On April 3, 2025, the Department of Agricultural Extension, in collaboration with Chai Nat Agricultural College and Technology, held a significant event aimed at transferring agricultural technology knowledge to farmers. This gathering, known as the Field Day for the year 2568, was designed to encourage farmers to kickstart their rice production for the upcoming agricultural season. The event took place at the Chai Nat Agricultural College and Technology, with Mr. Rapeepat Onjit-ittiphan, Director-General of the Department of Agricultural Extension, presiding over the opening ceremony.
The Field Day attracted approximately 300 rice farmers from nine provinces in the central region, alongside agricultural extension workers and students, bringing the total attendance to 418 participants. Mr. Suchart Orn-dam, Director of the Agricultural Extension Office 1 in Chai Nat, emphasized the importance of enhancing agricultural production efficiency and creating job opportunities within the sector. He stated that the ministry's policy focuses on integrating activities among various agencies to facilitate the transfer of agricultural technology knowledge.
"The Field Day is crucial for preparing our farmers before they embark on the new agricultural season," said Mr. Orn-dam. The event aims to provide farmers with hands-on learning experiences, enabling them to understand new production technologies, marketing channels, and appropriate technology suited for their local conditions. This year's theme, "Chao Phraya Rice Bowl: Cultivating Creative Farmers for a Sustainable Future," reflects the commitment to sustainable agricultural practices.
The event featured five learning stations, each focusing on different aspects of agricultural technology. These included a Soil and Water Conservation Center, a Quality Seed Center, an Innovation Zone for Soil and Fertilizer, a Rice Protection Station, and a Value Enhancement and Utilization Laboratory. Each station was staffed by expert farmers and researchers who provided insights into modern agricultural practices.
In addition to the learning stations, the event also hosted a series of exhibitions showcasing innovative agricultural technologies from various government agencies and private sectors. A total of 23 exhibitions were set up, demonstrating comprehensive approaches to enhancing agricultural productivity.
Farmers were also given the opportunity to participate in agricultural markets within the Chao Phraya area, where they could learn about high-value agricultural products. This initiative is part of a broader effort by the Department of Agricultural Extension to support the development of new agricultural entrepreneurs.
Meanwhile, the Pencak Silat National Championship for the year 2568 is set to take place from May 1 to May 11, 2025. This annual event, organized by the sports sector, aims to encourage athletes to participate and improve their competitive techniques. Over 350 athletes from 29 locations are expected to compete in two categories: performance and combat, with weight classes ranging from under 45 kg to over 110 kg.
Mr. Nguyen Duy Tu, Deputy Director of the Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism of Thanh Hoa province, noted that this championship serves as a platform for athletes to showcase their skills and potentially earn a spot on the national team for regional and international competitions, including the SEA Games.
"The Pencak Silat competition is essential for promoting the strength of our athletes and the cultural image of Vietnam," stated Mr. Duy Tu. He highlighted that the event not only contributes to the development of the sport within the country but also enhances the international perception of Vietnam as a rising force in Pencak Silat.
The organizing committee plans to award prizes to the top-performing teams, further motivating athletes to excel in their disciplines. This annual championship is not just a competition but a celebration of the sport, fostering a sense of community and shared learning among participants.
As both the agricultural and sports sectors continue to thrive, these events highlight the importance of knowledge transfer, community engagement, and the promotion of local talents in their respective fields. The initiatives undertaken by the Department of Agricultural Extension and the sports sector underscore a commitment to sustainable development and excellence in performance.
