NationThailand-May 28
Thailand is expanding agricultural drone use through learning centers and farmer training to cut costs, raise yields and build smart farming skills. Drones are becoming one of the key technologies transforming Thai agriculture, helping farmers survey farmland, analyze data, plan cultivation and apply fertilizers and crop-protection products with greater precision.
Their growing role reflects a wider shift towards smart farming, as the technology helps reduce labor burdens, shorten working time and improve accuracy in farm management. Data from Aeronautical Radio of Thailand (AEROTHAI)’s “Safe Agricultural Drones: Nakhon Phanom Model” shows the potential impact clearly. In a 22-rai demonstration plot growing Kor Khor 22 glutinous rice in Tha Uthen district, drone-assisted farming helped cut rice seed use by 52%, fertilizer use by 25% and labor costs by 41%. The project also increased average yields to 1,100 kilograms per rai, or 250 kilograms more than conventional farming methods. After costs were deducted, farmers earned an average income of 5,254 baht per rai, which was 2,509 baht higher than income from traditional rice farming. Agricultural drone use is also expanding rapidly. AEROTHAI said the use of farm drones is increasing by more than 20% a year, with more than 200,000 agricultural drones now in operation across rice fields, orchards and other crop-growing areas. To promote wider use of agricultural drones, the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT) has joined the Radio Control Airplane Modeler Sport Association to open drone technology learning centers at several vocational institutions. The centers are designed as hubs for learning and training, covering everything from basic drone technology use to the development and further application of agricultural drone innovation. They are also intended to create new career opportunities, improve the quality of life of farmers and local residents, and serve as models for expanding agricultural drone technology development at the regional level. Beyond the NRCT’s agricultural drone learning centers, several agencies are also moving to promote the use of drones as part of efforts to help Thailand’s agricultural sector thrive in the digital era.
For instance, the Department of Agricultural Extension has launched a workshop training project on “Drones for Agriculture” at Saen Palm Training Home in Kamphaeng Saen district, Nakhon Pathom province. The program gives farmers the opportunity to learn both theory and practice, covering drone laws and permit applications, equipment maintenance, and safe, correct and responsible drone operation in ways that take account of society and the environment. Read more at:
