Bangkok: Korn Chatikavanij, deputy leader of the Democrat Party, has outlined a comprehensive strategy aimed at empowering Thai farmers by leveraging the capital market and technology to enhance the agricultural sector.
According to Thai News Agency, Korn shared his insights on his personal Facebook page, commemorating the 12th anniversary of the “Khao Im” (Rice for a Full Stomach) project. He reflected on the project’s early days when its core goal was to produce quality rice, establish a reliable brand, and sell directly to consumers at fair prices.
Initially, villagers involved in the project were required to transition to chemical-free farming practices, which included selecting seeds, milling, packaging, and selling their own rice. While this shift presented challenges, it proved financially rewarding, as they earned between 20,000-25,000 baht per ton and reduced costs by eliminating the need for chemical fertilizers. The soil quality improved annually, fostering a healthier ecosystem and yielding better crop production.
Presently, the ‘Im’ community has diversified its agricultural activities beyond rice cultivation. They now produce snacks and raw materials for cosmetics from rice. This approach, however, may not be suitable for all regions, such as the Chao Phraya basin where rice is grown tri-annually due to constant water availability. Nonetheless, it remains a viable option for the Thung Kula Rong Hai area. Korn emphasized the diversity of Thai agriculture and the necessity for tailored solutions, identifying market access, capital investment, and technological adoption as key areas needing support to advance the sector. He recalled former Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva’s involvement, noting the past focus on income guarantees and advocating for a future emphasis on value addition.