Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Travels to Observe the Operation of Thaharn Phandee Project and Royally-granted Plant Genetics Conservation and Development in Chiang Mai Province
On 6 February 2024, Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn traveled to observe the operation of Thaharn Phandee Project (The Good Farmer Soldiers) at 7th Infantry Division, Don Kaeo Sub-district, Mae Rim District, Chiang Mai Province and Royally-granted Plant Genetics Conservation and Development.
Thaharn Phandee Project (The Good Farmer Soldiers) at 7th Infantry Division was set up with the collaboration of the Chaipattana Foundation, Royal Thai Army and Maejo University, in order to carry out the works according to Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn’s initiative. The military personnel are trained how to conduct good agricultural practices, and the Project’s results are extended to the nearby communities. On this occasion, Her Royal Highness graciously opened the shop “Good Farmer Soldiers at 7th Infantry Division”, where the fresh vegetables from the Project including branches from Fruit Tree Breeding Project and Plant Genetics Conservation and Development are available. There are also processed foods and products from the families of the military officers and surrounding communities.
Thaharn Phandee Project (The Good Farmer Soldiers) at 7th Infantry Division has carried out activities consisting of;
Safe vegetables cultivation: The Project has collaborated with Maejo University emphasizing on agricultural knowledge transfer to military personnel both in theory and real practice. After completing military service, the military personnel can pursue their own career, while the knowledge and experience gained are extended to their own communities.
Royal Poultry Breeding Center "Friends for friends": The center is located in the upper northern region. In 2023, the Center produced 3,144 of royally-granted layer-ducks.
Fruit Tree Breeding Project: The Project aims to conserve, improve and develop fruit tree breeding in Thailand. The Project aims at being a hub of knowledge transferring on plant breed development, plant species conservation, and plant propagation. In 2024, the Project developed a new variety of guava and presented it to Her Royal Highness. This new variety of guava was named by Her Royal Highness as “Dok Ngam”. The Chaipattana Foundation will register and certify this variety with the Department of Agriculture.
Royally-granted Mango Varieties Project: The experts from Maejo University provide knowledge to public on mango propagation. The new variety has been developed and distributed to various areas in northern region. This Project serves as a learning hub for military personnel, students and general public.
Royally-granted Plant Genetics Conservation and Development Project
Thaharn Phandee Project (The Good Farmer Soldiers) at 7th Infantry Division was set up with the collaboration of the Chaipattana Foundation, Royal Thai Army and Maejo University in carrying out the works according to the royal initiative. The Project aims to conserve the plant genetics developed by Chakraband Pensiri Center for Plant Development with Maejo University. The 3rd Army Region considered using an area of 28 rai (11.2 acres) within the 7th Infantry Division to set up this Project. On this occasion, Her Royal Highness observed the lettuce harvesting method and graciously harvested new variety of lettuce named “KhongKwan”. The name was given on 21 December 2023 at Maejo University by Her Royal Highness.
Later, Her Royal Highness observed the harvesting of vegetable seeds and graciously granted the name of 3 new varieties of lettuce as below;
Lettuce, Green Oak Leaf Group, was graciously bestowed the name as "Best Selling Salad".
Lettuce, Lettuce Wraps Group, was graciously bestowed the name as "Good People's Salad".
Lettuce, Philly Iceberg Group, was graciously bestowed the name as "Good Taste Salad".
On this occasion, Her Royal Highness graciously had a conversation with military personnel and gave them morale support and encouragement to continue performing their duties. Thanks to the royal grace of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, Thai people are assured to have food stability.
