By Cath Isabedra

In the bustling urban environment of Thailand, DiStar Fresh is leading a revolution in the agricultural industry with its innovative approach to hyper-local urban farming. Utilizing cutting-edge technology and sustainable practices, DiStar Fresh is enhancing the quality of produce while significantly impacting local communities and the environment. 

Mastering tropical climate with advanced technology 

DiStar Fresh employs advanced technology to optimize farming practices tailored to Thailand’s tropical climate. Krisana Tamvimol, CEO of MARS ONE and CTO of DiStar Fresh, explains, “We manage factors such as light, humidity, temperature, CO2, and wind. Temperature and humidity are quite important, but the temperature in Thailand is not excessively high. We have constructed indoor vertical farms with walls and ceilings made of sandwich panels or heat-insulating walls, allowing us to use minimal energy to reduce the temperature.” This meticulous control over the farming environment ensures efficient and sustainable operations with minimal energy consumption. 

One of the standout features of DiStar Fresh’s operations is its remarkable water conservation. “In our farm, we use only one percent of the water compared to conventional farming,” says Tamvimol. This drastic reduction exemplifies the company’s commitment to sustainable agriculture. Eliminating the need to wash vegetables before delivery further saves water and ensures cleaner produce. 

Innovating against the odds: Overcoming urban farming challenges 

With Thailand ranking seventh globally in pesticide usage, DiStar Fresh’s pesticide-free produce is vital to public health. “According to the World Health Organization, around 340 people in Thailand die from cancer daily,” Tamvimol notes. By providing clean, safe produce, DiStar Fresh is helping to mitigate the long-term health risks associated with pesticide-contaminated food. 

Urban farming in Thailand presents unique challenges, particularly concerning the cost of indoor vertical agriculture versus traditional agricultural methods. Tamvimol explains, “Our solution is to create farms that achieve economy of scale by using industrial methods to help reduce costs.” Continuous research on energy management and strategic farm locations with higher agricultural product prices are part of DiStar Fresh’s innovative solutions to these challenges. 

The future is green: Growth and expansion of urban farming 

The potential for hyper-local farming in Thailand’s urban areas is immense. “With over eight years of research and the initiation of this business, I believe the growth potential is very high,” says Tamvimol. Increasing consumer awareness about pesticide contamination and a growing preference for fresh, locally-grown produce drive demand. DiStar Fresh’s plans for expansion and government collaboration underscore the promising future of urban farming in Thailand. 

DiStar Fresh also focuses on culturally significant crops and public education. “We have signed MOUs with several universities to create courses on indoor vertical farm technology,” Tamvimol mentions. These efforts aim to attract younger generations to agriculture by showcasing the potential of modern farming technologies. 

Recent technological integrations have further enhanced DiStar Fresh’s operations. “We have started developing LED tubes for plant cultivation that consume less energy,” Tamvimol explains. Additionally, AI integration assists in farm management, and diversification into crops like strawberries and tomatoes links farming with tourism and expands market opportunities. 

DiStar Fresh is deeply committed to developing local communities through education and job creation. “We offer educational courses to impart knowledge about indoor vertical farming to interested individuals and general farmers,” Tamvimol shares. Collaborations with organizations like the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand have enabled projects that create better income and sustainable jobs, particularly in regions like Lampang province. These initiatives promote agricultural innovation and enhance local residents’ economic and health outcomes. 

Reviving tradition: Bringing forgotten vegetables back to Thai cuisine 

Thailand’s rich culinary heritage includes a wide variety of local vegetables, some of which have fallen out of favor or been forgotten over time. DiStar Fresh is dedicated to reviving and reintroducing these forgotten local vegetables into Thai cuisine as unique ingredients. Krisana Tamvimol elaborates, “We have begun research to experimentally grow popular local vegetables and forgotten vegetables with high nutritional value.”  

This initiative not only enriches Thai cuisine but also promotes the use of pesticide-free, nutritious produce, contributing to healthier eating habits and preserving culinary traditions. By bringing back vegetables such as chili peppers, pea eggplants, and Thai eggplants, which are often heavily contaminated with pesticides, DiStar Fresh is providing a safer and healthier alternative. Additionally, forgotten vegetables like Spanish Needles, Sweet Broomweed, and Shiny Leaf are being cultivated for their high nutritional value, making them valuable additions to modern Thai dishes. 

Join the urban farming revolution 

DiStar Fresh stands at the forefront of a transformative movement in urban farming, offering a sustainable, health-conscious alternative to conventional agriculture. Their innovative practices and unwavering commitment to community development pave the way for a healthier, more sustainable future. DiStar Fresh’s influence on Thailand’s urban farming landscape will undoubtedly expand as the demand for clean, local produce grows. 

If the promise of hyper-local urban farming inspires you, remember that you don’t need a green thumb to contribute. Modern technology, like the solutions used by DiStar Fresh, can help you create a sustainable and profitable urban farming business.  

Embrace the urban farming revolution with DiStar Fresh. We can cultivate a sustainable future, one urban farm at a time. Join us in transforming cities into green, thriving spaces and experiencing the benefits of fresh, locally-grown produce in your urban environment. 

This story first came out in our “Seeds of Change: The Urban Farming Phenomenon in Asia and Beyond” issue.