Recently, Ubon Bio Ethanol Public Company Limited or UBE, led by Ms. Sureeyot Khowsurat, Chief Executive Officer and Ms. Karnnaporn Karnnasuta, Executive Vice President of Corporate Sustainability and Government Affairs, welcomed Mr. Peeraphan Khothong, Director-General of the Department of Agricultural Extension, and government agencies from the Lower Northeastern Province Group 2, comprising Ubon Ratchathani, Yasothon, Amnat Charoen, and Sisaket provinces. They participated in a review of research outcomes aimed at boosting productivity and reducing the costs of organic cassava production through the use of fertilizer based on soil analysis values. Additionally, a research team led by Ms. Wiraporn Mongkolchaiyasit, Assistant Director of the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), visited the model farmer plot of Mr. Rangsan Yusuk in Na Khai Subdistrict, Tan Sum District. The visit also included an inspection of ethanol and tapioca starch operations at the UBE Head Office in Ubon Ratchathani Province.

Since the onset of the planting season in early 2023, UBE has actively engaged in research aimed at promoting the utilization of fertilizers based on soil analysis values and optimizing production factors for organic cassava. This research has been conducted under a grant from the Agricultural Research Development Agency (Public Organization), also known as ARDA, with plans to showcase the findings at the "Technology Transfer Day for the New Production Season (Field Day) 2024" event, as part of the project "Technology Transfer for Cassava Production in an Organic System with Market-Led Production Mechanisms." This endeavor represents a collaborative effort between UBE and partner agencies, including ARDA, the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), as well as provincial agricultural offices under the Department of Agricultural Extension Office of Agricultural Research and Development, Region 4, Ubon Ratchathani, and the Department of Agriculture. The project recruited farmers from three areas to participate as research model plots, totaling 36 plots spread across Ubon Ratchathani, Amnat Charoen, and Yasothon provinces. Findings from the study revealed significant enhancements among model farmers who conducted soil analysis before planting and applied organic fertilizer based on soil analysis values over an area of 1 rai. Specifically, the average weight per cassava head increased from 2.2 kilograms/cassava plant to 3.84 kilograms/cassava plant, representing a 74.55% increase. Additionally, the average number of heads per cassava rose from 13.2 heads/cassava plant to 15 heads/cassava plant, indicating a 13.64% increase. The average yield per rai also surged from the original 4.6 tons/rai to 7.2 tons/rai, marking a 56.52% increase, while the average starch content rose from 26% to 27%.

Promoting the utilization of fertilizers based on soil analysis values and optimizing the use of production factors for organic cassava involves employing production factors derived from ethanol waste that undergoes digestion after yeast fermentation in alcohol. This process is further enhanced with microorganisms and allowed to ferment for a precise period of 90 days, adhering to international organic standards. Fondly referred to by farmers as “BioHub soil improvement”, this initiative represents a circular economy approach aimed at generating agricultural value. The company has initiated the process of obtaining IFAOM standard certification for BioHub. Furthermore, there are plans underway to develop new formulas aimed at enhancing efficiency for farmers participating in the project's subsequent phases. Currently, UBE boasts approximately 800 farmers certified with international organic standards, covering a combined area of approximately 10,000 rai. With a vision to broaden the certified area to 50,000 rai by 2025, UBE is also committed to advancing the promotion of cassava cultivation through the integration of innovative agricultural technology. This not only guarantees the production of a reliable raw material for consumers but also contributes to enhancing the quality of life for farmers.

In line with its ongoing commitment, UBE consistently strives to enhance the potential and quality of life for cassava farmers. This dedication is exemplified through the expansion of the successful Ubon Model Plus project, aimed at establishing organic cassava model farmers in Ubon Ratchathani Province. Moving forward, UBE is extending its efforts to the "Northeast S2 Model Plus Innovation Project," encompassing four provinces: Ubon Ratchathani, Yasothon, Amnat Charoen, and Sisaket. This expansion involves collaborative innovation with institutions like NSTDA and NRDC 4, as well as the Department of Agriculture. Initiatives include the production of clean seed cuttings, utilization of biological agents, and the implementation of leaf spot disease testing kits. The project's objective is to ensure stability in raw materials while disseminating knowledge on organic farming and contract farming to participating farmers. By guaranteeing higher prices for organic cassava than conventional varieties, the project aims to facilitate access to technology and production factors for farmers, including weed exterminators and biopharmaceuticals. Through these efforts, model farmers are empowered to apply technological concepts and innovations, thereby expanding the adoption of organic farming practices among their peers. This not only enables the company to produce raw materials aligned with global health trends and environmental protection but also supports its sustainable development agenda. Under the Tasuko brand, UBE is committed to conducting business in accordance with principles of corporate governance, emphasizing broader growth towards becoming a leader in future energy products and food.