Cutting-Edge Seminar Features THFS in Boosting Smart Agricultural Resilience to Climate Variability
Published December 23, 2024 | 5-minute read
Group photo of participants in the academic seminar.
Bangkok, Thailand – On Monday, December 16, 2024, at the Canna Meeting Room, Rama Gardens Hotel Bangkok, the Department of Water Engineering and Management at the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) received a research grant from the Agricultural Research Development Agency (Public Organization) (ARDA) to conduct a research project titled “Empowering the Thailand high-resolution (1km) seasonal hydrometeorological forecasting system (THFS) to support smart agriculture under climate variation challenges” The project aims to enhance knowledge of hydro-meteorological data, geoinformation, and seasonal forecasting, with a focus on applying this knowledge to water and agricultural management.
To facilitate the successful execution of the project and to promote the exchange of knowledge on leveraging big data for sustainable and efficient water and agricultural management, AIT hosted an academic seminar titled “A High-Resolution (1 km) Seasonal Hydro-Meteorological Data Forecasting System in Thailand to Enhance Smart Agriculture under the Challenges of Climate Variability.” The seminar brought together participants from a diverse range of academic institutions and organizations. Faculty members and students from Kasetsart University, Rajamangala University of Technology Thanyaburi, Thammasat University, and Mahidol University were in attendance. Officials from key governmental agencies, including Royal Irrigation Department, Office of the National Water Resources (ONWR), Department of Water Resources, Department of Groundwater Resources, Metropolitan Waterworks Regulations (MWA), Hydro-Informatics Institute (HII), Department of Royal Rainmaking and Agricultural Aviation, Land Development Department, Thai Meteorological Department (TMD), Thailand’s National Electronics and Computer Technology Center (NECTEC), and NSTDA, also participated. The objective of the meeting was to exchange knowledge and experiences in water and natural resource management, as well as to share research findings and discuss the development of related models.
The seminar commenced with a welcome speech from Dr. Sutat Weesakul, Senior Advisor at the Hydro-Informatics Institute (Public Organization). He emphasized the importance of this academic seminar in fostering the exchange of knowledge, skills, and the development of effective cooperation networks. He emphasized that such collaborative efforts are essential for generating tangible benefits in the future.”
Dr. Sutat Weesakul delivered the opening speech, and the meeting proceeded according to the agenda
Participants from academic institutions and organizations.
The seminar featured three distinguished keynote speakers who shared their expertise across different sessions:
In the first seminar session, Dr. Somchai Baimuang, an expert in meteorology, delivered a presentation on: “The Role of Geospatial and Hydro-Meteorological Data in Addressing Climate Variability.” His presentation underscored the vital role of geoinformation and hydrometeorological data in mitigating the impacts of climate variability. He highlighted how leveraging this data can significantly enhance adaptive strategies to combat climate change.
Leading the second seminar session, Dr. Aphantree Yuttapha from Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) presented on: “Application of Geoinformation and Hydro-Meteorological Data in Agricultural Management.” She stressed the critical role of hydrometeorological data in agricultural planning and agro-meteorological forecasting. Dr. Apantree underscored the importance of integrating data from hydrology, meteorology, geology, and ecological conditions to optimize planting periods and boost productivity. Key indices such as SPI (Standardized Precipitation Index), MAI (Moisture Availability Index), NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index), VCI (Vegetation Condition Index), and ENSO (El Niño-Southern Oscillation) were explored in depth.
In the third seminar session, Dr. Kanoksri Sarinnapakan from Hydro-Informatics Institute presented: “Application of Geoinformation and Hydro-Meteorological Data in Water Management.” Her presentation highlighted the development of the National Water Data Warehouse, a critical initiative supporting water resource management across the country. She elaborated on the use of telemetry systems for real-time water monitoring, decision-support systems, and the dissemination of vital information through websites and mobile applications. Dr. Kanoksri further emphasized the importance of predictive modeling to strengthen climate resilience and improve national water resource management.
First seminar session, Dr. Somchai Baimuang delivered a presentation on: “The Role of Geospatial and Hydro-Meteorological Data in Addressing Climate Variability.”
Second seminar session, Dr. Somchai Baimuang and Dr. Aphantree Yuttapha presented on: “Application of Geoinformation and Hydro-Meteorological Data in Agricultural Management.”
