ASEAN Cassava Centre

03/04/2026

Europe's farms face climate-related hazards and economic uncertainty. Investing in climate-resilient agriculture could provide greater economic security. 🌾

A new European Environment Agency briefing draws on 51 farm-level case studies to show that climate-resilient agriculture is an economic stabilisation strategy – not solely an environmental one.

Key findings:
🌱 Reduced tillage cuts diesel use by ~50% and production costs by ~40%
📉 Lower input dependency reduces exposure to price volatility and yield shocks
🌍 Strengthening soil, water and ecological functions supports stable farm performance
⚖️ Economic returns vary by region – strategies must reflect local farming contexts

Food security depends on farms that can withstand climate extremes. ➡️ https://ow.ly/nu4B50YAzjY

31/03/2026

Thailand Targets Japan's Premium Market in Strategic Cassava Export Pivot Away from China
The Ministry of Commerce is pushing to expand cassava exports into Japan’s high-value food and industrial markets, focusing on premium products like gluten-free tapioca starch, modified starches, animal feed pellets, and eco-friendly bioplastics 🌱
A 37-member delegation has already engaged Japanese importers and government agencies, signalling a clear shift from raw commodities to value-added innovation 💡
With cassava exports surpassing 95 billion baht in 2025, this strategy could unlock new opportunities in global premium markets and reshape Thailand’s cassava value chain 🌍
Learn more:

Thailand’s Ministry of Commerce is pushing to expand cassava exports into Japan’s high-value markets, reducing reliance on China. A 37-member delegation visited Tokyo in February 2026 to promote premium products such as tapioca starch, modified starches, and bioplastics, marking a shift toward h...

25/03/2026

The ASEAN Cassava Center is proud to share that Dr. Kanchana Saengchan, a researcher from the Waste Utilization and Management Research Group (IWUT) a collaborative research unit between the National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC) and King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi (KMUTT) together with strategic partners, has been awarded a research grant from the Mekong Lancang Cooperation (MLC) for the project titled: “Transforming the Agro-Industry with the Eco-, Econ-, Envi-Efficiency (E3E) Platform: Enhancing Resource Utilization and Environmental Management in the Greater Mekong Subregion.”
This project will be implemented over a three-year period (2025–2028), with total funding of USD 227,200. The initiative builds on more than 20 years of collaboration between BIOTEC and KMUTT, aiming to transform the cassava industry by improving resource efficiency, reducing environmental impacts, and enhancing economic performance.
The E3E Platform serves as an integrated data system that collects information from cassava cultivation and processing activities. Through systematic data collection and analysis, the platform identifies inefficiencies, such as low-yield farming practices and high waste levels and offers actionable insights for improving productivity and sustainability. The platform also tracks greenhouse gas emissions across various stages of production, helping to develop strategies to reduce environmental impact.
In the initial phase, the platform will be piloted in cassava processing facilities across all five countries China, Myanmar, Lao PDR, Vietnam, and Thailand accompanied by training, data collection, and ongoing system refinement.
This initiative marks a significant step toward strengthening a more sustainable, efficient, and environmentally responsible cassava industry across the Mekong region.

20/03/2026

20/03/2026

🌱 Cassava: Transforming Thailand’s Cassava Value Chain Toward Sustainability
Cassava is no longer just a traditional economic crop of Thailand. Today, it is emerging as a key driver in transforming the entire cassava value chain toward a more sustainable future from farmers at the upstream level to industrial processing and high-value end-use applications.
Through the integration of advanced technologies, improved production efficiency, and effective resource management, the cassava industry is being reshaped to reduce waste, enhance value addition, and minimize environmental impacts. The utilization of by-products and residues, combined with research-driven innovation, plays a crucial role in strengthening competitiveness while supporting green and circular economic principles.
Cassava now represents more than starch or raw materials for industry. It offers a pathway to balance economic growth, social development, and environmental responsibility. By rethinking how cassava is produced, processed, and utilized, Thailand is paving the way for a resilient and sustainable cassava industry that is ready for the challenges of the future 🌍♻️

Transforming Thailand's Cassava Value Chain Toward SustainabilityDr. Warinthorn SongkasiriNational Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology and King ...

