Dr. Charan Chantalakhana

Prof. Charan Chantalakhana has tirelessly worked for the promotion of smallholder farming systems. His pioneering work on cattle and buffalo genetic improvement led to the development of a new cattle breed called “Kamphaeng Saen.” Needing lower levels of inputs and growing to weights three times those of the native cattle, the Kamphaeng Saen breed has helped small dairy farmers reduce the cost of production and expand dairy herds in Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam.

He initiated the establishment of the Thailand National Buffalo Center and Association, was a founding member of the Asian-Australasian Association of Animal Production Societies (AAAP), and a co-founder of the Asian Buffalo Association (ABA).

Throughout his career, Prof. Charan has actively mentored students and trainees in the field of animal science and genetics, many of whom now hold key positions in Thailand and elsewhere in Southeast Asia. He has continued to work with young scientists and farmers, forming a group of researchers from universities and smallholder dairy farmers to investigate the impacts of smallholder dairy farms on the environment and waste management.

Plenary 2: In Quest of a Food Secure ASEAN Panel Discussion