Are the Royal Projects involved in solving this problem?

His Majesty the King has played a leading role in agricultural development in Thailand. The Royal Projects are conducting research and educational activities that encourage self-reliance and sustainability. This is achieved through the use of appropriate technology and the conservation of nature.

Since 1985, food that is produced by the Royal Projects has been sold under the ‘Doi Kham’ label. Ms. Suppalak Sooksom is a Branch Manager of a Doi Kham shop located in the grounds of Kasesart University in Bangkok.

“In the Doi Kham shop we sell pesticide-free vegetables, fruits and flowers. We also sell other types of healthy food, such as juices, brown rice and honey. Our shops have a good reputation because we are under the Royal Projects, and the Ministry of Public Health has also certified us. We don’t make any profit because the income goes back to the Royal Projects that are helping the hill tribes.”

“Doi Kham sells more than 50 types of vegetables. Most of these vegetables are produced in the area of Chiangmai, Chiangrai and Mae Hong Son. There is a collecting station in Chiang Mai from where vegetables are sent to Bangkok every morning. We have strict checks for pesticide contamination at all stages of the process. The Royal Project has officers who supervise every step from seed until harvest. If we find any contamination, we destroy the whole batch of vegetables.”

“I am an agriculture graduate, so I know that ordinary farmers use a lot of pesticides. They start using these chemicals because they have seen other people using them, and they think that if their vegetables have a good appearance they will get a good income. But these chemicals are harmful to the health of farmers and consumers. They are polluting the environment and poisoning all kinds of living creature. The Royal Projects are helping solve these problems by research, development and marketing.”