MDES Commends the Success of Drone-Assisted Agriculture, Elevating Community Productivity Through Digital Technology, Improving Quality of Life and Thailand's Competitive Capabilities

Mr. Prasert Jantararuangtong, the Minister of Digital Economy and Society (MDES) visited the successful community development achieved through drone-assisted agriculture at Ban Dongnakham agriculture community enterprise in Nong Nang subdistrict, Thabo district. On the occasion of an official on-site inspection and the first outdoor official cabinet conference in 2023, taking place in Nong Bua Lam Phu province and provinces in the Upper Northeastern region 1 (Bueng Kan, Loei, Nong Khai, Nong Bua Lam Phu, and Udon Thani). Accompanying with the Minister were Mr. Pramote Mukprom, Chief Executive of the Subdistrict Administration Organization (SAO) in Nong Nang Subdistrict, Asst. Prof. Dr. Nuttapon Nimmanphatcharin, President/CEO of the Digital Economy Promotion Agency (depa), Mr. Pornchai Homchuen, Executive Vice President and depa (Central Northeastern Provincial Cluster Office). Representatives from various government agencies in the region that have received support in technology and innovation from depa includes Ban Dongnakham agriculture community enterprise, Ban Tewee agriculture community enterprise in Ban Dua Subdistrict, and Ban Chomphu community enterprise in Phon Phisai District.

Following this, Mr. Prasert actively engaged in a presentation highlighting the project's achievements in utilizing digital technology and innovation to enhance community productivity. The session featured valuable insights from representatives of community enterprises, delving into discussions about challenges, obstacles, and the diverse demands presented by various agricultural groups.

Visiting the community's product showcase, including innovative agricultural drone products, a live demonstration of drone applications, and an exploration of cutting-edge smart agricultural digital technologies offered by digital service providers.

Mr. Prasert revealed that the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (MDES) is actively promoting the adaptation of digital technology to drive the integration of digital technology, empowering community enterprises to enhance income generation and adapt to the ongoing digital transformation in this era. One pivotal mechanism that facilitate community digital technology accessibility and application is 1 Tambon 1 Digital (Chumchon Drone Jai), implemented and overseen by depa. The objective is to foster the creation of a digital ecosystem to elevate community performance through drone technology in agriculture, achieved through the development of knowledge, understanding, and the appropriate skills for drone operation and maintenance for group of farmers and communities from across the country. Experts is ready to encourages the emergence of certified drone operators for agriculture, simultaneously promoting a shift from conventional business models to drone service centers for maintenance, spraying, and distribution of agricultural drones certified as Made in Thailand (MiT) by the Federation of Thai Industries and, along with the dSURE standards from depa.

Furthermore, depa and its partners will conduct training programs for Remote pilots, Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) operators, and a course on maintenance of agriculture drones. Both courses are designed by depa and certified by the Civil Aviation Training Center. The training aims to certify 1,000 individuals for the UAS Operators course and 100 individuals for the maintenance of agricultural drone course.

"The Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (MDES), through depa estimate that the establishment of nationwide services center, in total 50 centers within the first year after the project launched. This project will drive communities on the adaptation of drone technology for agriculture in 500 communities. In the northeast region, the goal is to establish 16 service centers, with 160 communities actively applying drone technology for agriculture. 1 Tambon 1 Digital (Chumchon Drone Jai) is seen as the foundation for the creation of digital society under the well-distributed knowledge and practical application to address the goals of enhancing digital capabilities and elevating Thailand's competitiveness. One of the primary engines of the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society growth strategy, known as 'The Growth Engine of Thailand'" stated the Minister of Digital Economy and Society.

Asst. Prof. Dr. Nuttapon emphasized that depa has a crucial mission in promotion and support of digital human capital and personnel development. This encompasses propelling the digital industry forward, nurturing the application of digital technology and innovation, and elevating the nation's competitive digital capabilities of the country. One of the significant operational focuses is to enable rural communities to access suitable digital technologies within the context of different communities. Through collaborative investment and community participation via the Matching Fund mechanism, this initiative continually enhances local knowledge, refines production processes, reduces costs, generates income, and an elevated quality of life for people in the community. The goal is to cultivate communities that are resilient and sustainable.

Asst. Prof. Dr. Nuttapon further elaborated that, for the innovative agricultural drone project of the comprehensive community enterprise in Ban Dongnakham is a project that actively encouraged communities to embrace digital technology by depa through assistance and support measures for the application of digital technology and innovation for rural communities. In this project, the community has effectively employed drone technology in the management and optimization of rice, cassava, and sugarcane production processes, resulted in lower input cost, lower time, precise pesticide spraying, and other benefits from the utilization of data for analysis. Additionally, members of the community enterprise have received accurate training and licensing for drone operation.

"After applying digital technology, community enterprises have been able to increase crop cultivation efficiency and achieve an average income growth of 10%, equivalent to 216,000 Baht per annual. Input cost including labor, fertilizer, and bio-chemical expense also decreased by 20%, equivalent to 115,200 Baht per annual. Meanwhile, community enterprises, such as Ban Tewee Agriculture Community and Ban Chomphu Agriculture Community, have embraced technology called IoT: Smart Farm and infrastructure for pesticide-free crops. This technology allows for automated control of water and fertilizer supply, resulting in a 30% increase in income from selling pesticide-free crops, equivalent to 86,400 Baht per year for Ban Tewee and 43,200 Baht per year for Ban Chomphu. Cost also decreased by 20% and 30% for both community enterprises, respectively. These operations contribute significantly to enhancing the efficiency of Thai agriculture and strengthening trade between communities." stated President/CEO of depa.

Furthermore, the Minister of Digital Economy and Society (MDES) conducted an inspection at the digital community center in Pho Tak Subdistrict and helds discussion with high-level executives from departments under the MDES. Subsequently, the Minister of Digital Economy and Society (MDES) joined the Cabinet meeting in Nong Bua Lam Phu province on 4 December 2023.