Tomato growers get help from Isaan university campus
To solve problems with the use of chemical fertilisers and insecticides in tomato plantations and low productivity through contract farming, the Rajamangala University of Technology Isaan's Sakhon Nakhon campus is encouraging the development of seedlings
The project includes activities to foster good relations between the farmers and students, who are new generations of local people. It is hoped that recreational activities and workshops will bind them together while educating growers about the hazards of chemicals and the profits gained from natural ways of farming.
A lecturer with the Faculty of Industry and Technology said last week that a team of volunteer students, calling themselves the SKC Team, initiated this project on the storage of tomato seeds for food security for growers in Tambon Wang. It is aimed at storing tomato seeds that can be grown year-round.
The residents of the tambon are mainly tomato growers with a total planted area of about 1,500 rai in Sawang Daen Din district. They grow tomatoes during the off rice season, mostly relying on seeds and chemicals provided through contract farming.
The seeds have low immunity against disease and the chemical fertilisers and insecticides are expensive, besides being harmful.
The first activities for farmers are focused on recreation with their children, followed by workshops to teach growers about the effects of chemicals and the income that can be made by farming with natural and cultural methods. Next are demonstrations on how to sort and store the seeds, either manually or through devices provided.
Holding seed markets occasionally would also encourage the growers to exchange their seeds and other farm products while giving them extra income through the sale of seeds. – The Nation
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