Bangkok: The government is accelerating efforts to improve the quality of life for Thai farmers, uniting three ministries to launch the "Tailor-Made Fertilizer" project.
According to Thai News Agency, the ministries of Agriculture, Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), and Labor are collaborating on a customized fertilizer project to reduce costs, increase productivity, and sustainably restore soil through the use of technology and vocational skills training, thereby boosting farmers' income.
Today, Ms. Lalida Periswiwatana, Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, revealed that the government, under the leadership of Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul, is accelerating the implementation of integrated policies among government agencies, including the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, and the Ministry of Labour, to systematically upgrade the Thai agricultural sector. Most recently, they have jointly launched the "Tailor-Made Fertilizer for Thai Farmers" project, which is considered a crucial starting point in using innovation to address production cost issues and create long-term job security for Thai farmers.
Ms. Lalida stated that the project focuses on promoting the use of "tailor-made fertilizers" designed to suit the soil conditions and plant needs in each area. This is achieved by analyzing soil data and utilizing digital technology to support farmers in using fertilizers more efficiently, reducing unnecessary use, thereby lowering production costs, increasing yields, and restoring soil quality simultaneously, leading to environmental sustainability.
Furthermore, the government prioritizes the development of farmers' vocational skills. The Ministry of Labour plays a role in upskilling and reskilling to increase opportunities for supplementary income, while the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation supports the transfer of knowledge, technology, and innovation to farmers through cooperative mechanisms in the area, making it easier for farmers to access tools and knowledge.
Moreover, this project is part of the government's proactive approach to preparing for global fluctuations, particularly in the prices of fertilizers and agricultural inputs, to reduce reliance on imports and promote the efficient use of domestic resources. This will help strengthen the Thai agricultural sector in the long term.
'What the public will gain from this policy is lower production costs, more stable income, improved soil quality in the long term, and opportunities to develop new professional skills, which will help to improve the quality of life of Thai farmers in all aspects,' Ms. Lalida said.