Technological turnaround: Thailand's agriculture between crisis and future

Technological turnaround: Thailand's agriculture between crisis and future

In Thailand, the agricultural sector is facing a significant challenge. It currently employs more than a third of the population, but only brings in less than 10% of the gross domestic product (GDP). This discrepancy raises questions about whether the country can continue to rely on agriculture. In view of geopolitical changes, technological developments and the urgent climate impacts, this question is becoming increasingly complex. That's the theme of the next one THE STANDARD ECONOMIC FORUM 2025: “From Survival to Prosperity: Thailand’s Agricultural Transformation”.

The head of Thara Green Innovation, Ugrit Unlekhaka, highlights how important technological advances, such as artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain, are for increasing efficiency in agriculture. For example, the company monitors forests in Laos using satellite technology and manages large agricultural areas in Thailand.

Challenges in the agricultural sector

Five major problems have been identified for Thai agriculture:

• Klimawandel: Nur 20% der Anbauflächen sind bewässert, was zu erheblichen Ernteausfällen führen kann.
• Globale Handelskriege: Politische Entscheidungen, wie die Handelsabkommen der USA, haben großen Einfluss auf die Agrarpreise.
• Bodendegradation: Praktiken wie Monokulturen und das Verbrennen von Zuckerrohr schädigen die Bodenqualität.
• Alternde Landwirte: Mit einem Durchschnittsalter von fast 60 Jahren stehen die Landwirte vor zukunftsträchtigen Herausforderungen.
• Umweltvorschriften: Strengere Auflagen, vor allem in Europa, könnten sowohl Hindernisse als auch Chancen für nachhaltige Produkte darstellen.

Thai agriculture certainly has advantages: the country has rich natural resources and extensive cultivated areas that could be put to better use. Sininuch Kogkanuthaporn of Thai Eastern Group Holdings says agriculture's contribution to GDP could be higher if processing industries are also taken into account.

Cooperation for progress

There is agreement that agriculture can play if all sectors work hand in hand. Suggestions for improvement include investments in infrastructure and technology to increase productivity. Using AI for more accurate weather forecasts could also help increase efficiency and reduce losses.

In addition, there is increasing consumer demand for sustainable products, which could further boost the agricultural sector. Consumers are willing to pay more for sustainable, high-quality products. To take advantage of this trend, collaboration between producers, processors and consumers is essential.

The way into the future

Thai agriculture is at a turning point: major challenges meet the opportunity to reshape the country through transformation and innovation. Technology and sustainability could be crucial to securing the future of agriculture.

In addition, there is growing interest in natural nutritional supplements, which have become increasingly popular in recent years. These products, which come from plant, mineral or animal sources and are minimally processed, can help increase energy and strengthen the immune system. Natural dietary supplements such as vitamin C from acerola or camu-camu and ginseng are becoming increasingly popular, with demand for less industrially processed products increasing. However, experts warn against using such funds without professional advice - healthy eating should always be a priority, as saudelab.com emphasized.

Overall, it is clear that the agricultural sector in Thailand has a lot of potential if innovation and collaboration are prioritized. We can't wait to see what developments will look like over the next few years.