Sustainable and Smart Agricultural Supply Chains Development in Mekong Countries

Researcher: 

  • Associate Prof. Dr. Janya Chanchaichujit – Prince of Songkla University, Thailand
  • Dr. Sreejith Balasubramanian -Middlesex University, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Funded by:  Mekong Institute (Mekong-Republic of Korea Cooperation Fund (MKCF)) 

Duration:  March -September 2022

Status : Completed

Abstract:

       This research project is part of Mekong Institute’s project on “Sustainable and Smart Agricultural Supply Chains Development in Mekong Countries” with the aim of improving production effectiveness and efficiency, reducing post-harvest losses, and increasing energy efficiency in agricultural supply chains through cold chain development and smart and sustainable technologies in post-COVID situation in the Mekong countries, namely Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam funded by the Mekong-Republic of Korea Cooperation Fund (MKCF). With a focus on capacity development for stakeholders and beneficiaries in the target countries, the project is in an urgent need to transform agricultural supply chains (production, processing, and distribution) in the Mekong Countries through the application of the smart agricultural, logistics and renewable energy technology. This is intended to eventually contribute to the achievement of sustainable development goals (SDG)- ending poverty and hunger, promoting efficient energy, and responding to climate change while achieving inclusive growth, building resilient society, and sustainable natural resources.

       This research is conducted to understand the readiness of smart logistics technologies and smart renewable energy technology in the agricultural sector. The specific objectives are as follows:

  • To gain understanding of the status and readiness of smart logistics technologies and smart renewable technologies and its adoption in the agriculture sector in five Mekong countries, namely Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam;
  • To identify different types, functions, and suitable adaptation of technologies including integrated energy saving devices and applications in logistics and transportation for agricultural production in Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam;
  • To assess human and system capacity needs of government agencies and other stakeholders on the use of identified logistics technologies in the agricultural products transportation and storage in the five Mekong countries;
  • To suggest and make practical recommendations for effective improvements of key government agencies and the private sector to achieve full operationalization of smart logistics technologies and smart renewable energy technology in agricultural product in the five Mekong countries.

For further information about the project, please contact Associate Prof. Dr. Janya Chanchaichujit.