SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2025
ABSTRACT: AIT’s work under SDG 2 addresses the interconnected challenges of food security, sustainable agriculture, nutrition, and resilient food systems across Asia and beyond. Recognizing that hunger and malnutrition are driven by multiple environmental, economic, and social factors, AIT’s initiatives combine technological innovation, capacity building, and sustainable resource management to improve agricultural productivity and food system resilience. Activities include advancing climate-smart and digital agriculture through IoT, AI, geo-spatial tools, and precision farming technologies; strengthening aquaculture and livestock systems; and promoting sustainable land, water, and natural resource
management in vulnerable farming communities across the Mekong region, South Asia, and Africa. AIT also supports farmers, researchers, and policymakers through professional training, agrometeorological advisory services, and evidence-based decision-support systems aimed at enhancing productivity, reducing climate risks, and improving nutritional outcomes. Emerging work on regenerative agriculture, hydroponics and vertical farming, food innovations, postharvest and food processing, and sustainable food value chains further reflects AIT’s commitment to building inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agrifood systems for the future.
NEWS: Feeding the Future: AIT’s Innovations in Plant-Based Food for Sustainability and Security
AIT Research Theme: Food-Energy-Water Technology, Policy & Society
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Contributed by Faculty/School/Center: School of Environment, Resources and Development Partners / Funded by: Government of Thailand, UN and International Agencies Expected Social Impact: Enhanced Food Security: Description: AIT research advances plant-based food innovation for sustainability and food security. The work focuses on nutrition, processing, and environmental impact. It supports future food systems. The research aligns with global sustainability goals. At AIT, research focuses on alternative proteins, agri-food waste utilization, food safety, and sustainable processing.
🌐 https://ait.ac.th/2025/07/feeding-the-future-
aits-innovations-in-plant-based-food-forsustainability-and-security/
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SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2025
Regenerative Agricultural Practices in Rice Production
AIT Research Theme: Food-Energy-Water and Climate Change Contributed by Faculty/School/Center: School of Environment, Resources and Development (SERD) Partners / Funded by: The Rockefeller Foundation, USA Expected Social Impact: Ensuring food security Description: The article explains why rice cultivation faces growing pressure from water use, soil fertility decline, greenhouse gas emissions, and climate change impacts. It spotlights regenerative approaches, especially biochar application and alternate wetting and drying (AWD) irrigation, as practical methods to improve sustainability. The story features PhD research at AIT examining how these methods can strengthen soil health, water efficiency, and resilience in rice systems across ASEAN contexts. It also notes research progress through field and controlled experiments, plus recognition from conference presentations.
🌐 https://ait.ac.th/2025/01/regenerative-
agricultural-practices-in-rice-production/
AIT and FAO Conclude First-of-its-kind Capacity-Building Program on Digital Agriculture for DPR Korea Officials
AIT Research Theme: Food-Energy-Water Technology, Policy & Society
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Contributed by Faculty/School/Center: School of Environment, Resources and Development (SERD); Office of International and Public Affairs (OIPA) Partners / Funded by: Food and Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
Agriculture
Expected Social Impact: Food and Nutrition Security, Climate Resilience Description: AIT and FAO concluded a pioneering capacity building program on digital agriculture for officials from DPR Korea. The program focused on modern agricultural technologies and data-driven decision-making. It enhanced technical knowledge and institutional capacity. The initiative supports sustainable agricultural development. During capacity building, participants also visited different government and private agencies, such as National
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Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), Kasetsart University, Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives (MOAC), Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (MDES), Speedy Access Smart Farm, and Kubota Farm.
🌐 https://ait.ac.th/2025/08/ait-and-fao-conclude-
first-of-its-kind-capacity-building-program-ondigital-agriculture-for-dpr-korea-officials/
SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2025
Empowering Smallholder Farmers: AIT Study Highlights Mobile Technology for Climate-Smart Agriculture
AIT Research Theme: Food-Energy-Water Technology, Policy & Society
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Contributed by Faculty/School/Center: School of Environment, Resources and Development, School of Engineering and Technology Partners / Funded by: Asian Development Bank – Japan Scholarship Program (ADB-JSP) Expected Social Impact: Poverty reduction Description: An AIT study highlights how mobile technology supports climate-smart agriculture for smallholder farmers. Digital tools improved access to information and decision-making. The approach enhanced productivity and resilience. The study supports inclusive agricultural innovation. KaseChar, a mobile application prototyped by Eain Dray as part of her thesis, aimed at helping farmers produce biochar, improve soil health, and access carbon markets.
