Bangkok expo offers innovations in sustainable agriculture

The Agritechnica Asia & Horti Asia 2024 event in Bangkok served as a platform to bring together technology and innovation for a sustainable future in agriculture and horticulture, the organiser DLG-German Agricultural Society said.

Katharina Riehn, the agency’s vice president and chairperson, said the exhibition is crucial at a time when the global agriculture industry faces challenges from climate change and pollution from burning, causing food shortages and affecting people’s lives.

Held at the Bangkok International Trade and Exhibition Centre from May 22 to 24, the event aligned with DLG’s aim to provide solutions to farmers.

Riehn said the theme “Co-creation and Sustainable Networks” underscored the importance of collaboration in addressing agricultural issues.

This year’s exhibition was double in size compared to the previous one, showcasing innovations from over 353 companies and organisations aimed at enhancing productivity and sustainability in agriculture, including smart farming and carbon credits.

The event also served as a business-matching hub, fostering new opportunities and collaborations between manufacturers and technology providers from countries like India, China, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam and Japan, she said.

“By bringing together experts and innovators, we aim to address the pressing challenges of climate change and food security while increasing efficiency in farming practices,” Riehn added.

Advancing sustainable agriculture in Asia

Panadda Kongma, vice president of business for the exhibition’s co-organiser VNU Asia Pacific, said the event showcased more than 353 global brands from 28 countries and hosted over 50 conference sessions.

“Asia’s agricultural market is experiencing robust growth, particularly in the greenhouse segment, which is projected to grow at a compound rate of 14.12% from 2022 to 2027,” she said.

Pannada also thanked state and private agencies for their support since 2017 and pledged to continue collaborations to build a brighter future for agriculture and horticulture in Asia.

Opportunities for Thailand

Chiruit Isarangkun Na Ayuthaya, president of the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), said the event has provided significant opportunities to Thailand, which is among the countries most heavily impacted by global warming.

He also stressed the importance of adopting the latest agricultural and horticultural innovations and technologies, saying they are necessary to boost Thai agriculture efficiency and ensure the country’s food security.

He also hopes that partnerships with foreign experts will drive future growth in Thai agriculture.

“The event served as an important platform for knowledge exchange, technological know-how, networking to co-create and expand business connections,” he said.

Sustainable agriculture

Deputy Agriculture Minister Atthakorn Sirilatthayakorn said the event aligned with the ministry’s strategy to tackle climate change, ensure food security and promote sustainable agriculture.

He also highlighted the ministry’s efforts to promote sustainable farming practices and technologies to improve farmers’ quality of life, such as stopping crop burning and generating income from carbon credits.

Crop insurance schemes also play a crucial role in ensuring stable incomes for farmers, he said.

“Thailand is proud to host this significant event. It is through collaborative efforts that we can shape the future of agriculture, ensuring it meets the demands of today while preserving resources for tomorrow,” he said.

The three-day agricultural trade show was a resounding success, with 12,129 visitors from 73 countries participating, the DLG-German Agricultural Society said.

In collaboration with the Agriculture and Cooperatives Ministry, more than 1,000 Thai farmers gained valuable knowledge and innovative practices to enhance their farming techniques from global agricultural experts through guided tours of the fair.