CP joins protein-sufficiency drive
Poor nutrition can affect any child, but those in remote areas where affordability of protein sources is low are particularly at risk.
Protein insufficiency is one of seven national health problems that cannot be eradicated as long as such affordability problems are not addressed.
Charoen Pokphand Group, a major Thai food producer, is voluntarily participating in a campaign to eradicate protein insufficiency, through its project that involves students in raising egg hens and fish farming. The eggs and fish are cooked into their lunches to ensure sustainable intakes of protein.
CP Group, through the Rural Lives Development Foundation, has been involved with the school lunch programme since 1999, according to Jakrit Weeranakin, assistant vice president of Charoen Pokphand Foods (CPF). The campaign now involves 400 schools nationwide and over 80,000 students.
CPF itself has initiated fish farming at eight schools in Nakhon Nayok, where fish are raised in clay and cement ponds. At some schools, vegetables are grown with chicken excrement.
"We are promoting fish farming as it’s easy to get going and look after. Protein from fish can address the nutrition problem, and students get valuable training. Aside from getting a proper lunch, they can learn from professionals and build up their careers from this knowledge," Jakrit said.
The students’ parents are also invited to get involved. At these schools, excess supply is sold at community markets.
CPF recently took the media to Lek Thammakit Withayakom and Wat Thampanya schools in Nakhon Nayok’s Muang district.
Jamlong Dowdungsuk, 74, former headmaster of Lekthammakit Withayakom School, is assisting the farming project. Rather than stay at home to enjoy his retirement, he is willing to get involved in the training.
"Students should learn something aside from what’s in their textbooks. In the future, some will be able to further their studies. But for the others, if they cannot pursue higher education, at least they can support themselves with the knowledge they’ve gained in farming," he said.
Sukhon Ngamsanong, director of Thampanya School, said the project inspired the school to adjust its basic agricultural knowledge courses. His intention is that all students should know how to conduct an agricultural business.
"Agricultural businesses come in various sizes and can be a main or a supplementary source of income. Others can also grow vegetables to support household consumption. I really want all students to take part in CPF’s egg hen farming project. If they don’t want to pursue higher education, at least they know how to raise egg hens as a profession or to support their families," he said.
CPF is now convinced that if the farming project were promoted at all schools, it would provide basic knowledge for Thai children, as well as protein-rich lunches.
