Social enterprise Ricult gives Thai farmers a high-tech helping hand to improve their yield and profitability. Co-founder Aukrit Unahalekhaka explains how
In the What Matters To Me series, a Generation T honouree describes what they do, why they do it, and why it matters.
Aukrit Unahalekhaka is on a mission to improve the lives of farmers across Thailand, Pakistan and beyond. The 29-year-old MIT graduate is co-founder and chief product officer of social enterprise Ricult, established in 2016, which uses machine learning and satellite technology to help farmers increase productivity and profitability.
Here, Unahalekhaka introduces his work in his own words.
I witnessed at first-hand the difficulties small-scale farmers face from a young age. My family owns an agricultural business, which exposed me to the struggles of farmers. That’s really what inspired me to do what I am doing now. It has been my lifelong goal to use technology to help improve the lot of farmers, who are the backbone of our country. We use advanced technology such as machine learning and satellites to help farmers enhance their productivity, increase their access to markets and secure more affordable loans.