In Chanthaburi province, Thailand’s durian heartland, farmer Kosai is pioneering a smart orchard that's reshaping how the country’s famed fruit reaches dinner tables in the Chinese mainland. Through a partnership between Thailand's Commercial Association for Sustainability of Agriculture (CASA) and the Chinese mainland's Foreign Economic Cooperation Center (FECC), this orchard blends tradition with cutting-edge IoT technology.
Sensors installed by the Chinese mainland side monitor weather, water levels and soil moisture in real time. The system can track soil humidity down to the nearest millimeter and adjust irrigation automatically, according to Kosai. Early results show a 20% boost in yield per hectare and a significant drop in water usage.
In 2023, the FECC launched a Smart Farm Integrated Development Pilot Program in Thailand. This initiative extends beyond the orchard, digitizing supply chains and marketing channels. By partnering with leading e-commerce platforms from the Chinese mainland, the program has opened online storefronts and hosted livestream events aimed at consumers in the region.
Data speaks volumes: In 2024, the Chinese mainland imported a record 1.56 million tons of durians worth $6.99 billion, with nearly 60% sourced from Thailand. For young digital nomads and tech-savvy producers alike, these figures highlight the power of cross-border innovation.
Looking ahead, CASA and the FECC plan to scale the model to other provinces, tapping into blockchain for traceability and AI for predictive analytics. Whether you’re a food explorer, an agritech entrepreneur or a sustainability advocate, Thailand’s digital durian story offers fresh perspectives on global trade and innovation.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
