‘Bayer’ opens Agri-Solution Research Center in Suphanburi in support of Thai farmers

Bayer Thai Co., Ltd., opened its Agri-Solution Research Center in Suphanburi Province to further bring innovative agricultural solutions and digital farming technologies to Thai farmers.

Leading the opening ceremony was Mr. Prapat Pothasuthon, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, alongside with dignitaries from the German Embassy and Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives.

Mr. Prapat Pothasuthon, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, said that in the digital age, new agricultural technologies have been introduced and become a major engine in driving up production efficiency and stability. As  such, it is increasingly crucial for farmers to apply technology. New-age farmers need to know how to appropriately apply technology, to maximize their resources from seeds, soil and water to labour at the times of labour shortage. Technology is the only solution for sustainable survival and food security for the entire nation.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives has promulgated a law that supports research and development, opening up research opportunities that address Thai farmers’ needs. In this regard, equipping farmers with knowledge on technology and application is crucial and research centers can fill up this void.

With its strategic location and diversified agricultural capacities, the Bayer Agri-Solution Research Center will conduct research and development activities in rice, corn, and vegetables. The center will develop tailored solutions using modern technologies around integrated crop and pest management solutions, crop protection application technologies, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) crop diagnostic and digital farming. The center can share new knowledge with farmer and can also be a knowledge-exchange center for farmers, government offices and private organizations.

H.E. Georg Schmidt, The German Ambassador to Thailand congratulated the parties on the bilateral cooperation. He expressed Germany’s readiness to support Thailand’s policies towards a more sustainable agriculture through modern agricultural technology improving quality and efficiency of its production. He thanked the Ministry of Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives for its supports for the research and development of agriculture innovations that will open up new opportunities and inspire more research that meet Thai farmers’ needs on their way to a sustainable agriculture in Thailand comprising of economical, ecological und social aspects.

With leading research capabilities in agriculture, Mr. Srinath Bala, Bayer Crop Science Regional APAC Head of Field Solutions, said Bayer is committed to helping farmers achieve production efficiency and better quality of life. "Farmers need innovation, not only to grow enough, but to grow better. This center will allow us to deliver tailored solutions to farmers."

He added the research center would contribute to ensuring human and environmental safety through its activities related to product application safety, spray drift exposure, and dietary safety. The center will also introduce Phytobac, a technology that helps to manage and treat wastewater from the farms to promote sustainable water conservation and environmental safety.

Ms. JinA Lee, Managing Director of Bayer Thai Co, Ltd. expressed appreciation to the Board of Investment (BoI) for granting investment incentives to the Agri-Solution Research Center. The expansion of research and development activities in rice, corn, and vegetables will support Thailand's national agricultural strategy to elevate the agricultural sector’s competitiveness.

Agricultural research will be conducted at the center, particularly concerning the innovations on rice, corn and vegetables in line with Thailand’s national agricultural strategy to elevate the agricultural sector’s competitiveness with technology and innovation, Smart Farming, Precision Farming and drone technology. The center will enable farmers’ access to agricultural technology and innovation, to improve their capabilities in handling diseases, pests and climate change impacts. It will support their access to higher-quality and higher-value markets and greater safety for consumers and the environment. It will also create job opportunities, improve local people’s capabilities, and become a knowledge exchange center for other domestic and international organizations.