DE - depa Pinned Nakhon Ratchasima to Lead 1 Tambon 1 Digital (Chumchon Drone Jai) Project

Mr. Prasert Jantararuangtong, Digital Economy and Society (DE) Minister, emphasised the pivotal role of agriculture in the Thai economy and society. Despite being a significant source of employment, agricultural products contribute only 6% to the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This disparity largely stems from the numerous challenges faced by farmers, including high cultivation costs, labour shortages and limited access to digital technologies. Thus, harnessing digital technology is crucial for improving agricultural efficiency, boosting income and alleviating costs for farmers.

A latest survey conducted by the Office of Agricultural Economics, Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, has revealed that Thailand currently reports the use of 9,063 registered drones designated for agricultural purposes. However, the country's demand for drones far surpasses this figure, reaching over 80,000 units needed to effectively support farming across 138 million rai-land nationwide. To address this gap, the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DE), under the leadership of the Digital Economy Promotion Agency (depa), has launched the 1 Tambon 1 Digital (Chumchon Drone Jai) Project to spearhead the development of a digital ecosystem by empowering farmers and communities throughout Thailand with agricultural drone technology. The government sector will collaboratively subsidise up to 60% of the agricultural drone purchasing expenses to the participating communities. Furthermore, the project will oversee the advancement of drone technology for Thai agriculture to meet dSURE standards. It will also establish skill development centres for drone operation and maintenance as well as provide agricultural drone pilot training for farmers and communities nationwide. These efforts will culminate in the establishment of reliable drone service providers and the optimal utilisation of drones for agriculture within communities and among Thai farmers.

"The use of agricultural drones helps save labour costs in spraying the land, thereby increasing farmers' income while reducing the amount of fertiliser, pesticides and chemicals used. Additionally, this technology can contribute to the advancement of communities, farmers and local craftsmen by leading to more job creation, fostering professional development and providing opportunities for accessing and enhancing digital skills. Within the first year, we aim to establish 50 drone repair centres nationwide, and anticipate 500 communities or 10,000 households to adopt the drone technology for agricultural areas covering over 4 million rai-land. The 1 Tambon 1 Digital (Chumchon Drone Jai) Project targets to generate an economic value exceeding 20,000 million baht," said the DE minister.

Dr. Preesan Rakwatin, depa Executive Vice President, confirmed that there are 8 models of agricultural drones certified under the dSURE standard, operated by 6 companies currently. In addition, depa extends its partnership investment with Power Agrotech (Thailand) Co., Ltd. to establish training centres for agricultural drone pilots and controllers. Initially, operations will commence in 5 provinces, including Phitsanulok, Khon Kaen, Ubon Ratchathani, Chonburi and Songkhla. Full-service capabilities are anticipated at all branches by 2024. Additionally, this collaboration extends to other partnering networks to develop courses for agricultural drone piloting and control as well as for maintenance and repair.

"Project participation is divided into two parts. The first part involves existing traditional repair shops that are ready to transition into agricultural drone repair centres. These centres will offer drone maintenance and chemical spraying services. The second part involves communities seeking to enhance their agricultural practices with drones. Integration of these two parts can create a sustainable drone application ecosystem, fostering communities capable of both piloting and repairing drones. Each repair centre will be able to serve at least 10 nearby communities. The initial application round, conducted from 14 November 2023 to 15 January 2024, resulted in the selection of 250 qualifying communities and 25 repair centres. Nakhon Ratchasima alone has 20 qualifying communities and 2 repair centres ready for the go," stated depa executive vice president.

Dr. Preesan added that the activities initiated today for the 1 Tambon 1 Digital (Chumchon Drone Jai) Project in the Northeastern region represent a groundbreaking effort to enhance public awareness and broaden access to drone technology for agriculture. Engaging lectures and discussions on relevant topics have been organised, complemented by the

distribution of agricultural drones to 160 communities and 16 selected repair centres in the Northeastern region. Additionally, exhibitions have been arranged to showcase digital technology and innovation from Thai digital startups and service providers.

Mr. Surapan Sillapasuwan, Deputy Governor of Nakhon Ratchasima, emphasised that in serving as the pilot province for the 1 Tambon 1 Digital (Chumchon Drone Jai) Project in the Northeastern region, Nakhon Ratchasima strives to become a successful model for increasing income, reducing inequality and lowering illness rates resulting from inhaling and contacting agricultural chemicals among its inhabitants. This initiative fosters self-reliance while bolstering competitiveness in agriculture. It is also in line with the policy of the Nakhon Ratchasima Provincial Administration to promote agricultural technology among farmers and advance the province towards becoming a Smart City.

Interested communities and local repair shops nationwide can join the 1 Tambon 1 Digital (Chumchon Drone Jai) Project's training to enhance skills, become pilots, repair drones and create drone pilot careers for free. Registration is available now until 15 March 2024 at https://www.depa.or.th/th/article-view/dronejai-BU-2. For more information, please contact Tel: 08 5125 1340 or 08 2516 6224.