Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Observes the Operation Progress of Prince Chakraband Pensiri Center for Plant Development in Surin Province
On 16 September 2024, Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn observed the operation progress of Prince Chakraband Pensiri Center for Plant Development in Surin Province and the Royally-granted Jasmine Rice 105 Production Project “Friends for Friends”
Currently, the communities from three provinces participate in Royally-granted Jasmine Rice 105 Production Project: 10 groups in Surin Province, 1 group in Buriram Province, and 1 participant in Sisaket Province. Altogether, there are 449 members involved, covering a total production area of 4,542 rai (1813 acres).
Additionally, Her Royal Highness has an intention to solve water shortages by improving farm ponds for farmers in the Project. Currently, 671 ponds have been dug to store water. The embankments around these ponds are used for growing vegetables and fruit trees, providing both food and supplementary income. Furthermore, Her Royal Highness initiated the construction and renovation of public ponds for community consumption and daily use.
This year, Her Royal Highness graciously provided 1,372,470 kilograms of Jasmine Rice 105 seeds to 10,441 residents affected by drought and floods in Surin, Maha Sarakham, Buriram, Nakhon Ratchasima, Yasothon, and Sisaket provinces. These seeds will be planted at the affected areas totaling 91,498 rai (36,599 acres).
Later, Her Royal Highness also visited Royally-granted Jasmine Rice 105 Production Project “Friends for Friends” in Nong Phai Lom Sub-district, Samrong Thap District, at Wat Ban Nong Kaen. On this occasion, the farmers presented calves and buffalo to Her Royal Highness for further distributed to community members.
Regarding the royally-initiated ponds, the Chaipattana Foundation has been collecting water level data from these ponds and has installed water level measuring devices, or "smart bamboo gauges," to monitor water levels. This data supports effective water management planning to ensure sufficient resources for rice cultivation. Additionally, farmers are being trained in establishing marketing channels for quality Jasmine Rice 105 seeds, with a plan to promote online sales channels to increase income for farmer groups.
The production of Royally-granted Jasmine Rice 105 adheres to high-quality standards. Some farmers, however, do not meet these standards, prompting Her Royal Highness to direct the Chaipattana Foundation to purchase these substandard seeds. These are then milled and packaged as rice for consumption under the brand Jun Ka Pak Jasmine Rice. Thai Airways International Public Company Limited has supported this initiative by using Jun Ka Pak Jasmine Rice in their catering services for first-class and business-class passengers.
In terms of promoting livelihoods, Her Royal Highness has encouraged the Prince Chakraband Pensiri Center for Plant Development in Surin Province to support the production of naturally dyed silk fabric. Currently, there are 4 community groups in Surin participating in this initiative. During this time, she observed the development of reed mat weaving and products made from reed mats, which are being enhanced in collaboration with Central Group and Tango Leather Co., Ltd to increase their value.
On this occasion, Her Royal Highness graciously had a conversation with the group and gave encouragement to the people who participated in the 105 jasmine rice production group “Friends for Friends” and provided motivation to the farmers involved in producing Jasmine Rice 105 seeds, encouraging them to have dedication and determination in producing royally-granted jasmine rice. This will ensure that the rice seeds are in high-quality for presenting to people affected by disaster, alleviating their hardships and struggles.
