As Thailand’s agricultural sector faces mounting pressures from climate change and global competition, a new generation of tech-savvy farmers is emerging as a beacon of hope. The industry is increasingly looking to young innovators to drive sustainability and efficiency, ensuring the sector’s resilience in an ever-changing landscape.
The recent “Kubota Smart Farmer Camp 2025,” hosted by Siam Kubota Corporation in Udon Thani, underscores this shift. The four-day event, now in its 11th year, brought together over 60 university students, equipping them with the skills needed to modernise farming practices. Waraporn Osataphan, Senior Vice President of Siam Kubota, emphasised the camp’s role in shaping the future of agriculture. “This camp cultivates future leaders who combine knowledge, technology, and a deep understanding of the evolving landscape of farming,” she said. With more than 1,000 alumni, many of whom have pursued careers in agriculture, the programme is fostering a quiet but impactful revolution.
The camp’s curriculum is built on three key pillars: agri-tech, agri-business, and agri-branding. Participants delve into smart farming technologies, practical business management, and digital branding, creating a well-rounded skill set essential for modern agriculture. This holistic approach aims to produce farmers who can advance the sector economically, socially, and environmentally.
One of the standout features of this year’s camp was the focus on digital content creation, led by prominent social media influencers. Ms Waraporn highlighted the importance of social media in transforming perceptions of farming. “When used effectively, it can raise awareness, attract investment, and make farming careers more appealing to the younger generation,” she noted. This digital push is crucial, especially as the average age of Siam Kubota’s customers rises to 55, with only 18% of past camp participants currently working in farming. Yet, the influence of these young farmers extends far beyond their numbers, driving innovation and sustainability in the sector.
The integration of technology and traditional knowledge is already yielding tangible results. Chartchaowasirot Yodkhiri, a local farming leader from the Huai Tad Kha community, shared how technology has boosted rice yields from 300 to 500 kilogrammes per rai and doubled cassava output to six tonnes per rai, benefiting over 217 families. This collaboration between young digital natives and experienced farmers is strengthening local economies and family incomes.
Among the new generation of farmers is Kanyawee Rawi, a 21-year-old engineering student from King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang. Ms Kanyawee joined the camp to learn about agricultural machinery, with plans to modernise her family’s rice and rubber farms using drone technology. “I want to reduce chemical exposure for my family and boost yields,” she said. “Farming is my heritage, and I won’t abandon my land. I will become a smart young farmer and build a sustainable future for myself and my community.”
The implications of this shift are profound. As young, tech-savvy farmers like Ms Kanyawee enter the sector, they bring with them the potential to revolutionise traditional practices. Their ability to leverage technology and digital platforms could redefine agriculture, making it more sustainable, efficient, and appealing to future generations. This transformation is not just about adopting new tools but also about fostering a mindset that embraces innovation and sustainability as the cornerstones of modern farming.