MFU Agro-Industry Researchers Showcase Sustainable Tea and Mango Innovations on the World Stage in China

The School of Agro-Industry at Mae Fah Luang University (MFU) sent two faculty members to present their research as invited speakers at prominent international academic conferences in the People’s Republic of China, held from October 16 to 19, 2026. Both studies reflect the School’s commitment to applying science, technology, and innovation to increase the incomes of Thai farmers and reduce postharvest losses in agricultural produce.

“Miang Tea”: A Model for Restoring Watershed Forests and Supporting Sustainable Local Economies

Asst. Prof. Dr. Piyaporn Chueamchaitrakun was invited to deliver a keynote presentation titled “Revitalising Wild Assam Tea: Regenerative Agroecosystems and Appropriate Technology for Sustainable Local Economies in Northern Thailand” at the 4th International Congress on Cocoa Coffee and Tea (Asia). Held in Hefei, Anhui Province, and organised by Anhui Agricultural University, the congress drew more than 400 participants from 10 countries, including Azerbaijan, Germany, Kenya, New Zealand, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and the United States. The event fostered academic exchange, highlighted cutting-edge research, and promoted interdisciplinary integration in the science and technology of the three major beverage crops.

Funded by the Office of the National Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Policy Council (NXPO)’s Program Management Unit on Area Based Development (PMU-A), Asst. Prof. Dr. Piyaporn’s research stands out for applying science, technology, and innovation across the entire value chain. Her approach spans upstream to downstream activities, including regenerative tea plantation management, processing into premium teas, and nurturing community innovators. The goal is to tangibly increase the incomes of farmers growing Assam tea (locally known as “miang” tea) while sustainably conserving Thailand’s watershed forest ecosystems.

The conference also led to new collaboration. Asst. Prof. Dr. Piyaporn reached a preliminary agreement with Professor Song Chuankui, Dean of the School of Tea Science, to organise exchange activities for students and researchers, and to pursue joint research. Following the conference, she visited the Tea Research Institute in Hangzhou to build upon an existing memorandum of understanding (MOU) between Mae Fah Luang University and the institute. Planned initiatives include sensory tea training for entrepreneurs and continued joint research, marking another important step in elevating Thailand’s tea industry to the international stage.

Natural Rubber Latex Cushioning Innovation Reduces Mango Damage During Transport

Concurrently, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Saowapa Chaiwong was invited to present her research, “Design and Development of Natural Rubber Latex Cushioning for Vibration Protection of ‘Nam Dok Mai Si Thong’ Mangoes,” at the 5th China-ASEAN Horticultural Product Postharvest Conference.

Co-organised by Guangxi University, Zhejiang University, and Kasetsart University under the theme ‘China-ASEAN Sci-Tech Innovation and Connectivity’, the symposium aimed to foster high-level academic exchange and collaborative innovation in the postharvest science of horticultural crops. The programme centered on fundamental research in postharvest biology and advances in postharvest storage and logistics technologies.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Saowapa Chaiwong’s research focuses on developing cushioning material derived from natural rubber latex to mitigate damage to mangoes during transportation. This innovation helps preserve product quality and cut postharvest losses. She also toured commercial citrus production sites in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, a major fruit-producing area and trading hub in China, to exchange knowledge and strengthen international cooperation in postharvest technology.

The achievements at these conferences underscore the vital role of MFU’s School of Agro-Industry in developing research that addresses economic and environmental needs. By adding value to Thai agricultural products and continually expanding its network of collaboration with leading institutions abroad, the School remains committed to sustainable agricultural advancement.