🌐 https://ait.ac.th/2025/08/empowering-
smallholder-farmers-ait-study-highlights-mobiletechnology-for-climate-smart-agriculture/
Participation to Profit: How Thailand’s Participatory Guarantee Systems Power Organic-Vegetable Success
AIT Research Theme: Food-Energy-Water Technology, Policy & Society.
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Contributed by Faculty/School/Center: School of Environment, Resources and Development Partners / Funded by: AIT Expected Social Impact: Enhanced Livelihoods Description: This article highlights how participatory guarantee systems support organic vegetable farmers in Thailand. Community-based certification improved market access and farmer income. The approach strengthened trust, transparency, and sustainability. It demonstrates inclusive agricultural innovation. 🌐 https://ait.ac.th/2025/06/participation-to-profit-
how-thailands-participatory-guarantee-systemspowers-organic-vegetable-success/
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SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2025
H.E. Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr., Minister of Agriculture, Republic of the Philippines Visits AIT
AIT Research Theme: Food-Energy-Water and Climate Change Contributed by Faculty/School/Center: School of Environment, Resources and Development Partners / Funded by: Department of Agriculture, Republic of the Philippines Expected Social Impact: Modernization of agriculture Description: The Minister of Agriculture of the Philippines visited AIT to explore collaboration in agricultural research, education, and innovation. Discussions centered on sustainable agriculture, food security, and capacity building for the agricultural sector. AIT showcased its research expertise and academic programs relevant to regional agricultural challenges. The visit reinforced AIT’s role as a knowledge partner supporting national development goals.
🌐 https://ait.ac.th/2025/02/h-e-francisco-p-tiu-
laurel-jr-minister-of-agriculture-republic-of-thephilippines-visits-ait/
AGLE 2025 Conference at AIT Gathers Global Experts to Advance Rural and Agricultural Resilience
AIT Research Theme: Food-Energy-Water Technology, Policy & Society
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Contributed by Faculty/School/Center: School of Environment, Resources and Development Partners / Funded by: International Geographical Union (IGU) Commission on Agricultural Geography and Land Engineering (AGLE) Expected Social Impact: Sustainable Rural Livelihoods Description: AGLE 2025 gathered global experts to advance rural and agricultural resilience. Discussions focused on sustainability and innovation. Research informed policy and practice. The conference strengthened global dialogue. 🌐 https://ait.ac.th/2025/11/agle-2025-conference-
at-ait-gathers-global-experts-to-advance-ruraland-agricultural-resilience/
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SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2025
PROJECTS: Reducing the effects of mycotoxins in shrimp (REMS)
AIT Research Theme: Food-Energy-Water Contributed by Faculty/School/Center: School of Environment, Resources and Development Partners / Funded by: BIŌNTE SL | Spain Expected Social Impact: Millions of shrimp farmers around the world would benefit Description: This collaborative research project with BIONTE SL (Spain) assesses the effectiveness of a mycotoxin binder product in shrimp aquaculture feed. The study aims to reduce the negative effects of mycotoxin contamination on shrimp production and health.
Thai Rice: Strengthening Climate-smart Rice Farming
AIT Research Theme: Technology, Policy and Society Contributed by Faculty/School/Center: School of Environment, Resources and Development Partners / Funded by: Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH Expected Social Impact: Introduction of the proposed policy or activity implemented to specific items in terms of gender equality. Description: This project develops a gender assessment and gender action plan for Thailand’s climate-smart rice farming initiative. It focuses on integrating gender considerations into agricultural practices and policy for sustainable rice production.
Mobile Application and Associated Technology for mobile system for Thai tea farmers
Traceability
AIT Research Theme: Food-Energy-Water Contributed by Faculty/School/Center: Artificial Intelligence Center Partners / Funded by: Monsoon Tea Company | Thailand Expected Social Impact:
› Improved farming practices via mobile app › Enhanced environmental conservation › Built consumer trust in tea products
Description: This project develops a mobile application with traceability technology for Thai tea farmers to enhance productivity, sustainability, and consumer trust. The system integrates crop monitoring and biodiversity identification tools to support sustainable farming practices.
