Bangkok: The Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC) has launched the Thanakorn Agricultural School Project, aimed at transforming young people into agricultural leaders and entrepreneurs. This initiative seeks to address the issue of an aging farmer population in Thailand by equipping the younger generation with the tools and knowledge needed to excel in agricultural commerce.
According to Thai News Agency, the project was officially launched on Mother’s Day and will be piloted in 18 schools nationwide, impacting over 7,700 students. The initiative provides a comprehensive approach by offering funding, knowledge, savings systems, and marketing channels. Mr. Chatchai Sirilai, President of BAAC, emphasized the project’s goal of inspiring youth to pursue careers in agriculture through both theoretical knowledge and practical experience.
The funding aspect is bifurcated into infrastructure development and revolving funds. Infrastructure funding covers the construction and renovation of essential agricultural facilities, while revolving funds focus on teaching students about budget management and investment cycles. The aim is to instill prudent financial habits and risk management skills, akin to those required in real business scenarios.
The project also focuses on promoting agricultural knowledge through the expertise of BAAC development staff and social media platforms like “Facebook: Thanakorn Agricultural School.” This platform offers a repository of educational materials that cover a wide range of agricultural practices and marketing strategies.
In addition, the project includes a savings system modeled after the BAAC School Banking Project, designed to enhance financial literacy among students. This component encourages regular savings and careful spending, reducing the risk of future financial burdens.
Marketing and distribution channels are established through BAAC Branch Outlets, Farmer Markets, and partnerships with various sectors, including hotel operators and tourism communities. These channels provide practical sales guidance and opportunities for schools to reach a wider market.
The Thanakorn Agricultural School Project integrates elements from existing BAAC youth initiatives, aiming to elevate agricultural knowledge from a subsistence level to a commercial scale. This project is particularly targeted at students in Mathayom 4 (Grade 12), offering them the skills and experience needed to view farming as a viable and profitable career path, as opposed to seeking employment in urban areas.