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Khao Hin Son, a Royally Initiated Project (1986).



Solar energy units power irrigation pumps


Buffalo plowing the rice fields

Bunches of rice to be transplanted in new fields


A farmer harvesting tapioca

At the present time (1986) there are approximately nine hundred "Royally Suggested" development projects troughtout the Kingdom of Thailand. Some, such as those in the Chiang Mai area, are very well known; others, such as Khao Hin Son, have had less public attention.
The Projects are classified basically as Integrated Rural Development Projects (IRDP) which include land settlement and infrastructure; water resource development; community development; natural resources conversation and preservation; agricultural and vocational development; health; and others, including education and crop research development. The country is considered to have four regions - the north, northeast, central, and south. Within these regions, there are six "Royal Development Center". These are centers of both study for development, and study of development, or the methods of development.
The first Royal Development Center was initiated about seven years ago, following a gift of land to His Majesty the King by a villager in Khao Hin Son, Chachoengsao Province. His Majesty accepted the land - not for His personal use, but to be used for a center for experimental agricultural studieds, in a quest for alternative crops suited to that area.
The land in the area of Khao Hin Son is very poor and unproductive; the main crop is tapioca. When the project was begun at Khao Hin Son the low fertility, sandy soil showed only spare, scrub growth. The first problem was to provide and adequate water supply, and to find a way to use available water to the very best adventage. In an entire year, rain falls on and average of only 114 days!
The "Khao Hin Son Development Demonstration Center Project Under His Majesty the King's Advice" is located in Amphoe Phanom Sarakham, Chachoengsao Province. (The name Khao Hin Son means, roughly, "A mountain made from piled-up stones"). Today (1986) the initial project area of 264 rai has been enlarged to approximately 1,387 rai, and is green and flowering proof os what can be accomplished by planning, implementation coordination -- and plain hard work. Project management is under the Project Administration Committee, but policy and management are besed exactly on the King's advice.
Cover crops and legumes were planted early in the development, and plowed under to provide humus and nutrients to the soil. Crops are rotated to improve and maintain the soil, and year-round cropping is practiced.
Simple dykes, built from crop waste, serve both to prevent soil erosion and to hold moisture. In the rolling, hilly areas, crops are planted in horizontal rows, rather than vertical -- this too helps to prevent rapid water run-off and soil erosion.
Truthfully, there is such a variety of things growing at Khao Hin Son, it could almost be selt-sustaining. By the end of 1986, there will be eighteen Reservoirs. They are used for irrigation, water storage and stocking of fish. The Development of Fisheries offers training for aquamarine conversation and fisheries management. Demonstrations and training in fish culture are available to farmers; and fingerlings are given free to needy farmers who are interested in starting their own fish ponds.
The forestry Department has planted a variety of tree on selected plots and the Rubber Research Institute has planted several rai of land with young rubber trees. Areas between trees are seeded with ground cover and the bases of the trees are mulched to conserve moisture.
The Department of Livestock Development maintains and experimental pig raising project at the site. There are dairy cows and an animal husbandry divition; and animal feed demonstration plots along with pastureland areas. There is a local agricultural school at the site, and this allows the students to experience practical training close at hand. They even grow their own rice in Khao Hin Son paddy fields!
There is a pilot project for raising frogs for commercial purposes, ducks and chickens run free around the college and dormitory area. The forestry Department maintaina an herbal garden section, where approximately 400 varieties of herbs are growing -- one of the largest collections of herbs in all Thailand. In coordination with the herbal project, the Ministry of Public Health is conducting experiments in beneficial uses of herbs.
The familiar windmill is also present at Khao Hin Son, but some irrigation pumps are now being poered by solar energy units, which are capable of pumping there cubic meters of water per hour -- uphill!
"Check-dams" have proved to be effective in slowing water run-off and they too, help in preventing erosion. The entire water catchmen, and irrigation systems are designed to conserve or best use, every precious drop of water.
Several demonstration farm families live and work on the project site, where they are provided with a house and garden plot. Other workers also live on the site, and there is a school for their children close by. The site also has its own potable water system.
Fifty-seven rai are divided into plots for demonstration field crops, and propagation. There is an experimental mushroom bed near the office building, and on a low slope, a large plot of asparague. Not very many years ago, asparague was entirely imported as were many other vegetables and fruits which now are being grown with outstanding success, right here in Thailand. Cabbages, tomatoes, lettuce (leaf and head varities), corn, and squash of many kinds, are grown in abundance and variety. Several kinds of mangoes are produced Khao Hin Son -- each more delicious than the last, and trees are being grafted to improve the strains. Watermelons and cantalopes, pineapples, passion fruit, and cashew nuts, are also produced at Khao Hin Son. Last year (1985), beehives were added and now not only will pollination be aided, but honey can be produced as well.
Mulberry trees are grown to support the silkworms for the sericulture project. Here too, Her majesty the Queen's SUPPORT Foundation provide training in weaving, to local women.
Contrary to what might be expected at a project having a Royal Advisor, most equipment is neither expensive, nor imported. His Majesty advocates the designing and use of simple tools made from inexpensive and readily available material, which will get the job done -- otherwise how would the poor farmer -- who needs help most -- be able to pofit from these demonstration projects?
Today, the Royally Initiated Project at Khao Hin Son, is a busy, but quit and beautiful place. Flowers bloom in profusion, birds fly freely and sing from plentiful trees. There is so much more than can be covered in one short story -- What has been ccomplished, and the peace and serenity one feels there, is not easily described. What does come to mind on loking back at leaving, is how very are the people to have such a caring King, as His Majesty the King Bhumipol.

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Khao Hin Son, a Royally Initiated Project, Bonnie Divis, Holiday Time in Thailand, sep. - oct. 1986, P. 9-11. 1