Agricultural Innovation
Agricultural Innovation
” Reduce costs, improve productivity, and be eco-friendly. “
Agriculture has historically been a significant source of livelihood for Thai people. It is important to Thailand’s economy and society. Thailand has approximately 149 million rai of land for agricultural use, 46 percent of which is used for rice farming, followed by fruit orchards. and 25 percent of perennials and field crops such as sugarcane, corn, and cassava, 21 percent, and the rest are flowering plants and others such as livestock. (Office of Agricultural Economy 2019)
Plant diseases are a major problem in agriculture, causing significant economic impact, and it has been a serious obstacle for farmers for a long time. Fungal plant disease is the most difficult to prevent and eliminate compared to other diseases. Therefore, farmers must use several methods together, including foliar spraying. Inject chemicals into the trunk and scrape the bark around the rotten wound then paint with chemicals. However, this is only a temporary cure for the disease, or it is only prolonging the time for diseased plants to slow down.
Pesticide usage is a major issue in Thailand. The unrestricted import and usage of these chemicals, in addition to inefficient management, will cause a variety of problems such as the effect on farmer health, it pollutes the environment, particularly the farming area. Large amounts of residues in fruits and vegetables harm consumers including the impact on agriculture and food exports, among other things.
The research team is aware of the issues raised using agrochemicals. As a result, several solutions are being invented, researched, and developed by focusing on the replacement of those chemicals. The use of natural substances with anti-pathogenic action in plants and accelerated growth at a low cost is an incredibly excellent approach. It is safe for farmers, not harmful to the environment in the planting area, and not accumulated in production making it safe for consumers and can add value to agricultural products.
