Smart farming/Syngenta Thailand

Editorial staff

Syngenta Thailand launches "CENTRIGO™, a farming ecosystem, to provide end-to-end solutions for farmers in a bid to support the modernization of Thai agricultural sector.

The company launched CENTRIGO™ Farming Ecosystem in service of Thai farmers, with the opening of its first center in Hua Ruea subdistrict, Ubon Ratchathani on April 23, 2024.

CENTRIGO™ offers integrated, end-to-end solutions that help farmers improve their productivity and quality, leading to higher profitability overall and better means to address the needs of local consumers and national exports.

Located in Hua Ruea Subdistrict, Ubon Ratchathani, the CENTRIGO™ center represents the first of its kind in Thailand, aiming to revolutionize the agricultural landscape by providing Thai growers with access to modern agricultural solutions, technology and sustainable agronomic practices. CENTRIGO™ connects growers to financing, inputs, service providers, and offtake partners through physical and digital touchpoints.

Syngenta is a provider of agricultural science and technology, in particular seeds and pesticides with its management headquarters in Basel, Switzerland.

Alexander Berkovskiy, regional director for Asia, the Middle East, and Africa at Syngenta, emphasized, “CENTRIGO™ addresses the key pain points of farmers throughout their journey, offering integrated agricultural solutions.

“Our team of experts is dedicated to guiding farmer groups through the entire cultivation process, enhancing their productivity and increasing profits. Through modern technology and sustainable practices, we aim to uplift farmers' livelihoods, supporting the development of the sector and ensuring food security."

Kluaymai Nuchniyom, general manager, Syngenta Crop Protection Co., said the strategic selection of Ubon Ratchathani is its significance in economic crop cultivation in northeast Thailand.

Syngenta, along with prospective partners, will broaden their reach within various agricultural sectors, providing support to local growers such as financing and other service provision.

“With this support, Thai farmers can unlock their potential to produce high-quality food that meets market and consumer demand, thereby enhancing Thailand's food security effectively and sustainably. Equipped with a readily available network of knowledge and services, we are confident that farmers within the CENTRIGO™ system will lead in driving change, boosting competitiveness, and elevating Thailand's agricultural sector,” Ms Kluaymai said.

Sittiphon Laohawanich, the owner of Nai Noi Chili Sorting Plant Hua Ruea, a network of agricultural producers and buyers, said Ban Hua Ruea chili enjoys immense popularity. Besides domestic sales, they also export internationally, with daily exports totaling around 10 tons.

This has led to a robust network of chili farmers in Hua Ruea sub-district, spanning over 3,000 rai, providing sustainable income for local farmers.

Cultivating quality chili requires expertise in planting and care to achieve large, vibrant, and flavorful produce, commanding good prices and meeting market demand.

“The establishment of the center by Syngenta presents an opportunity for farmers and communities to access diverse agricultural knowledge, including drone technology, facilitating sustainable production and increased profits for farmers.”

(From left) Sittiphon Laohawanich, Alexander Berkovskiy and Kluaymai Nuchniyom

Across Asia, CENTRIGO™ has operations in Bangladesh, Indonesia, India and Pakistan. Now, Thai farmers can avail services from CENTRIGO™ directly from the center or access guidelines for farming through Syngenta's Cropwise application, receiving expert advice and support.