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SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2025
Immersive Training on Innovation, Design Thinking and Technology Transfer in the Postharvest and Food Processing
AIT Research Theme: Technology, Policy and Society
› Strengthened product commercialization impact
Contributed by Faculty/School/Center: School of Environment, Resources and Development
Description: Part of the CAPFISH Capture Postharvest Fisheries Development project co-funded by the EU, this training provides immersive exposure to innovation, design thinking, and technology transfer in postharvest and food processing. It supports Cambodia’s fisheries sector development toward food security and poverty reduction.
Partners / Funded by: UNIDO | The European Union | CAPFISH Project, Cambodia Food Technology, Research and Innovation Platform (FTRIP), Cambodia Expected Social Impact:
› Transferred innovation and design thinking knowledge › Improved understanding of technology transfer and intellectual property mechanisms
Design and Development of the Prototype Program to Recommend Fertilizer Use Based on Soil Analysis Values LandDev2024
AIT Research Theme: Technology, Policy and Society Contributed by Faculty/School/Center: School of Engineering and Technology Partners / Funded by: Land Development Regional2 | Thailand Expected Social Impact:
Description: This project designs and develops a prototype on-device program for recommending fertilizer use based on soil nutrient analysis values from a portable measuring device. The system uses ESP32 microcontrollers and sensors to measure nitrogen, phosphorus, and soil pH for precision agriculture applications.
› Enhanced Agricultural Productivity › Environmental Sustainability › Economic Benefits for Farmers › Promotion of Sustainable Farming Practices
Fisheries Stock Assessment GLLSP Phase-II
AIT Research Theme: Climate change Contributed by Faculty/School/Center: School of Environment, Resources and Development Partners / Funded by: Government of Balochistan, Pakistan Expected Social Impact: It will play a vital role in the skill development of fisheries officials, equipping them with advanced methodologies and practices for effective resource management. Description: This training under the GLLSP Phase II project, funded by IFAD, builds the capacity of fisheries officials in Balochistan to evaluate and manage fishery
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stocks sustainably. It focuses on methods for assessing fishery stocks and sustainable practices for managing fisheries.
SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2025
Apprenticeship and Technical Support in the Development of an Integrated, Smart and Sustainable Farm
AIT Research Theme: Food-Energy-Water Contributed by Faculty/School/Center: AIT Extension Partners / Funded by: Robert Morris | Lao PDR Expected Social Impact:
› Supported proper farm design and operational efficiency
› Promoted climate-smart agricultural practices Description: An apprenticeship and technical support program for the development of an integrated, smart, and sustainable farm. Participants gain hands-on experience in climate-smart farming and agriculture technology through on-site engagement.
Innovations in Sustainable Food Value Chains and Green Processing for Premium Fruits
AIT Research Theme: Food-Energy-Water Contributed by Faculty/School/Center: School of Environment, Resources and Development Partners / Funded by: Asia Mandalar Innovation Group | Myanmar Expected Social Impact: Sustainable Food Value Chains Description: A training program for Myanmar participants on innovations in sustainable food value chains and green processing for premium fruits. Participants gain hands-on laboratory and field experience in postharvest technology, food product innovation, and market linkages.
Strengthening Digital Agriculture Ecosystem and Developing e-Agriculture Solutions
AIT Research Theme: Climate change, Food-EnergyWater, Technology, Policy and Society Contributed by Faculty/School/Center: School of Environment, Resources and Development Partners / Funded by: Food Organization of the United Nations
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Agriculture
Expected Social Impact: Faculty of Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources
Description: This project provides capacity building and knowledge exchange for DPR Korea agriculture officials through an exposure and visit mission focused on digital agriculture and e-agriculture solutions. It aims to strengthen digital agricultural ecosystems and modernize farming practices.
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SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2025
Biochar Integration for Optimal Methane Recovery and Nutrient Assimilation in Anaerobic Digestion of Food Waste
AIT Research Theme: Food-Energy-Water Contributed by Faculty/School/Center: School of Engineering and Technology Partners / Funded by: AIT Research Initiation Grant Expected Social Impact:
Description: his project investigates the integration of biochar into anaerobic digestion of food waste to enhance methane recovery and nutrient assimilation. It addresses the challenge of volatile fatty acid accumulation during food waste digestion to stabilize and optimize biogas production.
The proposed project is expected to train two graduate students.
