Sacred oxen predict a good harvest this year
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THE annual Royal Ploughing Ceremony was held in Bangkok's Sanam Luang yesterday to boost the morale of farmers and showcase the significance of the agricultural sector in the country.
The ceremony was presided over by HRH Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn and his eldest daughter HRH Princess Bajra Kitiyabha.
Farmers from all corners of the country eagerly look forward to this event every year as it is through this that predictions of future harvests are made.
This year, Agriculture and Cooperatives Ministry’s permanent secretary Chavalit Chookajorn served as the Lord of the Ceremony or Phraya Raekna, and chose a 4-kueb-long cloth – which signifies a bit too much water, with good yield for highland paddy fields and some crop damage for low-lying ones.
The sacred oxen, meanwhile, chose to eat grass among the seven items on offer – which is seen as signifying an abundance of crops and adequate water supply.
Scrambling for seeds
After the ceremony was completed, crowds of people began scrambling for the seeds thrown by the Ploughing Lord as these are said to bring owners wealth and good luck.
Farmers usually add these “sacred” seeds to their own paddy seeds to ensure a good crop.
The Rice Department also handed out 2,695 rice seeds from His Majesty’s experimental paddy fields to waiting farmers.
Outside Bangkok, many farmers began sowing rice yesterday to mark the Royal Ploughing Day.
“This is an auspicious day,” said farmer Samrit Ponsri from the Northeast province of Maha Sarakham. “I hope for a good harvest this year.”
Farmer Buarom Nuanpring, from the Northeast province of Buri Ram, began ploughing his field yesterday as well, believing it would bring him luck.
“I always start my farming season on this auspicious day,” the 74-year-old farmer said.
