On May 26, 2020, Deputy Permanent Secretary of Labour Mrs. Theanrat Nawamawat as the Ministry of Labour’s spokesperson observed the progress of “The COVID-19 Resistant Farm Project Model” at the Farm Project Model initiated by Her Majesty Queen Sirikit in Ratchaburi Province, Tanaosri, Suan Phueng, Ratchaburi. She said that the Ministry of Labour has a sense of divine grace for His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen in providing an area on the model farm following the initiative of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit. The project has resulted in employment in the area, which is an urgent employment activity. As a result of the COVID-19 virus pandemic, many businesses have closed and employees terminated, causing workers to face unemployment, a lack of income, and returning to their hometowns. The Ministry of Labour and related agencies, in cooperation with the Royal Thai Volunteer Center have implemented a project to resolve vocational issues in 2020 under urgent employment activities called “The COVID-19 Resistant Farm Project Model”. The objective is to support occupations, employment, and income for workers affected by COVID-19. It is a source of local employment for people to earn an income and receive vocational training on farms to be used in new professions.
Mrs. Theanrat said that for Ratchaburi province, there were 50 participants in the project to resolve the occupational issues and professional suffering. Urgent employment activities started from May 4 to July 28, 2020, for a period of 60 days, with holidays on every Sunday. Participants are compensated with 300 Baht per day. In addition, agencies under the Ministry of Labour will help fulfill missions such as career promotion and guidance (pig farming), career promotion and guidance, provision of knowledge about safety, and the use of agricultural chemicals and guidance on social security laws, for example.
In addition, the visiting committee observed the COVID-19 Crisis Promotion Project in “pig hole farming the community way. The target is 20 people affected by the COVID-19 virus outbreak so that the affected people will have a career and income for living, and gain knowledge and skills in self-employment. After passing the training, students will receive materials and equipment for their careers and can use their knowledge and materials as a main or supplementary career. This will also allow participants to expand into a new career or take on supplementary careers after the COVID-19 crisis.
The “pig holes” farming is a pig farming method that digs deep holes. It uses basic materials following the principles of “natural agriculture” which is a form of sustainable agriculture. The farming does not only take into account agricultural products but there is a philosophy behind the idea which is the development of an agriculture model that is environmentally friendly. It provides farmers with self-sufficiency in small and medium-sized production and consumption, as well as resources and local knowledge and culture in the community. The goal is rural development, environmental restoration and sustainable development to promote the well-being of rural people and the health of the population, ultimately leading to the resolution of poverty.
