NAKHON RATCHASIMA: In a small community in Nakhon Ratchasima Province, a 13-year-old student known as Nong Ice has turned her passion for vegetables into a thriving small business, using hydroponic farming to grow and sell salad greens, thereby supplementing her family's income.
According to Thai News Agency, Nong Ice, a Mathayom 1 student at Khru Buri School, dedicates her after-school hours to cultivating hydroponic vegetables in a space adjacent to her home. This method, which does not require soil, has proven to be manageable and efficient for the young entrepreneur. Her success has not only provided financial support for her family but also positioned her as a role model in her community, inspiring peers to engage in productive, leisure-time activities.
Nong Ice attributes her initial interest in hydroponic farming to her love for eating vegetables, particularly salads, which are not easily accessible due to her home's remote location. She gained knowledge from school teachers and online resources, learning through trial and error with the backing of her family. Her venture began modestly, with a few foam boxes in front of her house, but quickly gained attention as villagers expressed interest in purchasing her produce.
As demand grew, Nong Ice expanded her gardening efforts, with her family investing in the necessary resources. Over two months, her project flourished, resulting in hundreds of boxes of ready-to-sell salad vegetables. The income generated assists with school transportation costs and is being saved for future educational expenses. Nong Ice finds fulfillment in her work, noting that it allows her to pursue a personal interest while achieving tangible results.
Her mother expressed immense pride in her daughter's achievements, viewing it as a foundational step towards future self-sufficiency. She remains committed to supporting Nong Ice, whether financially or through guidance, and hopes her daughter will continue to pursue endeavors that enrich her life. As Nong Ice plans to expand her growing area to meet increasing customer demand, her story highlights the potential for youth entrepreneurship in contributing to family welfare and community development.