International Workshop on Climate-Smart Agribusiness Management Practices and Innovations
AIT Research Theme: Climate change, Food-EnergyWater Contributed by Faculty/School/Center: School of Environment, Resources and Development by FFANR Partners / Funded by: Asian Institute of Technology Expected Social Impact: Creates a platform for multistakeholder collaboration, learning and exchange of insights. Description: An international workshop for farmers, agribusinesses, government officials, and private sector actors on climate-smart agribusiness management and innovations. It covers adaptation strategies and sustainable agribusiness practices to address climate change impacts on agriculture.
Advancing Poultry Production and Value Chains in Thailand through Technological Innovation
AIT Research Theme: Food-Energy-Water Contributed by Faculty/School/Center: AIT Extension Partners / Funded by: JAKAS Foundation Expected Social Impact: The training is expected to enhance food security and rural livelihoods by improving poultry productivity and market access through innovative technologies. It will empower farmers with sustainable practices, reduce post-harvest losses, and strengthen Thailand’s agri-food value chains.
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Description: A project focused on advancing poultry production and value chains in Thailand through technological innovation and smart farming. It applies sustainable livestock systems and agricultural technology to improve productivity and food security.
SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2025
Safeguarding the Regional Food Security under Climate Change impacts via mainstreaming Nature-based Solutions-centered adaptation strategies (NAFOS)
AIT Research Theme: Climate change Contributed by Faculty/School/Center: School of Engineering and Technology Partners / Funded by: Asian Pacific Network for Global Change Research Expected Social Impact: The project will generate a new, action-oriented body of knowledge on socially and environmentally sustainable NbS approaches and widely disseminate it among collaborating organizations, boundary partners, and end beneficiaries. It will strengthen the capacities of relevant stakeholders to enhance climate change resilience and food security, while identifying and verifying the opportunities and challenges associated
with mainstreaming NbS approaches into climate change adaptation strategies within the Lower Mekong River Basin (LMRB). The initiative will also enhance collaboration and coordination among participating countries and organizations to support more effective and integrated adaptation efforts. Description: The NAFOS project seeks to address food insecurity in the Lower Mekong River Basin by mainstreaming Nature-based Solutions (NbS) to counter climate change impacts such as disrupted hydroecological regimes and salinity intrusion. It aims to harness ecosystem services to build adaptive capacity and food security across the region.
Training, Workshop, and Promotion of Tilapia in India
AIT Research Theme: Food-Energy-Water Contributed by Faculty/School/Center: Faculty of Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources Partners / Funded by: MM-Aqua Genetics Technology & Research Pvt Ltd. Partners / Funded by: Commission of Higher Education Development, Philippines Expected Social Impact: Over 400 farmers and professionals trained in tilapia farming over the project period, millions of people will receive information
about the benefits of tilapia farming and consumption; increased tilapia farming/farmers in India; and increased consumption of tilapia in India Description: A training and workshop program to promote tilapia farming technologies developed by AIT to India, where the species was previously banned. The project focuses on transferring hatchery, nursing, and grow-out technologies to support food and nutrition security.
Knowledge Advancing on Probiotics and Functional Foods Product Development
AIT Research Theme: Food-Energy-Water Contributed by Faculty/School/Center: School of Environment, Resources and Development Partners / Funded by: Commission of Higher Education Development, Philippines Expected Social Impact: helps obtain skillful knowledge on innovative technology, hands-on practice experiences and eco-friendly
approaches towards safe and sustainable safe food produce utilizing the local (indigenous) food resources. Description: This program advances indigenous food systems research at Philippine universities by building knowledge on probiotics and functional food product development. Lecturers, researchers, and professionals from three universities gain hands-on exposure to innovative food technologies.
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SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2025
Nigeria Strain Comparison: Tilapia & Catfish
AIT Research Theme: Technology, Policy and Society Contributed by Faculty/School/Center: School of Environment, Resources and Development Partners / Funded by: Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation; FutureFish; University of Sunshine Coast; AwFishNet; Nigerian fish farms Expected Social Impact:
› Expected to generate essential data on genotype and environmental interactions in different Tilapia.
› Improving productivity of fish farming provide relevant data for policy dialogue and development Description: This project evaluates the genetic performance of tilapia and catfish strains in Nigeria through
comparative strain testing. It aims to identify superior strains for aquaculture production to support food security and industry development in Africa.
Creamino Supplementation in the Feed of Tilapia
AIT Research Theme: Food-Energy-Water Contributed by Faculty/School/Center: School of Environment, Resources and Development Partners / Funded by: Alzchem GmbH Expected Social Impact:
› The product will be marketed globally › Would create employment, poverty reduction, food security and health improvemnet Description: This research project investigates the optimal dosage of Creamino (GAA) supplementation in Nile tilapia feed to improve growth performance, energy storage, and post-harvest weight retention. The study engages a PhD student using AIT’s aquaculture research facilities.
