Phra nakhon si ayutthaya: The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI) has unveiled the "Half-Half Plus" drone program aimed at supporting farmers through the adoption of smart farming practices. This initiative, called the "Half-Half Drone Plus for Smart Farming" project, seeks to alleviate the financial burden on farmers by subsidizing drone service costs at 40 baht per rai.
According to Thai News Agency, the project is currently being piloted in the provinces of Ayutthaya, Ang Thong, and Pathum Thani. Interested farmers can register for free drone pilot training, with registration open until January 31, 2026. Mr. Surasak Pancharoenworakul, the Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, officially launched the project at the Krachiu Subdistrict Administrative Organization in Phachi District, Ayutthaya.
Multiple agencies within MHESI, including the Regional Science Park and the National Innovation Agency, are involved in the initiative. The event showcased various drones and exhibits, drawing significant interest from the farming community. Mr. Pisanu Phonthi, Advisor to the Minister, emphasized that the project aims to improve farmers' quality of life by enhancing productivity, increasing income, and reducing production costs. The use of drones is expected to streamline tasks such as spraying chemicals, fertilizing, and sowing seeds, while also minimizing health risks associated with direct chemical exposure.
The project offers tangible benefits by reducing the cost of agricultural drones from 70 to 30 baht per rai for farmers with land holdings of up to 30 rai. Additionally, the program includes free soil quality testing and agricultural drone pilot training to equip farmers with the necessary skills for drone operation. The pilot phase is projected to assist at least 3,300 farmers, covering approximately 100,000 rai of farmland.