The Division of Buildings and Facilities, Garden and Landscape Section, University of Phayao, is cultivating rice on terraced rice fields near the MPO.5 dormitory. The initiative aims to improve the landscape, increase green space, and make efficient use of land within the university, while also promoting the preservation of traditional rice farming as a form of local wisdom.
This project was made possible through a donation of 30 kilograms of RD43 rice seed from Mr. Prateep Tai-yai-thiang, former Assistant to the President of University of Phayao, and the Ban So community. The Garden and Landscape Section grew the seeds into seedlings before transplanting them into the terraced rice field plots near the MPO.5 dormitory as wet-season (main-crop) rice. The rice plants have been continuously tended and maintained through to the harvesting stage.
RD43 rice is a high-quality non-glutinous rice variety notable for having a lower Glycemic Index (GI) than ordinary white rice, which means it causes a slower rise in blood sugar levels. When consumed in appropriate amounts, it is suitable for health-conscious individuals and those who wish to manage their blood sugar. Once harvested, the rice yield will be delivered to the Im Jai Kitchen, University of Phayao, so that students can use it in preparing meals, an approach that puts produce grown within the university to good use and maximizes the value of the university's land.
The Division of Buildings and Facilities, remains committed to continuously maintaining and developing the university's landscape, ensuring that all areas are beautiful, shaded, and put to appropriate use, as part of efforts to enhance an environment conducive to learning, working, and improving the quality of life for students, staff, and visitors within the university.