STUDY TOUR
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Throughout the centuries, it has been customary for Thai monarchs to assume several designated roles: as Devaraja or ‘God King’, the caring and concerned ‘Paternal King’ and ‘Father of the Nation’ and Phra Chao Paen Din – ‘Lord of the Land’, a particularly vital role in a nation where over 60% of the population remain dependent on agriculture and farming for their livelihoods.
In His Majesty’s designated role as ‘Lord of the Land’, His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej has worked tirelessly to improve the lives of the population through the implementation of development projects designed to alleviate rural poverty, particularly His Majesty’s pioneering work in agricultural development and economic self-sufficiency. Public support for this cause leads many people to visit the Royal Projects.
The Khao Hin Sorn Royal Development Study Centre, a royally-initiated model of sustainable alternative development and the first of six Royal Study Centres to be established, is a ‘Living Museum’ that reflects His Majesty’s vision, wisdom and insight and His Majesty’s theories are put into action.
As a result of the implementation of the Khao Hin Sorn project, a formerly dry, barren drought-stricken land has been transformed into the ‘green zone’ it has become today. The success of various pioneering royally-sponsored research and development initiatives in agricultural development introduced at Khao Hin Sorn became the blueprint for other subsequent Royal Development Projects.
The name, Khao Hin Sorn, literally means a mountain of overlapping rocks, an apt description for the rocky terrain and extreme conditions dominating the landscape. Since the parent soil material is sandstone, the dry, severely parched and sandy nature of the land makes it virtually impossible to undertake any form of cultivation. The area is prone to severe drought. Issues are compounded by soil deterioration caused by surface run-off and low soil fertility.
At Khao Hin Sorn, HM King Bhumibol personally introduced several important initiatives to help villagers achieve sustainable, economic self-sufficiency, and personally supervised experiments in the implementation of ‘New Theory’ Farming or Integrated Farming.
‘New Theory’ farming as advocated by His Majesty the King reduces risks related to agricultural production; increases the food security of individual families; increases options and choices available to the farmer; and reduces dependency on middlemen.
Crop diversification is integral to the mixed farming system. Instead of a single harvest once a year, the range of economic crops means that different crops are harvested at different times throughout the year. Multiple harvests generate steady income spread right through the year, thereby offering increased economic security.
Mixed farming leads to increased security as ‘all of the eggs are not placed in one basket’. Families also reduce dependence on the ‘middleman’. Unlike in the case of cassava cultivation, where the output can only be sold to one source -- cassava factories, with crop diversification, farmers are able to sell their products themselves in the local market. Increased self-sufficiency and economic security equates to a better life. They also ‘accrue’ a ‘food bank’ in the home.
The New Theory provides a modern way to integrate ancient wisdom with modern technical innovation. In conducting its activities, the Khao Hin Sorn Royal Development Study Centre is inspired by the four guiding principles outlined by His Majesty the King -- the technology and technical know-how being introduced must be ‘simple, inexpensive, applicable and acceptable’. Farmers must want it and they must be able to implement it.
What has been achieved at Khao Hin Sorn is of utmost importance. As a result of ongoing development undertaken under the auspices of the royally-initiated project, productivity has increased significantly and crops harvested fetch a good price. The price and value of the land has increased substantially. At present, if an offer were made to farmers and villagers to purchase their land, they would no longer be willing to sell.
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“… Many parties have been working together in close cooperation in the development of Khao Hin Sorn. Through this collective effort, consistently sustained over a period of 15 years, the Khao Hin Sorn Royal Development Study Centre has become a practical demonstration model from which farmers are able to observe, learn and gain knowledge. Perseverance is an important quality. Through perseverance, results are achieved, which in turn leads to a better and more comfortable existence for the people. Nothing brings me greater peace and joy than to know that the people are leading better lives.”
Address by His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej
at Sam Chao Pavilion, April 23, 1997
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