Thai Highlands Sustainable Agriculture

Learning from the Royal Project Model

Recently, we had the privilege of attending a five-day workshop on sustainable agriculture practices organized by The Royal Project Foundation Learning Institute, Highland Research and Development Institute (HRDI), and the Thailand International Cooperation Agency (TICA).  The workshop focused on the Royal Project Model (RPF Model), initiated by His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great in 1969 to eliminate opium cultivation and improve the lives of highland communities while promoting conservation.

Using the RPF Model, the HRDI has continued the remarkable success of the Royal Project, eliminating opium cultivation, increasing income and community development, and protecting land and water resources.  Opium cultivation has been reduced from 17,920 hectares of planted area in 1966 to less than 17 hectares in 2022.

The workshop delved into key practices like optimal crop selection, water and soil management, greenhouse technology, and pest control.  These practices are taught in six Northern Thai provinces and through 39 Research and Development Centers. 
  
I was particularly impressed by the regenerative agriculture concepts that small-scale farmers can immediately use in the field.
 
A BIG thank you to all the organizers of a great workshop.  Please explore the HRDI website to learn more about the incredible work they do every day.  https://www.hrdi.or.th/en/Home