11/02/2026

This image is a detailed educational illustration showing how a farm biogas system turns animal waste into usable energy.

At the center, there is a large underground biogas digester filled with manure and organic waste. A farmer is shown feeding the system through a funnel-like inlet, while gas bubbles inside the chamber illustrate active anaerobic digestion—where bacteria break down waste and produce methane.

On the surface, a green inflatable gas storage bag collects the biogas. Yellow pipes carry the gas from the digester to a nearby farmhouse, where it is used to power a clean-burning kitchen stove. An inset close-up highlights the blue flame, emphasizing efficient and smoke-free cooking.

Nearby, cows, pigs, and chickens represent the sources of manure, while a container labeled “organic fertilizer” shows the digestate byproduct flowing out of the system. This nutrient-rich slurry is reused on fields, completing a circular farming cycle.

The surrounding rural landscape—barns, crops, and open fields—reinforces the idea of self-sufficient, sustainable farming. Overall, the image clearly demonstrates how waste can be transformed into renewable energy, cleaner cooking fuel, and natural fertilizer, all in one integrated farm system.

09/02/2026

📊 Vietnam Ranks Third Globally in Cassava Exports, Supply Chain Faces Challenges 🌍
Vietnam has become the world’s third-largest cassava exporter, with export turnover in 2025 estimated at around USD 1.3 billion 💰 reflecting strong growth in both domestic consumption and overseas demand. The cassava sector plays a vital role in the agricultural economy, supporting the livelihoods of approximately 1.2 million farming households 👩‍🌾🌱, particularly in midland and mountainous areas.
Despite the sharp rise in export volumes 📈, export value growth has been relatively slow, highlighting ongoing challenges within the supply chain. Industry experts stress the need to move beyond low value-added products such as dried cassava chips and basic starch, and shift towards deeper processing and higher-value products 🔬🏭, while strengthening traceability, sustainability and compliance with stricter international regulations, including deforestation-free requirements 🌳📋.
🌏
Learn more:

Vietnam has become the world’s third-largest cassava exporter, with export turnover reaching an estimated USD 1.3 billion in 2025. However, the sector faces ongoing challenges related to low value-added processing, traceability, sustainability requirements and tightening international regulations.

09/02/2026

📢 Call for Applications!

Strengthening Flood and Drought Risk Management for Agriculture in the Lancang–Mekong Region 🌾🌊🌍

Mekong Institute invites applications for the Regional Capacity Development Program on Flood and Drought Risk Management in Agriculture in the Lancang–Mekong Region, to be implemented from March to October 2026.

This program aims to enhance the practical capacity of agricultural professionals to manage climate-induced flood and drought risks through:

🔹 Use of climate and meteorological information
🔹 Flood and drought risk assessment and monitoring tools
🔹 Climate-informed agricultural planning and advisory practices
🔹 Regional learning and post-training action plan implementation

🗓 Application Deadline: March 1, 2026

📝Apply now: https://forms.gle/bSB8QuBfAbh61YAYA
📝Program information: https://mekonginstitute.org/regional-training-on-flood-and-drought-risk-management/

The program will be implemented from March to October 2026 and will consist of the following components:
🔹Online foundational training: 9–13 March 2026 (2.5 hours per day)
🔹Regional learning visit in Thailand: 4–9 May 2026 (in person)
🔹Country-based action plan development and implementation: April–August 2026
🔹Online synthesis and evaluation workshop: September 2026 (1 day)

06/01/2026

📈 Laos Expands Cassava Starch Exports to China
Laos has strengthened its position in the regional agricultural economy by completing a 1,000 tons cassava starch export to China, marking a new milestone for the country’s cassava industry. The shipment highlights the growing importance of cassava-based products in ASEAN–China trade and reflects rising production efficiency and export capacity in Laos’ agro-processing sector.
🏭 The cassava starch was fully produced by a domestic Lao factory, signaling progress in moving up the agricultural value chain from raw materials to higher-value processed products. With strong demand from China’s food, paper, textile, and industrial sectors, cassava starch remains a strategic export commodity for Laos.
🌏 Supported by deeper ASEAN–China economic integration and the upgraded CAFTA framework, cassava exports from Laos are expected to continue expanding, reinforcing the country’s role in regional agricultural supply chains and long-term trade growth. 🤝
Learn more:

Laos has expanded its cassava starch exports to China with a 1,000 tons shipment, highlighting the growing role of cassava-based products in ASEAN–China agricultural trade. The development reflects rising agro-processing capacity in Laos and is expected to support long-term export growth under the...

