Photharam: Farmers in Photharam, Ratchaburi Province, have successfully cultivated organic Kasetsart 154 tomato varieties, resulting in high demand and substantial earnings. The initiative involves using greenhouses to produce tomatoes for up to three months, significantly reducing costs and eliminating pesticides, appealing to health-conscious consumers.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Chokdee Tangjit, a former head of the Farmer Promotion and Development Group at the Ratchaburi Provincial Agricultural Office, utilized his retirement to innovate in agriculture. Leveraging his experience, he developed a greenhouse system at Chok Somboon Garden in Nang Kaew Subdistrict, where he planted 300 tomato plants. The greenhouse, measuring 8 x 20 meters, was constructed with a budget of approximately 100,000 baht and employs a drip irrigation system. This setup allows for a three-month harvest period.
Mr. Chokdee's focus is on the Kasetsart 154 variety, known for its appealing red, thick fruit, and suitability for processing due to its fleshy nature. The tomatoes boast antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals essential for health, and are cultivated without chemicals, aligning with organic farming principles. The tomatoes have found a strong market among health-conscious consumers, further evidenced by the substantial number of orders received. The cultivation process takes about six months before the harvesting period begins.
Chok Somboon Garden also serves as a learning center, open to farmers interested in organic agricultural practices. It is part of a broader initiative to restore degraded land, in collaboration with Kasetsart University, Kamphaeng Saen Campus. The garden contributes to sustainable agricultural development, following the royal initiative to foster organic farming methods fit for the 21st century.