Bangkok: The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) and the Ministry of Agriculture are joining forces to solve the crisis of high fertilizer prices, unveiling a "smart customized fertilizer" initiative.
According to Thai News Agency, this AI-powered solution provides precise, plot-by-plot application and is a pilot project from the Thailand Institute of Scientific and Technological Research (TISTR). The innovation has shown effectiveness in reducing farmers' fertilizer costs by over 60% and is being piloted in Udon Thani, offering a comprehensive approach to cost reduction and soil restoration.
Mr. Yotsanun Wongsawat, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, presided over the launch ceremony of the "Customized Fertilizer for Thai Farmers" project. The initiative aims to assist farmers affected by soaring chemical fertilizer prices and soil degradation. Also present at the event were Mr. Julaphan Amornvivat, Minister of Labour; Mr. Watcharapol Khaokham, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives; along with executives, MPs, staff, and farmers. The event was hosted at the Agricultural Cooperative for Marketing Customers of the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC) Udon Thani Limited.
Mr. Yotchanan emphasized the government's awareness that the key to driving Thailand's economy lies with its farmers, who face challenges such as climate change and the volatility of global input prices, particularly chemical fertilizers. The government's urgent policy is to use science, technology, and innovation to alleviate farmers' burdens and increase their income tangibly.
The customized fertilizer project not only focuses on fertilizer production but also integrates knowledge with technology, transitioning from a fixed-price system to fertilizers tailored for specific soil conditions. The results reduce costs by 40-60% and increase organic matter in the soil, revitalizing it. Agricultural cooperatives serve as strong community foundations to install fertilizer production equipment and smart platforms, with plans to expand nationwide, contributing to sustainable food security and economic prosperity.
The project has started as a pilot program in Udon Thani, aiming to expand to model cooperatives before a nationwide rollout. The objective is to provide farmers with access to the right fertilizers for their soil and crops through accessible tools, such as applications from the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives or soil testing kits from MHESI.
An innovative "organic-chemical fertilizer" was also presented, involving processing agricultural waste materials like rice stubble and mixing them with chemical fertilizers. This maintains crop efficiency, restores soil health, reduces environmental impact, and integrates efforts from multiple ministries and local organizations. The goal is to upgrade farmers' skills and create supplementary income opportunities during crises, ensuring sustainable security for Thai farmers and workers.
Mr. Watcharaphol Khaokham highlighted that Thailand's agricultural sector faces a crisis due to soaring chemical fertilizer prices linked to geopolitical issues, with over 40% of fertilizers imported. Promoting customized organic-chemical fertilizers is crucial to reduce reliance on chemical fertilizers and address soil degradation by restoring organic matter.
The "Tailor-Made Fertilizer for Thai Farmers" project serves as a model for addressing food security issues. The initial six-month phase, concluding in September 2026, focuses on installing fertilizer mixing equipment and smart platforms in pilot agricultural cooperatives. This ensures farmers receive fertilizer that is suitable for their soil, crops, and budget. The project's success will lead to potential expansion and knowledge transfer to additional provinces, elevating Thai agriculture to precision agriculture, which is environmentally friendly, increases net income by reducing expenses, and ensures sustainable food security for the nation. The event included a demonstration of the fertilizer mixing machine and distribution of fertilizer to farmer representatives, showcasing readiness to bring innovation to Thai farmers before expanding to other areas.