01/12/2025

27/11/2025

🌱🔬 The Bioeconomy Innovations and Investment Forum (BIIF 2025), organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), conducted a site visit to BIOTEC, NSTDA on 27 November 2025 to engage with ongoing research and technological developments supporting Thailand’s bioeconomy.
🌾📊 During the session, Dr. Chaowaree Adthalungrong, Executive Director of BIOTEC gave the welcoming and opening remarks. Dr.Sithichoke Tangphatsornruang, Deputy Executive Director provided the overview of BIOTEC. Then, Dr. Warinthorn Songkasiri, Deputy Executive Director for Research and Development Support, provided a comprehensive overview of the sustainable cassava value chain, outlining sector-wide trends, emerging challenges, and strategic opportunities for innovation. Her presentation emphasized the essential role of science, technology, and multi-stakeholder collaboration in enhancing the resilience and competitiveness of the cassava industry.
🌏✨ Participants also visited BIOTEC’s research showcases on biodiversity and biocontrol technologies, reflecting NSTDA’s continued commitment to advancing circular and climate-resilient agrifood systems in the region.

25/11/2025

🌎 BIOECONOMY INNOVATIONS AND INVESTMENTS FORUM (BIIF 2025) for tackling food loss and waste, and unsustainable agrifood systems is a regional platform convened by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) to accelerate the transition toward circular, climate-resilient, and innovation-driven agrifood systems. The Forum brings together governments, researchers, innovators, private-sector companies, investors, and development partners to strengthen cooperation, share solutions, and scale high-impact bioeconomy technologies across Asia and the Pacific.
📌 BIIF 2025 held on 25–27 November 2025 at Amari Bangkok, serving as a central hub for showcasing innovations that address food loss and waste (FLW), enhance resource circularity, and support the sustainable transformation of agrifood value chains. Through exhibitions, dialogues, and matchmaking sessions, the event aims to catalyze investments and partnerships that advance the region’s bioeconomy agenda.
🌱 As part of the exhibition, the ASEAN Cassava Centre led by the National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC), under the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), and King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi (KMUTT) is showcasing three flagship innovations that demonstrate how scientific research and technological development can uplift the entire cassava value chain. These innovations address critical challenges in waste management, resource loss, industrial inefficiency, and environmental sustainability.
⚙️ 1) Advanced Hydrocyclone Technology for High-Efficiency Cassava Starch Purification: Technology generation designed to significantly enhance starch separation performance, reduce production losses, and improve the overall sustainability and efficiency of industrial starch processing across the cassava sector.
📈 2) The 2nd Generation High-Rate Biogas Reactor: Another key innovation showcased is the 2nd Generation High-Rate Biogas Reactor, an advanced waste-to-energy system engineered to convert large volumes of cassava pulp into renewable methane and organic acids. This technology dramatically lowers energy costs, mitigates greenhouse gas emissions, and offers a scalable pathway for transforming agro-industrial waste into valuable bioresources.
🍃 3) Clean Cellulose from Cassava pulp – Low-Chemical, High-Purity Waste Valorization Process: The exhibition also features the clean cellulose from cassava pulp innovation, a low-chemical, high-purity extraction process that transforms cassava pulp residue into high-value cellulose suitable for multiple industrial applications. This environmentally friendly method reduces chemical consumption by up to 98%, circular solution for converting waste into renewable bio-materials.
✨ These technology embodies Thailand’s commitment to advancing science-based solutions that tackle industrial inefficiencies, reduce waste, and support the broader transition toward a circular and climate-smart bioeconomy.
Learn more: https://sustainablecassava.org/news-and-events/news/News251125/