The rapid growth of digital technologies in agriculture is reshaping the landscape of farming across Southeast Asia, offering innovative solutions for sustainable practices and enhanced productivity.
At the ASEAN-Japan Symposium on Accelerating Digitalisation in Agriculture, held in Vung Tau, Vietnam, last year, a panel of industry leaders gathered to explore the transformative potential of these technologies. The session delved into the impact of groundbreaking innovations such as soil analytics, drone technology, precision farming, and public-private partnerships (PPPs), highlighting how these tools are driving agricultural progress across the ASEAN region.
SOIL ANALYTIC TECHNOLOGY
Soil analysis is an essential component of crop management, providing farmers with crucial data on carbon content, nutrient levels, and soil pH.
During the panel discussion, Sagri Co Ltd, smart agriculture data service and platform highlighted the power of satellite-based soil analytic technology, which delivers real-time, accurate data at a fraction of the cost and time compared to traditional methods.
This innovation enables large-scale, efficient soil management practices, leading to healthier crops, improved yields and reduced operational costs.
PRECISION AGRICULTURE: THE DRONE REVOLUTION
Precision agriculture has gained momentum, with drones playing a central role in monitoring and treating crops.
Drones, equipped with Global Positioning System (GPS) and imaging technologies, offer precise spraying of fertilisers and pesticides, especially in difficult terrains such as hilly areas.
TCS AgroTech, which operates over 40,000 drones across Thailand, demonstrated the effectiveness of this technology in reducing input costs and environmental impact.
Panel members agreed that drone-assisted precision farming is integral to sustainable agriculture in the region.
CLIMATE-SMART AGRICULTURE AND CARBON MANAGEMENT
The panel also focused on the critical role of digital technology in addressing climate change.
The Japan Association for International Collaboration of Agriculture and Forestry (JAICAF) shared their success in Vietnam, where they deployed ICT-based water management systems to optimise irrigation, particularly in areas vulnerable to flooding and drought.
These smart systems, supported by the Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund (JAIF), collect real-time data on water levels and environmental conditions, enhancing water-use efficiency.
Similarly, through this tech, sugarcane farmers in Vietnam can also reduce carbon emissions and participate in carbon credit markets, benefitting both the environment and local economies.
TECHNOLOGY IN FISHERIES: ENSURING SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES
In Vietnam, the Institute of Policy and Strategy for Agriculture and Rural Development (IPSARD) has developed a fishery monitoring system that integrates satellite and GPS technology to track fishing vessels.
This system helps combat illegal fishing and ensures the sustainable management of marine resources, thus reinforcing the importance of digital technology in safeguarding biodiversity and supporting legal fishing practices.
THE SMART VILLAGE MODEL
The concept of the “smart village” was another key topic of discussion. The Institute of Policy and Strategy for Agriculture and Rural Development (IPSARD) outlined the five core elements of a smart village: smart institutions, resources, infrastructure, services and production businesses.
This holistic approach fosters rural economic development by integrating digital infrastructure and services, such as e-governance, digital literacy, and efficient agricultural production systems.
The panel emphasised the importance of collaboration across government, private sector, and local communities to make this vision a reality.
PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS
Public-private partnerships were highlighted as essential for advancing digital agriculture.
Panel members cited Sagri Co Ltd.’s collaboration with 4,000 sugarcane farmers in Vietnam, which provided both technological tools and financial support for sustainable practices.
Similarly, the JAICAF-supported irrigation project in Vietnam exemplified how technology transfer through PPPs can enhance agricultural productivity.
These partnerships align the strengths of the public sector, such as regulatory frameworks, with the technological expertise of the private sector to scale innovative solutions effectively.
MARKET ENHANCEMENT AND OVERCOMING BARRIERS
Enhancing market access for farmers through digital platforms was another focal point.
E-commerce solutions such as Olam Market and SENDO are expanding trade opportunities for farmers, enabling both consumer-to-consumer and business-to-consumer transactions.
Additionally, Vietnam’s collaboration with TikTok facilitates knowledge-sharing through videos while providing farmers with a direct-to-consumer marketplace.
These platforms help bridge the gap between farmers and consumers, fostering sustainable trade practices. Despite the promising potential of digital agriculture, affordability and complexity remain significant barriers to adoption.
The panel stressed the importance of designing technologies that are both affordable and user-friendly.
Many farmers are deterred by the high costs and steep learning curves associated with advanced technologies. To overcome these barriers, solutions must be intuitive and provide clear, immediate benefits to farmers, especially in the early stages of adoption.
Finally, the discussion highlighted the need for cross-border policy collaboration to support digital agriculture.
Governments, startups, and investors must work together to create a conducive environment for technology development and scaling.
Regional platforms for sharing best practices, coupled with reviews of policy frameworks and financing models, are necessary to ensure that digital tools can be effectively integrated into agriculture.
With continued investment, policy support, and capacity building, digital agriculture can pave the way for a more resilient and prosperous ASEAN. – Wardi Wasil
