In a promising step towards enhancing Thailand's agricultural sector, the Rice Department, Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives of Thailand, and Chia Tai Company Limited, came together on July 25, 2023 to sign a momentous Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at fostering Research and Development of Rice Production Innovation. The signing ceremony took place at the esteemed Ruang Khao Hall, signifying the significance of this collaboration between the Thai government and the private sector.

The MoU was signed by Mr. Natthakit Khongthip, Director-General of the Rice Department of Thailand, and Mr. Manas Chiaravanond, Chief Executive Officer of Chia Tai Company Limited, in the presence of key representatives, stakeholders, and industry experts.

The primary objectives of this groundbreaking MoU are to promote cooperation in the research and development of innovative practices in modern rice production. Both parties have pledged to work jointly on research initiatives that will enhance smart rice production methods, optimising the potential of the rice production system in Thailand. The agreement also aims to facilitate the adoption of high-efficiency agricultural technologies and innovations, ensuring the sustainable growth of the rice cultivation process.

Mr. Natthakit Khongthip, the Director-General of the Rice Department, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, emphasising the importance of this academic exchange between the government and the private sector. He highlighted that the main areas of cooperation will encompass a wide range of topics, including plant protection products, biological control agents, cutting-edge agricultural drone utilisation techniques, and the implementation of a prototype farm for smart rice production. The exchange of information and research data will pave the way for the dissemination of valuable findings and technologies, ultimately benefitting farmers and aligning rice production with market demands.

Mr. Manas Chiaravanond, the Chief Executive Officer of Chia Tai Company Limited, echoed the sentiment of shared vision and commitment to elevate the Thai agricultural industry. He stressed that Chia Tai is fully prepared to contribute its expertise in agricultural technologies and innovations to advance Precision Agriculture through leading-edge agricultural drones, the development of Smart Fertigation, Machine Supervision, and Farm Management Platform, enabling Yield Analysis. These technologies aim to boost the quantity and quality of agricultural produce while promoting efficient resource management, optimising water, fertilizers, and labour usage. Mr. Manas Chiaravanond further emphasised that this bilateral effort is driven by a determination to enhance the potential of rice farmers, ensure food security, and improve the quality of life on a sustainable basis, aligning with Chia Tai's commitment to the nation.

The signing of this MoU marks the beginning of an exciting journey towards transforming the rice production landscape in Thailand. By combining the strengths of the public and private sectors, this collaboration is set to drive innovation, empower farmers, and contribute to the sustainable development of Thai agriculture. With a shared mission to boost agricultural productivity and efficiency, Thai Rice Department and Chia Tai Company Limited are poised to create a lasting impact on Thailand's agricultural growth, ensuring food security for Thai agriculture and its people.