Supamas Isarabhakdi, Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation (MHESI), spearheaded an initiative to introduce advanced drone technology to agriculture during a visit to Chaiyaphum province. The “Drones to Alleviate Poverty in Agriculture” policy aims to enhance farming efficiency by reducing chemical exposure, cutting costs, and saving time for farmers. This visit comes just before the Cabinet retreat in Nakhon Ratchasima.
On July 1, at Wat Bang Amphan, Minister Supamas led an on-site meeting with senior MHESI officials and local dignitaries to discuss the various research and innovations being developed by MHESI departments. The minister emphasized the pressing need to address significant challenges faced by Chaiyaphum’s agricultural community, such as water scarcity and excessive chemical use, by leveraging smart technologies.
Supamas directed MHESI executives to seek out and implement solutions that could improve the quality of life for local farmers. A key solution presented was the use of high-precision agricultural spray drones. These drones offer a cost-effective and efficient alternative to traditional farming methods, capable of reducing the reliance on chemicals while increasing productivity.
Chaiyaphum will serve as a pilot location for this drone policy, which aligns with MHESI’s broader objective of utilizing technology to address public issues. If successful, the policy may expand to include subsidized services for farmers, similar to the previous “Half-Price Fertilizer” initiative.
In addition to agricultural support, MHESI’s mobile medical unit from Srinagarind Hospital provided health screenings for over 1,250 residents, addressing prevalent regional health concerns. The mobile unit also included dental services, offering checks and scaling to enhance community health and well-being.
The meeting and demonstrations in Chaiyaphum were attended by senior MHESI officials and local dignitaries, reflecting the collaborative effort to drive innovation and support for the province’s agricultural sector.
