Mr. Thongpoon Aunjit (sitting in the middle) interacting with Tam Nong farmers

During the exchange, Mr. Thongpoon Aunjit - Head of Swai So Village, presented the experience of organic rice farming of the villagers in the past 20 years and the fact that the villagers have taken care of the Thai restocked cranes currently living in the rice fields of the area.

Farmer Nguyen Van Man (ecological rice production) representing Tam Nong farmers participated in the exchange

Representatives of Tam Nong farmers excitedly participated in the exchange and raised numerous specific questions about production such as how to prepare soil, make organic fertilizers, prevent pests and diseases for rice, consume products, and make profits. The questions were answered very frankly and sincerely by representatives of Buriram farmers.

According to Mr. Thongpoon, the development of organic rice in Buriram province has gone through 03 stages and is carried out step by step. The Thai state has supported farmers a lot in the early stages, including investing in equipment and training in production.

The key to success, according to Mr. Thongpoon, is the selection of indigenous rice varieties that are resistant to pests and diseases and produce high-quality rice grains. He also said that the profits of Buriram farmers are not only collected from rice grains but also from many other sources, including rural tourism.

Since the cranes have chosen organic rice areas as habitats, the people of Swai So village have many other benefits brought by the cranes such as the increase in the number of tourists along with the attention of the whole society.

The exchange created a lively atmosphere, sharing and exchanging many issues related to organic rice cultivation and crane conservation

There is a fascinating question from Tam Nong farmers: "How to lure cranes to nest in their fields?" Mr. Thongpoon recalled the first pair of cranes that flew to his field. The cranes looked at him and his wife, and he and his wife looked at the cranes. The two sides seemed to recognize the connection. Since then, every year the pair of cranes has returned to nest in the family's fields. Mr. Thongpoon believes that if people love cranes, cranes will also stick with them.

The exchange officially ended at 17 o'clock, but the stories exchanged between farmers from the two localities continued for many hours afterwards.

This is one of the activities  to celebrate the announcement of the Project on Conservation and Development of Sarus Cranes at Tram Chim National Park, which will take place on December 12, 2024.

By Dr. Tran Triet, International Crane Association; University of Natural Sciences - Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City HCM

Translated by Giang Nguyen