Organic Agriculture
Training Program “Organic Agriculture in Permaculture Way”
Training Program “Organic Agriculture in Permaculture Way”
Suthirat Yoovidhya Foundation
Suthirat Yoovidhya Foundation in collaboration with Salana Organic Village (Social Enterprise) Company Limited (Starting in 2019)
Project Goals
Create knowledge and understanding of organic farming in the form of permaculture (Permaculture) for farmers or anyone interested in applying knowledge to cultivation in an appropriate area.
Project Importance
Sustainable consumption and production plans are established in alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) No. 12. This goal, in part, emphasizes the significance of managing the complete supply chain from producer to consumer, minimizing pollution, and ensuring efficient natural resource utilization. In particular, the issue of organic agriculture is currently receiving significant global attention due to its potential to expand production areas and promote sustainable practices. Hence, our primary objective is to develop training programs titled “Organic Agriculture in Permaculture Way” that impart knowledge and comprehension to farmers and the general public. This is done with the intention of elevating the standard of understanding necessary to produce environmentally friendly, safe-for-consumption products and generating economic prospects that foster the establishment of a sustainable agricultural system.
Curriculum Design Concept
1. “Believe” Provides knowledge and understanding of natural ecosystems that support chemical-free agriculture, as well as information on safe food production and consumption trends and successful models.
2. “Can” Provide information on farm layout design principles, soil improvement, the use of microorganisms in cultivation systems, seed collection and planting, and back-pile compost production from waste materials.
3. “Sell” Provide information on various forms of marketing, including certification and the use of organic agricultural standards.
4. “See Role Model” Make a study visit to the model farm area.
Training Program “Organic Agriculture in Permaculture Way”
Suthirat Yoovidhya Foundation
Project Implementation
In 2019-2020, a training course, “Organic Agriculture in Permaculture Way” was organized, with 9 training sessions and 94 participants, as follows:
Training1: February 23-24, 2019
Training 2: May 4-5, 2019
Training 3: July 13-14, 2019
Training 4: September 21-22, 2019
Training 5: November 23-24, 2019
Training 6: February 29 - March 1, 2020
Training 7: August 8-9, 2020
Training 8: September 20, 2020
Training 9: October 31 - November 1, 2020
Training Method
1. Natural Ecosystem Gain insights into the ecological support system of the natural world, comprising both living and non-living components, through the organization of farm activities in a manner that facilitates the operation of natural mechanisms that regulate and establish equilibrium in the cultivation system. For instance, one could cultivate lemongrass for its leaves, which could be utilized as a foundation, or raise chickens in fruit plantations to consume fruit worms that fall from the trees, thereby shortening the life cycle of ladybugs.
2. Farm Layout Planning: Acquire knowledge on the fundamentals of Permaculture-based farm layout design, which streamlines the circulation, support, and management of farm resources in an economical fashion while positively impacting the farmers’ way of life.
3. Compost Reverse Pile Learn how to make compost from leftover materials in farm plots and food scraps to create zero waste (Zero waste) in order to cut costs, reduce reliance on external factors, and increase value by selling production factors.
4. Soil Improvement and Microorganisms Application: Learn how to make various types of soil suitable for the cultivation and storage of microorganisms in the area. Increase the amount and use decomposed organic matter (Organic matter) as nutrients for farm plants.
5. Study Tour of the Prototype Area Visit, discuss and learn about successful organic farming concepts, cultivation techniques, fertilizer production, agricultural tools, farm technology, marketing, and so on.
Reflections of the Trainees “Organic Agriculture in Permaculture Way”
“I benefited greatly from this training because the lecturers are experts with real-world experience. Answer questions easily and clearly, which boosts my confidence and encourages more systematic thinking. The principles can be used to plan agricultural farms in our area by understanding the area’s characteristics, soil, and weather in accordance with ecological support principles for maximum benefit and waste reduction on the farm. The last step is to take action. It most likely begins with digging a well, installing a water system in the greenhouse, and establishing agricultural plots for perennials, fruit trees, and vegetable crops.”
Khun Phongphan Leelawadeesamunpai
(9th Class Trainee)
“The training was very enjoyable. The teacher explains logically and provides a more general picture. The team takes great care of you. I feel inspired to begin farming. I believe that everything I’ve learned can be applied in practice, whether you pursue serious farming or do it at home. After studying, I plan to apply what I've learned in every aspect of plot planning, soil improvement, planting, fertilizing, and maintenance.”
Khun Juthatip Chiamprapa
(9th Class Trainee)