NXPO President Dr. Kitipong Promwong recently revealed that his office would partner with Kasetsart University to launch a smart farmers campaign initially targeting growers of mangosteen, oil palm, pomelo and durian.
A few years back, NXPO and Kasetsart started a capacity building program for mangosteen growers in Cha-uat district, Nakhon Si Thammarat province after the growers were faced with low-priced fruit due to inferior quality products – i.e., small fruit, unpleasant skin and yellow latex problem. With the knowledge provided by experts from Kasetsart on orchard management including tree trimming, moisture control and fertilizer input, growers were able to improve the quality and productivity of mangosteen, thereby earning more income. In addition, the project was successful in income distribution within the community as orchard owners, with increasing income, were able to hire labors for fruit picking.
NXPO and Kasetsart is planning to expand “Cha-uat Model” to another two districts, Tha Sala and Sichon, where mangosteen growers still practice traditional farming, resulting in low fruit quality and productivity. With knowledge and technology, growers can improve quality and productivity and subsequently bring in higher income.
Apart from mangosteen, NXPO President also saw the potential of applying the concept of capacity building of growers to other farm commodities such as oil palm and durian, as well as promoting the cultivation of premium fruits such as Siam Ruby pomelo and durian in suitable areas.
