m.5 EPTS participated in the first offering of #SEARCA’s Sowing Seeds: Cultivating Youth’s Future in Agriculture program in Thailand. Sowing Seeds is under the SEARCA Young Forces for Agricultural Innovation (#Y4AGRI) led by the Partnerships Unit to showcase career opportunities in agriculture. With the students was Ms. Sirichan Daomanee, Manager of the PDS English Program for Talented Students (EPTS). Dr. Buncha Chinnasri of Kasetsart University Faculty of Agriculture connected SEARCA with PDS to conduct the activity.
The session, which was focused on agricultural technology, innovation, and agribusiness, featured Mr. Phonlapat Amornrattanaket, Business Development Specialist (Agriculture Technology) at the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)-funded project Regional Agriculture Innovation Network (RAIN), implemented by Winrock International. The activity revealed that the students’ perception of agriculture remains focused on traditional farming practices. Mr. Phonlapat conducted a speed brainstorming activity during his session and showed examples of how technology is transforming agriculture. Dr. Glenn Gregorio, SEARCA Center Director, stressed in his opening message that a career in agriculture is not limited to working on the farm. He noted that professionals from various backgrounds contribute to agriculture, which was echoed by Mr. Phonlapat in his presentation.
Participants were also given an overview of #Y4AGRI’s past activities and ongoing programs, which may be of interest to them. They also received information on SEARCA’s graduate scholarship program for those pursuing higher education in agriculture and related disciplines.