The New Theory Agriculture basing on Philosophy of Sufficiency Economy for Live Quality Development of farmers and community

Abstract

Agriculture according to the Green Revolution era emphasized on monoculture farming by growing a particular crop or animal in the area by using chemical fertilizers, pesticides and agricultural machinery in order to increase the products to a large enough quantity for sale, long term utilization of resources to produce agricultural products with the Green Revolution deteriorates the environment. It causes pesticide residues in crops, high inputs costs, health problems and debt. At the same time, the traditional living of farmers began to disappear, inheritors of cultural traditions related to the local life and agriculture which are unique to Thailand slowly disappeared, which affect the quality of life of farmers and consumers. His Majesty King Rama IX had initiates ‘New Theory Agriculture’ to divide the proportion of agricultural areas with environmental friendly production processes, leading to self-reliant, food security and efficient land and water management. There are 3 stages of New Theory Agriculture, namely farming for the family, strong farmers group and strong communities with external networks. Farming according to the New Theory of Agriculture based on the philosophy of sufficiency economy will solve problems for farmers and communities both at the level of application guideline of principles to suit the local context and at the level of implementation of principles which are adapted to the local context until successful results, such as 1 rai of rice get 100,000-baht, Kok Nong Na model, farm cafe management. Guidelines of development include the development of new generation farmers, integrating old wisdom with current technology, cultivation of various crops, grouping farmers producing certified agricultural products, market expansion, brand building and advertisement.