NSTDA Opens NSTDA Pavilion at Udon Thani Horticultural Expo 2026 with 134-Day Workshops

The National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), under the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), has opened the NSTDA Pavilion exhibition building in the Corporate Garden zone at the Udon Thani International Horticultural Expo 2026 at Nong Dae Wetland, Mueang District, Udon Thani Province. Presented under the concept of NSTDA SMART FARMING: Smart Farming for Sustainable Agriculture, the showcase runs from 3 November 2026 onwards throughout the 134-day duration of the event. Inside the building, it brings together demonstration points of Thai research, discussions with researchers, and weekly rotating workshops to transform traditional agriculture into the digital era and create regional bio-agricultural business opportunities.

Elevating Thai Agriculture with the NSTDA SMART FARMING Concept

Dr Worawarong Rakreungdet, Vice President of NSTDA, welcomed Professor Dr Yodchanan Wongsawat, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), together with Mr Watcharaphon Khaokham, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives; Mr Julapun Amornvivat, Minister of Labour; Professor Dr Supachai Pathumnakul, Permanent Secretary of MHESI; Professor Dr Sirirurg Songsivilai, M.D., Chairman of the Science, Research and Innovation Promotion Committee (CSRI); and visiting executives to the exhibition building. Professor Dr Yodchanan stated that this International Horticultural Expo is a global stage proving that Thai scientific research is accessible and practically applicable in every area. Throughout the 134 days of the event, this space will serve as a learning centre that transforms complex research challenges into innovations that improve the quality of life for farmers in Udon Thani Province and the Northeastern region (Isan).

Dr Worawarong Rakreungdet added that the agricultural sector currently faces challenges including climate change, plant disease outbreaks, rising production costs, and competition in produce quality. NSTDA, as the national research engine or Research Engine, is therefore driving innovation to comprehensively elevate Thai farmers from traditional farming practices to smart farming. Its operations cover everything from developing seeds and plant varieties resilient to critical conditions, and using biological products for crop production, to adding value to produce and scaling up for sustainable practical application.

Talks and Workshops for Supplementary Livelihoods Throughout the Event

In addition to the research exhibition, the NSTDA Pavilion is open to the public and interested visitors to speak and exchange knowledge directly with leading researchers. Visitors can experience learning through rotating activities and workshops designed to inspire supplementary livelihoods across the following topics:

• Crop Cultivation and Plant Propagation: Professional vegetable seedling cultivation skills, vegetable seedling transplanting and rice-tasting activities, growing Siam tulip (Pathumma) in bags and pots, as well as plant tissue culture.
• Quality Biological Product Manufacturing: Learning the biological product manufacturing process from the Biological Product Production Centre under the Good Breeds Soldier Project (Thahan Phan Dee Project), Prachak Silapakhom Camp.
• Processing and Business Matching: Matching activities for rice, cattle, and processed products; processing wagyu beef and koji powder; processing organic vegetables; processing herbs; and making dried flowers from Siam tulip (Pathumma).

Visitor Information and Contact Channels

Farmers, school pupils, university students, and the general public can visit the exhibition from today onwards and follow the weekly activity schedule via the agency's online channels. Venue information and contact channels are summarised in the table below.

This news is of particular interest to both Thai and international travellers looking for learning attractions and leisure activities while travelling in Udon Thani Province. Event organisers can observe the demonstration exhibition format and the management of a 134-day rotating workshop schedule as a guideline for large-scale events. Meanwhile, hotel and restaurant professionals can build on knowledge of quality ingredients, including rice varieties, wagyu beef, koji powder, organic vegetables, and processed herbs, to develop menus or connect directly with local producers.