A field mission led by Dr. Nathsuda Pumijumnong, Dr. Danuwat Peng-ont, and Dr. Siriluck Sirisup, along with research assistant Ms. Nitchakan Inkong was carried out from 22 November to 29 November 2023 to initiate the installation of Climate-Smart Agriculture practices in Bua Yai Subdistrict, Nan Province.
Soil samples were collected from Mrs. Thavorn Chaikaewma and Mr. Niphatphon Prompila’s solar irrigation system demonstration sites along with Mr. Somsak Dee Promkul and Mrs. Kwanjai Khwaeng Riam Khwang’s keyline demonstration sites.
In order to address keyline plowing and soil sample collections, the team had a meeting with Land Development Officer Mr Tewin Ruamsuknirandon (Director of Nan Land Development Station).
There were two samples of soil taken from Mrs. Thavorn’s area, two samples from Mr. Niphatphon’s area, two samples from Mrs. Kwanjai’s area, and one sample from Mr. Somsak’s area. These samples were sent to Chiang Mai University for soil analysis and Mae Jo University for pesticide residue analysis. In all, 7 soil samples were sent for pesticide residue analysis and 7 samples for soil quality study. Additionally, around 30 samples were gathered for bulk density examination at the Mahidol University Faculty of Environment and Resource Studies.
Keyline plowing has not yet been completed in the keyline demonstration regions, where farmers have not yet harvested maize, which is anticipated to be done by mid-January.
At the demonstration site owned by Mr. Niphatphon Prompheera and Ms. Thavorn Chaikaewma, solar power and water systems have been built.
In the demonstration sites, both the water system and the solar cell system have undergone testing and are in good working order. The sprinkler watering system is tied to the plants, and the watering system for the plants is cleverly designed from the water tank to those below. For farmers to track their daily water consumption, the team developed a solar data collecting form.
Biochar kilns have been set up at Mr. Niphatphon Phromphira and Mrs. Thavorn Chaikaewma’s demonstration site. Ms. Thavorn utilized 51 kg of dry wood and 21 kg of biochar, and the team examined the performance of both biochar kilns. Based on their observations, burning took roughly three hours. Mr. Niphaphon utilized hardwood that hadn’t quite dried up. As a result, the first day’s biochar was of low quality and needed to be burnt in order to produce biochar. The farmers were given the go-ahead to keep burning the biochar while keeping track of the wood or agricultural wastes—such as corn cobs and maize husks—used for burning, the amount of biochar made, and the duration of the process.
In order to compare the soil qualities and plant development of biochar- and non-biochar-growing plants, a lot of biochar is required in the demonstration plots.
CSA gender implementation
Ms. Thavorn and Ms. Bussaba, Mr. Niphatphon’s wife, have kept daily records of farm-related operations based on current conditions. After reviewing their records, the team discussed the importance of data collection, particularly for benefit and cost analyses and female participation in demonstration fields. The team provided them instructions to complete any missing data, particularly with the total cost incurred and the amount of time spent on each activity. They consented to do so and to carry on recording in their own manner. It should be highlighted that women in both farms documented the data.
Visits to pertinent government offices
The team liaised with Mr. Manop Tachak, Agriculture and Cooperatives, Nan Province, during this field mission to discuss the TA’s progress and future work plans.
Dr. Siriluck Sirisup also spoke on developing provincial strategies for highland adaptation to climate change. Ms. Patita Nantasit and Mr. Manop backed this endeavor. For the purpose of deciding the subsequent action, they established a framework and the agencies that are likely to be engaged.
In addition to discussing the creation of highland adaptation plans at the provincial level, Dr. Siriluck Sirisup updated Mr. Kritsana Deepala and Ms. Bussaya Songsook of the Nan Provincial Agricultural Land Reform Office (ALRO) on the status of the project in Bua Yai/Nan and its future plans. Mr. Kritsana promised that the office would continue CSA operations in Bua Yai after the project finished and would press this issue at the policy level because the demonstration sites are located in an area where agricultural land reform falls under the direct jurisdiction of this office.
