Chalermchai Sri-On
Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives
3 highlights to armed agriculture in the digital age
The direction of operation in 2021 may not be much different from that of 2020 as Thailand is currently suffering from a COVID-19 pandemic. Since March 2020 onwards, or for more than 9 months that Thailand has been affected by this crisis. Which affects the business sector, especially the service business That was most affected Second is the industry.
In the agricultural sector, it is viewed as one of the sectors that is relatively less affected. Can be observed from various surveys Speaking of the woes of the people, farmers will be placed among those affected by COVID-19. Less than others, while some agricultural products showed positive growth. This has helped to moderately drive the Gross National Product (GDP) figure, all of which are assessed in 2020.
⦁ Year 2021, where will Thailand go?
We view the current situation as a situation where we do not expect another violent epidemic. Therefore various measures That the government will take action after this is that the government will take full action. It may cause some operations to stumble, such as service businesses. Travel Previously, it was predicted that there would be more relief, after which it would have to be tightened again. But in the agricultural sector Expected to be least affected Because farmers have adapted since early 2020
When farmers have adjusted The Ministry of Agriculture. There are other operations in parallel, such as market policy, production lead This policy is considered as the main policy in driving the agricultural sector. In collaboration with the Ministry of Commerce Under the concept of agriculture, production, commerce, market, as well as coordinating with other government agencies such as the Army and various modern trade malls That is the distribution center in this policy Including the adaptation of the cooperative community enterprise that has drawn help in expanding farmers’ products to consumers. And improving the logistics system In conjunction with the Thai Post Office and Kerry, etc., which these matters are considered good preparation Because we have started before
By the year 2021 will bring these things to the top. And maintain the quality of the produce Including opening new agricultural markets The appraisal has the future and is in demand in the market, such as products containing insect protein. Like crickets Which has been certified by the European Union (EU) with income to the country more than 1 billion baht There are also other economic animals that are prepared to push. Like a pupa from silk Currently, production is not enough to meet the market demand for another 3 thousand tons. Initially ordered the National Bureau of Agricultural Commodity and Food Standards (CMAS) to look at the standard to be equivalent to crickets in hopes of exporting to the market.
No3 highlights carrying agriculture
Highlight for the agricultural sector in 2021 because the Ministry of Agriculture It is a diverse ministry in 2021, divided into 3 main stories.
First highlight 1. Water management Since it is the number one priority of the agricultural sector, household sector, industrial sector Or can be said that it is important to all sectors Therefore, the allocation of water systems in each region It is important By now having already ordered Because each region has different environments and needs. If you want to cut one shirt and wear the whole country I can’t do it. And confirm that drinking water Consume no shortage of 100%. Water in other sectors. Have to sort through different priorities Any part of the agricultural sector that has sufficient water sources can cultivate agriculture in accordance with the existing water costs. This section is a starting point. As for natural disasters such as drought or flood No one can determine But prepared preparations can help mitigate the damage. But from preliminary estimates it is estimated that the amount of water in 2021 will be slightly less than in 2020, but fortunately, the Chao Phraya River basin has water volume in 2021, about 1 billion cubic meters (m3) higher than in 2020.
Highlight two Is to drive market principles, lead production Come and apply it to every plant. This is an important matter, no matter what plant or animal it is. If the price falls, all farmers will be damaged. Therefore, all departments and agencies involved have to prepare in advance. By the Office of Agricultural Economics (NESDB) must be the mother See that in this era, Big Data must be brought into operation Which must analyze how much each province has the quantity of raw materials, including if the Big Data system is used Will be able to analyze the overall agricultural output in 2021 as well to have a marketing plan in advance. Prevent product slump In addition, farmers have to adjust in terms of product processing. Which is an important change Because if allowing the system to be traceable Will further reinforce the standard and build the confidence of consumers Or even more buyers
Highlight three Is to transform farmers into the digital age Or modify farmers to become businessmen By enhancing sales skills and transferring technology both in production and marketing, if possible, it is believed that farmers will be able to step up to another level. The most important thing is that farmers must keep up with the world. After this, it will produce enough to meet the needs of the customers. It is not produced according to one’s own habits or needs. The goal of this time is to increase the value of agricultural products. Which must reduce production costs Drive privatization, increase demand from 1x to 5-10 times.
The year 2021 is a challenging year again. It is expected that there will be a change in the agricultural sector after 2020, a number of fundamental adjustments have been made for farmers to be aware of in many areas, the year 2021 will be fully driven.
All 3 parts must be walked along in order to achieve the 2021 goal.
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