Thai government promotes "smart farmers 4.0"

BANGKOK, May 10 (TNA) - The Thai government, through the Ministry of Commerce, is promoting and supporting local farmers to become "smart farmers 4.0" who will be able to rely on themselves in accessing to and making use of the modern e-commerce system for the global sale of their products. Chantira Jimreivat Vivatrat, Director-General of the ministry's Department of International Trade Promotion, told journalists of the policy on May 9, saying that her department is first launching the initiative for local fruit growers. Chantira explained that the first move is in response to the growing popularity of Thai fruits internationally, prompting global online traders to be ready to open their e-commerce platforms for Thai orchards, including those of durian, mangosteen and others. Chantira stated that under the policy, Thai fruit growers will be supported to constantly develop the quality of their produce to meet internationally-recognized standards and to sustain their income in the long run through good prices. Besides, her department is promoting and supporting local fruit growers to be equipped with digital technology to become "smart farmers 4.0" who will be able to access to and utilize the modern e-commerce system for their own business interests in the future. According to the senior official, her department will also support Thai fruit growers to register with the official Thaitrade.com system, in which their produce will be introduced and promoted on the world market and useful information for Thai business operators and exporters will be disseminated. (TNA)