The agricultural drones project aimed at improving productivity has secured participation from 86 communities across 22 provinces in the first batch, a statement released by Thailand's Digital Economy Promotion Agency said on Wednesday.

The initiative is part of the One Tambon One Digital (Chumchon Drone Jai) project being implemented by the Digital Economy and Society Ministry in collaboration with the agency. Launched in November last year, the project aims to increase Thai farmers' efficiency and productivity as well as their well-being. It also helps to complete the building of Thailand's digital ecosystem.

The director of the agency, Nattapon Nimmanpatcharin, expressed his confidence that the agricultural drone project would reach the target of 500 communities nationwide. In addition to implementing drones in the agriculture sector, he said that the project would support the growth of Thai drone manufacturers certified by the agency's dSURE, as well as establish a centre for the development of aviation skills, drone control for agriculture and drone repair centres for agriculture. 

The project would not only help Thai farmers develop their agritech skills but also assist others in the communities to upskill as effective drone flight operators and drone technicians, he said. 

"Training for agricultural drone operators would be provided to all communities that receive drones. The training will include theory and practical training that would give trainees the opportunity to fly agricultural drones in practice," he said. 

He highlighted the significance of agricultural drones as a tool to help increase production efficiency, reduce costs, decrease employment and working time, lower illness rates from inhalation and exposure to chemicals, and improve the quality of life for farmers and community members.

"Our goal is to upgrade the skills of farmers and communities throughout Thailand to be able to become drone service providers for at least 1,000 people within one year. The use of drones for agriculture will occur in 500 communities or about 10,000 households nationwide, covering a total of more than 4 million rai (around 640,000 hectares) of agricultural land," he said.