Bueng Kan: Minister Narumon Pinyosinwat has taken swift action to address the leaf fall disease affecting rubber plantations by meeting with rubber farmers in Bueng Kan Province. She announced the launch of the “Rubber Tree Title Deed Project” on April 1st, aiming to distribute 11.17 million rai within one year.
According to Thai News Agency, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Narumon, along with Deputy Minister Mr. Itthi Sirilathayakorn, visited Seka District to inaugurate a training course promoting the use of black chin tilapia bio-fermentation to rehabilitate rubber plantations affected by Colletotrichum saimense, a new type of leaf fall disease. Bueng Kan Province relies heavily on rubber, with over 60% of its income derived from this sector. The price of rubber has been steadily increasing since the tenure of Lt. Col. Thammanat Prompao as Minister of Agriculture.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives aims to replicate the success of rubber price increases with other agricultural products, such as rice, sugarcane, cassava, and palm. However, while the Ministry oversees rubber through the Rubber Authority of Thailand, other products fall under different ministries, complicating efforts to implement similar policies.
The Ministry is also implementing the European Union’s EUDR regulations to ensure sustainable rubber farming practices. Farmers have title deeds for 11.17 million rai, but 4 million rai of land overlaps with forest areas. The Ministry is working to resolve these land use issues to provide farmers with legal title deeds. The “Rubber Tree Title Deed Project” will enable farmers to use their land as collateral for loans and investments, enhancing their financial security.
The project aims to increase the value of rubber plantations by approximately 27,000 baht per rai, providing farmers with funds to develop their agricultural areas. Additionally, rubber farmers will have the opportunity to trade carbon credits for extra income.
The Ministry is actively monitoring and addressing the spread of Colletotrichum saimense in rubber trees. They are promoting black chin tilapia fermented water as a preventive measure, especially in regions like Bueng Kan Province, where the disease is prevalent. The campaign also supports ongoing initiatives to distribute agricultural title deeds and resources to farmers.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Narumon and Mr. Itthi presented 500 agricultural land title deeds and various agricultural resources, including black chin tilapia fermented water, disease-resistant cassava stalks, banana and papaya seedlings, fish, and rice seeds to farmer representatives attending the event.