𝗦𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗔𝗴𝗿𝗶𝗰𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺 𝗘𝗻𝘀𝘂𝗲𝘀, 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗔𝘀𝗽𝗶𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗕𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗢𝗻𝗲

Khon Kaen, Thailand ─ On 6 June 2023, the SEAMEO STEM-ED team met with Khon Kaen Advanced Agriculture Industry Technology College head for an update on the “Drones for Agriculture” program it initiated in 2022. The two later discussed measures for crafting an improved curriculum for future students, as well as inviting an expert to demonstrate how his skills are needed for today’s world.

The “Drone for Agriculture” program was incepted by SEAMEO STEM-ED as a career development apparatus. The focus on agriculture is because it is one of Thailand’s leading industries, which economy in the Northeastern provinces is heavily dependent on its production.

With large agricultural fields scattered throughout the region, manpower is highly needed to monitor and operate the fields. With this notion, issues arose from individuals being exposed to chemicals, toxins, and sunlight. SEAMEO STEM-ED in this regard saw the opportunity in

making a better livelihood as well as create more careers for local communities exploiting smart agriculture.

The concept of smart agriculture is being popularized in the world today as technology progresses ─ by leveraging advanced technology, the Internet of Things (IoT) for monitoring and automating a mundane and risky task.

Establishing the Drone for Agriculture program marked a success in gathering northeastern institutions, experts, and private organizations ─ to unite as a movement to witness quality agricultural production and quality personnel. On 25 June 2022, the first generation of students from Khon Kaen Advanced Agriculture Industry Technology College took part in the course whilst they are now interning in different organizations ─ and this year, the program accepts another 30 individuals to prepare for an upcoming future job market.

During this visit, the SEAMEO STEM-ED team helped connected Khon Kaen Advanced Agriculture Industry Technology College and Nonthan Subdistrict Administrative Organization (both in Khon Kaen Province) ─ where two representatives sought to promote the program on a larger scale.

𝗬𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗼𝗻 𝗮 𝗙𝗶𝗲𝗹𝗱, 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗺𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗿 𝗔𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗼𝗳 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗺

On 7 June 2023, Komkrit Wongchan or Joe, who is a drone pilot in the Northeastern region, demonstrated how smart irrigation is performed at the cassava field. He also explained the science behind fertilizer and the prerequisite skills for becoming a field drone pilot.

Observed by 2nd generation students from Khon Kaen Advanced Agriculture Industry Technology College, they also witnessed tangible proof of how smart agriculture can catapult a new generation of students to a niche career today.

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