Govt to create data centre to help farm supply match demand
THE OFFICE of Agricultural Economics (OAE) will work with other government agencies to develop a data analytics system as part of the government’s effort to upgrade the management of Thailand’s farm sector.
According to Chantanont Wankejorn, deputy chief of OAE, more than 30 agencies will be involved in the data analysis scheme to provide decision-makers with more accurate and relevant data in line with the government’s Thailand 4.0 initiate for agriculture.
Agencies under the jurisdiction of Interior, Commerce and Finance ministries will also participate in this scheme, including the Department of Provincial Administration and the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives.
The government needs to integrate data on farm output, crop timing, and specific locations of major farming areas so that marketing and sales units could use the data to deliver better results for farmers in terms of selling price.
The data analytics project covers the registration of farmers, their cooperatives, output, production factors, farming areas, land use, irrigation, marketing and other crucial information. In addition, artificial intelligence (AI) will be used to improve the management of farm sector.
Farmers are sometimes hit hard by an oversupply of certain economic crops, resulting in losses. The government has been unable to provide timely and accurate information on the production and marketing sides.
Once a proper database is available, AI and other technologies can help policymakers and farmers make better decisions, especially with regard to the demand and supply of farm produce, says Chantanont.