The “Future of Good Life” project empowers Thai youth to advance sustainable rice farming, reducing carbon emissions and promoting low-carbon agriculture. 

The Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Prof. Dr. Narumon Pinyosinwat, has endorsed the Future of Good Life project, a youth-led initiative aimed at promoting sustainable rice farming practices. During a meeting at the ministry, the working group—comprising students from Ruamrudee International School and Bangkok Patana School—presented their efforts in developing low-carbon rice cultivation techniques. 

The team, consisting of Mr. Sithsakorn Jantrakul, Mr. Rattavinat Yuttayong, Mr. Phuwakrit Wannakajornkit, and Mr. Chaiyanat Kuptivej, was accompanied by Mr. Peter Bracher, Managing Director of Team Public Health, who serves as their advisor. Senior officials, including Dr. Nana Kuenkel, Director & Cluster Coordinator for Agriculture & Food at GIZ, Mr. Apai Suttisunk, Ms. Pattaraporn Sojayya, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the ministry, and Ms. Amaraporn Cheepsamut, the Director of the Office of Policy and Technology for Sustainable Argriculture were also present. 

Advancing Sustainable Agriculture 

The Future of Good Life project aligns with the Go Green policy of the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, which promotes environmentally friendly agricultural practices and high-value crop production. The project focuses on innovative techniques such as alternate wetting and drying (AWD), a method that significantly reduces methane emissions from rice paddies while improving yields. 

In addition to encouraging farmers to transition to low-carbon rice production, the initiative advocates for carbon credit trading, providing an additional revenue stream for Thai farmers. 

Minister’s Endorsement & Youth Contributions 

Prof. Dr. Narumon commended the students for their dedication to sustainable agriculture and their efforts in developing innovative tools to measure and manage carbon emissions. 

“I am proud to see Thai youth leading initiatives that support our national goal of making Thailand a global leader in sustainable rice production,” she stated. “Their innovative RiceSense device enhances the accuracy of carbon emission monitoring, enabling farmers to optimise AWD techniques while lowering environmental impact.” 

The minister also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fostering young agricultural innovators through the Young Smart Farmer program, which aims to equip the next generation with the skills and technology needed to navigate climate change challenges. 

Expanding the Initiative 

Mr. Sithsakorn Jantrakul, the project leader, highlighted the tangible impact of their efforts. 

“Initially, 40 farmers in Suphanburi participated, covering 500 rai (80 hectares). This number has now grown to 150 farmers, spanning 2,000 rai (320 hectares), with plans for further expansion. Our goal is to encourage more farmers to adopt low-carbon rice farming and raise public awareness of its benefits.” 

The Future of Good Life project exemplifies how youth-led innovation, supported by public-private partnerships, can drive meaningful change in Thailand’s agricultural landscape—ushering in a new era of sustainability and economic opportunity for local farmers.  

Published Date: February 7, 2025