In August 2024, a week-long study tour to Bali, Indonesia, brought together the GETHAC Project team, officers from Thailand’s Department of Agricultural Extension (DOAE), including Deputy Director-General Mr. Krongsak Songraksa, as well as local and central government officials, and a group of Thai farmers specializing in field and fruit crops. The goal of this initiative was to gain insights from Bali’s sustainable agricultural practices and facilitate knowledge exchange to enhance Thailand’s farming sector.
Key Objectives of the Study Tour
1.Learning from Similar Agricultural Contexts
Bali and Thailand share comparable agricultural environments, providing an ideal opportunity for the Thai delegation to observe and assess Bali’s innovative and sustainable farming methods. The focus was on exploring how these practices could be adapted to improve Thai agriculture.
2.Knowledge Exchange and Policy Discussions
DOAE officials engaged in meaningful exchanges with their Indonesian counterparts, discussing agricultural policies and sustainability frameworks. Thai farmers participated actively, posing practical questions during visits to local plantations, including coffee, cocoa, salacca, and durian, and exploring how these insights might benefit their own farming operations in Thailand. These discussions provided ideas that could be adapted to improve agricultural policies and programs in Thailand.
Agricultural and Cultural Insights
Throughout the study tour, the delegation visited key agricultural sites across Bali, where the island’s commitment to environmental sustainability was evident. The delegation explored farms focused on coffee, cocoa, salacca, and durian production, where they gained hands-on knowledge about organic farming techniques, crop diversification, sustainable land management, and the integration of agriculture with tourism. Balinese farmers emphasize the harmony between ‘God, people, and nature,’ an ethos embedded in their organic farming practices. By avoiding chemicals and embracing eco-friendly methods, these farmers prioritize the protection of the environment while maintaining crop productivity.
The Thai delegation found this philosophy particularly inspiring, sparking conversations about how similar sustainable approaches could be incorporated into Thailand’s agricultural strategies. Bali’s model of balancing productivity and environmental conservation is especially relevant as global demand for organic products grows. The interaction between Thai and Balinese farmers fostered a rich exchange of practical farming insights.
Key Takeaways for Thailand
• Sustainable Farming Practices
Bali’s commitment to zero-chemical farming presents a strong case for Thai farmers looking to meet the rising demand for organic products. The practices observed during the study tour provide a clear path for Thailand’s agricultural sector to reduce chemical inputs while maintaining high levels of productivity.
• Cultural Integration
The Balinese philosophy of balancing nature, people, and spirituality can inspire Thailand’s approach to sustainable agriculture. By encouraging practices that protect ecosystems and boost yields, Thai farmers can benefit from adopting a more environmentally conscious mindset.
Strengthening Bilateral Agricultural Collaboration
The knowledge exchange was a two-way street. Both Thailand and Indonesia gained valuable insights through the dialogue, exploring ways to adapt and integrate new ideas into their respective agricultural systems. The study tour highlighted the importance of collaboration between government extension officers and farmers, underscoring how these partnerships can drive sustainable advancements in both nations.
By fostering deeper connections between Thai and Balinese agricultural stakeholders, this exchange showcased the power of collaboration to promote innovation and sustainability in agriculture.
תגובות