Post by : Shakul

Thailand is moving ahead with an ambitious plan to promote eco-friendly agriculture and rural tourism after Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives Piyarat Tiyapairat visited farming communities in Chiang Rai Province. The visit focused on sustainable durian cultivation, cooperative development and innovative agricultural tourism initiatives.

During the inspection tour across Mae Chan and Mae Sai districts, the deputy minister met young farmers and local agricultural groups working to develop high-value farming products. One of the major highlights was the famous “Nang Non lava soil durian” grown in volcanic soil near Doi Nang Non mountain, known for its rich aroma, firm texture and delayed harvest season that helps farmers secure higher market prices.

Farmers from the Nang Non San Ton Pui Durian Community Enterprise requested government support for infrastructure, processing facilities and freeze-drying equipment to improve production and increase export potential. Officials also discussed plans to improve local reservoirs and water systems to strengthen agricultural sustainability in the region.

Deputy Minister Piyarat encouraged the community enterprise to upgrade into a formal cooperative, which would allow members to access low-interest funding and additional government support programs. Authorities also proposed linking the durian farms with Tham Luang-Khun Nam Nang Non National Park to create eco-friendly one-day agricultural tourism routes for visitors.

The ministry also inspected the Mae Sai Agricultural Cooperative, which has gained attention for its clean-energy operations and transparent financial management systems. The cooperative uses solar power technology that reportedly cuts electricity costs by nearly 50 percent, making it a model for environmentally friendly farming operations.

Officials further reviewed a proposed irrigation project involving water diversion from the Mae Sai River to supply over 20,000 rai of agricultural land in Sri Mueang Chum Subdistrict. Authorities believe the project could significantly improve water management and help reduce contamination risks affecting farmland in the region.

The field visit also included a review of innovative rice farming methods being used by the Rak Thinn Koet New Theory Agriculture Group. Farmers there are using alternating wet-dry rice cultivation techniques combined with Azolla plant systems to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while improving crop efficiency.

At the end of the visit, agricultural supplies including mushroom blocks, organic fertilizers, bio-fertilizer solutions and vegetable seeds were distributed to local farmers as part of efforts to lower production costs and support modern sustainable agriculture in northern Thailand.

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