Agriculture Ministry Opens Agri-Innovation Forum in Sukhothai
Thailand's Agriculture Ministry launched an agri-innovation forum in Sukhothai to equip farmers with technology and business skills needed to compete globally and boost incomes. The initiative connects farmers with knowledge, funding, and m
The Agriculture Ministry has prioritized upgrading the agricultural sector to strengthen farmers, boost their income, and enable them to compete globally. Deputy Agriculture Minister Piyarattha Tiyapairot explained that modern farmers must keep pace with changes in technology, innovation, economics, society, climate, and market demand. The ministry has tasked the Department of Agricultural Extension with developing smart farmers and young smart farmers who possess knowledge, skills, and the ability to apply technology and innovation alongside agricultural business management, enabling them to develop their careers, generate income, and create real business opportunities.
The initiative integrates cooperation among all partners—government agencies, private sector, educational institutions, financial organizations, and scientific and technological bodies—to advance Thai farmers' capacity to adapt and grow amid agricultural changes. The goal is to connect farmers with knowledge, technology, funding sources, and markets, enabling them to evolve into modern agricultural entrepreneurs who add value, reduce costs, and build sustainable competitive advantage.
Deputy Director-General Anchali Suwajitanont of the Department of Agricultural Extension added that the event aims to transition smart farmers from "knowledgeable producers" to "modern agricultural entrepreneurs" capable of using technology, innovation, and business management to increase production efficiency, cut costs, create added value, and access markets systematically. The forum also seeks to build a network of new-generation smart farmers as a mechanism for knowledge exchange, innovation transfer, and outreach to local farming communities. The event features exhibitions of sustainable agricultural technology and innovation.
