SDG 6: Clean Water And Sanitation
6.5.1 Water management educational opportunities
The university established a botanical garden project by creating a botanical garden in the area of Phetchaburi Rajabhat University, Pong Salot Campus. Work has been done to adjust the space and structure within the botanical garden. The soil in the gardening area is quite poor. During the dry season the soil is very dry. During the rainy season, the soil will absorb water but not much. Therefore, a structure was placed in the area as a khanom krok tray with 14 holes by adjusting the area to be a khanom krok tray to store water during the rainy season or add water to some of the khanom krok trays and to distribute moisture in the soil. In addition, Pong Samrot District College also implements cost-effective water management using solar energy into a smart water system by delivering water to vegetables and fruits in the project area and using water to raise fish in the area.
Given current challenges like climate change, droughts, and floods, farmers need to adapt to become Smart Farms, using technology to manage crops. This includes automatic irrigation systems for specific plants, temperature, and humidity control. The project extends to community income enhancement initiatives (One Faculty, One District) for the fiscal year 2023 at the Pumoung Organic Vegetable Growers Community Enterprise in Khao Yoi District, Phetchaburi Province. Here, a smart irrigation system powered by solar energy is designed for butternut squash fields, using renewable energy to pump water and control irrigation via smartphones. This aims to develop a prototype automatic irrigation system for areas with limited electricity access, using solar panels and IoT technology controlled by microcontrollers and smartphone apps.
The Faculty of Agricultural Technology also conducts short courses on basic irrigation system design and installation, helping participants understand and implement smart agricultural practices, reducing costs, and increasing efficiency for sustainable farming.
Additionally, Pong Salod Campus College is efficiently managing water resources by integrating solar energy into a smart water system. This system delivers water to agricultural plots and fish ponds, tailored to the specific needs of each plant species. The Faculty of Agricultural Technology offers skill development courses on using smart control systems for future farming, part of a national workforce development project (Reskill/Upskill/Newskill) aimed at job readiness and future employment. These non-degree certificate courses are available to the general public, including farmers, agricultural scientists, and interested individuals, to apply smart farming techniques practically.
Recognizing the importance of experiential learning, the university organizes field trips for students in science and culinary technology programs to the Provincial Waterworks Authority in Phetchaburi. These visits help students gain practical knowledge and align with the university’s strategy to develop graduates with both academic and hands-on skills, essential for community development.