Third seminar session, Dr. Kanoksri Sarinnapakan presented on: “Application of Geoinformation and Hydro-Meteorological Data in Water Management.”
The project leader, Dr. Natthachet Tangdamrongsub, and the research team, led by Dr. Kittiphon Boonma, presented the topic: “High-resolution (1 kilometer) seasonal hydro-meteorological forecasting system in Thailand to enhance agricultural capabilities under the challenges of climate variability”. Dr. Natthachet explained the development of a high-resolution (6-month) seasonal hydro-meteorological forecasting system covering the entire country. The system is capable of producing up to 26 hydro-meteorological variables, including temperature, rainfall, runoff, soil moisture, and Leaf Area Index (LAI). These data can be applied across various sectors, such as agriculture, irrigation water management, and drought index assessments.
Next, Dr. Kittiphon Boonma discussed the dissemination of seasonal hydrometeorological forecast data through an interactive dashboard that displays information in the form of maps and time series. Interested users can access the data via the website: https://alice-lab.com/thailand-hydrometeorological-seasonal-forecasts-thsf/
The data is available for free download in netCDF format and can also be accessed through an API.
Dr. Natthachet Tangdamrongsub and Dr. Kittiphon Boonma presented the topic: “High-resolution (1 kilometer) seasonal hydro-meteorological forecasting system in Thailand to enhance agricultural capabilities under the challenges of climate variability.”
In the final session of the seminar, Dr. Saowanit Prabnakorn from Rajamangala University of Technology Thanyaburi moderated a brainstorming session and facilitated a panel discussion to gather insights on the geoinformation and hydro-meteorological data necessary for water and agricultural management in Thailand. Key questions were raised, and feedback was solicited from keynote speakers, guest researchers and project team members to summarize critical points and identify future development directions:
- Somchai Baimuang emphasized the importance of key hydro-meteorological data such as rainfall, temperature, relative humidity, wind direction and speed, and weather forecasts. He highlighted the need for data accuracy and effective application techniques, stressing the impacts of climate change on current water and agricultural management.
- Kanoksri Sarinnapakan proposed techniques and methods for analyzing geoinformation data relevant to hydro-meteorological conditions in Thailand. She focused on integrating spatial data and applying it to flood and drought management, as well as enhancing preparedness for water-related disasters.
- Nopadol Kiriphet discussed the advantages and disadvantages of using Big Data to support agricultural water management. He highlighted the convenience of accessing multiple variables from a single source and its role in supporting decision-making. However, he also pointed out the challenges, including system maintenance and associated costs.
- Chawakorn Rewtragulpaibul shared insights on the current use of Big Data in forecasting by the Royal Irrigation Department. He also addressed expectations for future applications of Big Data in agricultural water allocation to align with climate change projections.
This collaborative discussion laid the groundwork for refining and expanding the project to better address Thailand’s water and agricultural challenges.
During the panel session of the seminar, Dr. Saowanit Prabnakorn moderated and facilitated a discussion to brainstorm ideas and gather insights on the geoinformation and hydro-meteorological data necessary for water and agricultural management in Thailand.
Guest Researchers, and Project Researchers — Dr. Somchai Baimuang, Dr. Kanoksri Sarinnapakan, Dr. Nopadol Kiriphet, Mr. Chawakorn Rewtragulpaibul, and Moderator Dr. Saowanit Prabnakorn — engaged in brainstorming during the panel session, exchanging information and experiences related to the geoinformatics and hydro-meteorological data necessary for water management and agriculture in Thailand.
During the Q&A and feedback session, discussions were held on short-term forecasting capabilities, forecast accuracy, data dissemination via Google Earth Engine, and the extension of training to river basin committees and water user organizations. Finally, Dr. Saowanit Prabnakorn thanked the participants and concluded the exchange of information and experiences in using Big Data for decision-making in sustainable development and adaptation to future climate conditions. She requested that participants complete the questionnaire, which would allow the research team to summarize the results and find ways to further develop the project to meet the users’ needs. She also informed the participants about the next steps, including the organization of training on Big Data techniques and methods for supporting water management and agriculture under climate variability.
Participants participated in discussions, expressed their opinions, and exchanged information and experiences during the seminar.
More updates at the Asian Land Information for Climate and Environmental Research Laboratory (ALICE-LAB) Newspage
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