Tackling Fertilizer Crisis: Ministry of Higher Education Partners with Agriculture Ministry to Launch AI-Powered 'Smart-Cut Fertilizer' Solution
Thailand's government launched an AI-powered "smart fertilizer" program to help farmers reduce costs by 40-60% while combating soil degradation and high chemical fertilizer prices. The initiative uses soil-customized blends and agricultural
On April 25, 2025, in Udon Thani Province, Deputy Prime Minister and MHESI Minister Prof. Dr. Yotchanan Wongswadikul presided over the launch of the 'Smart-Cut Fertilizer for Thai Farmers' project to assist agricultural workers affected by soaring chemical fertilizer prices and soil degradation issues. The launch was attended by Labour Minister Julphand Amornvivat, Deputy Agriculture Minister Watchrapol Khaokham, and officials from various government agencies.
Prof. Dr. Yotchanan stated that the government recognizes farmers as the "vital heart" of Thailand's economy but noted they face mounting challenges from climate change and global commodity price fluctuations. The government is therefore implementing science, technology, and innovation to reduce farmer costs and increase incomes. Rather than simply producing fertilizer, the project integrates knowledge with appropriate technology by shifting from standardized fertilizer use to customized blends designed specifically for each area's soil conditions. Results show the approach can reduce costs by 40-60% while increasing organic matter and restoring soil health.
The program uses agricultural cooperatives as the foundation for installing production equipment and smart platforms, with plans to expand nationwide to ensure food security and economic prosperity. The pilot began in Udon Thani with plans to scale to model cooperatives before national rollout. The initiative also presents an innovation combining agricultural waste like rice straw with chemical fertilizer bases, improving productivity while rehabilitating soil long-term and reducing environmental impact.
Deputy Agriculture Minister Watchrapol Khaokham noted that Thailand imports over 40% of its chemical fertilizers due to geopolitical issues, making the organic-chemical hybrid 'smart fertilizer' a critical solution for reducing dependency and addressing soil degradation caused by chemical-only approaches.
