Innovation and sustainability to transform Thai agriculture, and more stories

For PropertyGuru’s news roundup, Thailand’s agricultural sector faces significant challenges and needs to transform with innovation and sustainability. In other news, 2024 was Singapore’s warmest on record, tied with 2019 and 2016, according to Meteorological Service Singapore. Lastly, climate change has led to an increase in winter day temperatures in Japan.

Transforming Thai agriculture with innovation and sustainability 

Agriculture has long been a cornerstone of Thailand’s economy, employing about a third of the workforce and generating over USD49 billion (approximately THB167,500 million) in exports annually, according to Bangkok Post. However, the sector faces significant challenges that limit its progress, including limited access to advanced technology, insufficient adoption of sustainable farming methods, and continued reliance on traditional practices. Addressing these issues could enhance yield reliability and better equip farmers to combat climate-related challenges. Yet a 2021 survey revealed that many farmers remain hesitant to adopt new practices, largely due to a lack of understanding of their benefits. Overcoming this barrier is critical for transforming the sector into a stronger economic driver. Furthermore, Thailand must accelerate the adoption of advanced technologies and sustainable farming practices. Eco-friendly pesticides, integrated pest management, and weather monitoring systems can help farmers mitigate damage caused by erratic weather and pests, leading to improved yields, quality, and sustainability.

2024 was Singapore’s joint-warmest year on record; temperature highs in April, July and December

Last year was Singapore’s warmest on record, tied with 2019 and 2016, the Meteorological Service Singapore said on 10th January. All months recorded temperatures that were equal to or above their respective long-term averages, according to the Met Service’s Singapore Climate 2024: The Year in Numbers report. The 2023/2024 El Nino event contributed to Singapore’s warmer temperatures in 2024, as well as rainfall earlier in the year. CNA reports that April was the warmest month last year and also the warmest April on record.

Climate change raises winter temperatures in Japan

Climate change is already impacting Japan, leading to an increase in winter day temperatures. PNA cites a report by US-based research group Climate Central that showed the average daytime temperature in Fuji, a city near Mt. Fuji in eastern Shizuoka province, has risen above freezing. Fuji recorded the highest number of days with rising temperatures among 57 Japanese cities. The analysis of daily minimum temperatures during the winter months — December, January, and February — revealed that Japan experienced at least eight additional days above freezing annually between 2014 and 2023, primarily due to human-caused warming.

The Property Report editors wrote this article. For more information, email: [email protected].