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SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2025
Technical Support to Aquaculture development in Cameroon
AIT Research Theme: Food-Energy-Water Contributed by Faculty/School/Center: School of Environment, Resources and Development Partners / Funded by: FISH&CO SA, CAMEROON Expected Social Impact:
› Established an integrated aquaculture farm model › Produced high-quality tilapia fingerlings › Contributed to food and nutrition security Description: AIT’s Aqua-Center provides technical support and training to Cameroon’s public and private sectors to advance aquaculture development for food security, employment, and income generation. Activities include knowledge transfer and human resource development to close the gap in Africa’s aquaculture capacity.
One Week Professional Development Program on Philippine – AgriFood and Processing
AIT Research Theme: Food-Energy-Water Contributed by Faculty/School/Center: Yunus Center Partners / Funded by: Taloy Farmers Multipurpose Cooperative, the Philippines Expected Social Impact: This training aims to equip participants with the knowledge and skills to capitalize on emerging trends and opportunities in the Agrifood hub in the Philippines through sustainable and efficient development practices. Here are some key expected learning outcomes:
› Improved knowledge on vegetable consolidation, processing, and marketing and the requirements for mechanization and other technologies
› Acquired
technical information on the design, capitalization, setting up, operation and management of an Agri-food hub.
› Gained ideas for strategies on the establishment of Agri food hub including its capitalization.
Description: This is a one-week professional development program on Philippine Agri-Food and Processing Hub Learning Exchange for Thai and international participants. It connects participants to agricultural cooperative models and food processing systems, drawing lessons from both Thai and Philippine agricultural contexts.
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SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2025
Improvement in Agri-aqua Production Systems in Pakistan
AIT Research Theme: Food-Energy-Water Contributed by Faculty/School/Center: School of Environment, Resources and Development Partners / Funded by: Government of Balochistan, Pakistan Expected Social Impact: This training will focus on improving the officials’ capacity to evaluate and manage shrimp farming, contributing to sustainable aquaculture practices in Balochistan, Pakistan Description: A training program for fisheries officials in Balochistan, Pakistan focused on shrimp farming technology and sustainable aquaculture practices. It builds capacity for evaluating and managing shrimp production as part of improvements to the agri-aqua production system.
OPERATIONS: AIT Launches Smart Hydroponics System to Advance Sustainable and Digital Agriculture The Asian Institute of Technology proudly announces the inauguration of a cutting-edge, IoT-enabled Smart Hydroponics System under the School of Environment, Resources and Development. This milestone marks a significant step forward in promoting sustainable, technology-driven agricultural innovation. The 10 m × 20 m fully automated hydroponics facility, developed under the supervision of Sushil Kumar Himanshu in the Agricultural Systems and Engineering academic program, is designed to transform modern cultivation practices through precise environmental control and digital integration. The system combines hydroponics, IoT-based monitoring, advanced climate control, and AI-enabled decision support tools to optimize crop productivity. It will serve as a living laboratory for research, innovation, and hands-on training in next-generation agri-food systems. Equipped with advanced automation, the smart greenhouse enables precise regulation of temperature, humidity, light, and ventilation. Features such as EVAP cooling, ventilation systems, and automated shading ensure an optimal microclimate for diverse crops. A dedicated mobile application allows real-time remote monitoring and control, while also storing historical data on environmental conditions, nutrient solutions, and plant phenomics, and supporting data-driven decision-making and continuous system improvement.
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The facility has already demonstrated strong impact in capacity building, with more than 200 farmers and government officials trained in hydroponics, including hands-on experience in nutrient solution preparation. Graduate students are actively utilizing the system for research on optimizing pH and electrical conductivity (EC), as well as exploring plant growth regulators to enhance
yields in crops such as grape tomato, melon, and bell pepper. Himanshu emphasizes that the facility will significantly strengthen academic and research capabilities while fostering industry collaboration, entrepreneurship, and capacity development in smart agriculture. It is expected to contribute to scalable solutions for urban farming and sustainable food production systems. This initiative reflects AIT’s ongoing commitment to climateresilient agriculture, food security, and resource-efficient farming. By integrating innovation, sustainability, and education, AIT continues to address the critical challenges facing global agri-food systems.